Monday, January 19, 2009

An Evening with Michael Finestein

This past weekend we went to the McCallum Theatre to see crooner Michael Finestein perform. I've always enjoyed Michael's performances; he has a wonderful stage presence, fantastic voice and is an incredible talent at the piano. Known as the "Ambassador of the Great American Songbook", Michael lets his personality come through during his show, and often shares interesting anecdotes about music, people he has worked with, or stories of his years in the business. He is known for performing the great standards from George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rogers and Hart, and more. His most recent album: "The Sinatra Project" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. It is a fantastic tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes (who lived right here in Palm Springs by the way). His performance this weekend was stellar, as usual. It was a fun show, featuring singer/actress Elaine Stritch, who is amazing at 83 years old. I don't have any photos from this weekend's show, but I thought I'd share a few "action shots" of the great Michael Finestein:

Michael is the consummate professional, well spoken, impeccably dressed and a voice that would charm the birds off the trees.
above: Me with Michael Finestein. You may recall this photo from the last time I ran into Michael, at an Alzheimer's Benefit last August. (One of these days we'll have to invite Michael over for cocktails.) If you'd like to hear some of Michael Finestein terrific voice, you can hear a loop on his website. Or check out this video from YouTube:
Thanks for stopping by, hope you have a great week.
-Rick Rockhill

8 comments:

  1. His voice is lovely. I remember he did a cameo of sorts on an episode of COACH. Did you ever watch that show...see that episode? I really enjoyed hearing him sing.

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  2. I love the music he chooses to sing.

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  3. I love Michael Feinstein. When my son was a baby, I used to dance him to sleep (swaying side by side) to "Isn't It Romantic?"

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  4. I don't know who this is but I'm glad you had such a good time. :)

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  5. I really enjoy his music. It must have been great to see him live.

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  6. And incredibly talented and deeply knowledgable man where music is concerned...And Elaine Stritch...Well, she is The Best! Did you see her one woman show? It won a Tony and is availsble on DVD....in fact, the DVD has some terrific footage of her putting the show together and also when she played London...Another GREAT GREAT Talent....and at 83, another remarkable person and performer!
    Fun weekend, Rick....

    Hey...I would like to call you and ask you a question about Petco. Could you email me your phone number, please, my dear, if you feel comfortable about that...

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  7. I saw a documentary about him the other day. I like how his original compositions are so close to the spirit of the old classics.

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  8. You know how much I adore this man's music...

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Thank you kindly.