Frank Sinatra Jr. brings the songs of a legend to life

Oct 5, 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

SPOKANE— Frank Sinatra Jr. will sing the songs of Big Frank, his legendary father, with the Spokane Symphony in Sinatra Sings Sinatra at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. To complement the fabulous songs of Sinatra sung by Frank Jr., Dan Keberle will conduct a fabulous set of Big Band standards.

The first half of the SuperPops season opener kicks off with a set of favorites from the Swing era, performed by Spokane’s favorite Big Band, a.k.a. the Spokane Symphony, under the baton of popular jazz conductor Dan Keberle. Selections include Duke Ellington’s “It don't mean a thing,” Glenn Miller’s “Little Brown Jug,” “The Girl from Ipanema” and other tunes guaranteed to get toes tapping and memories drifting back to the days of the legendary Frank Sinatra.

Then Frank Sinatra Jr. will take the stage to create musical magic with the songs of his father, accompanied by his band and Terry Woodson conducting the Spokane Symphony. Sinatra shares more with his father than his name; he also carries within his genes the essence of his father’s vocal timbre, making him the perfect choice to recreate the songs of the ‘defining voice of the 20th Century.’ In addition, Frank Jr. has years of experience as his father’s music director, conducting the orchestra as many of those classic songs were performed by the legend himself, allowing him to absorb the nuances of his father’s timing, expressions, stage presence and delivery of each song.

Frank Sinatra Jr. was born in New Jersey, raised in California, and educated in the showrooms of Las Vegas and on bandstands all over the world. While studying music at the University of Southern California, Frank Jr. originally planned a career as a pianist and conductor. In 1963, he made his debut into the big time backed by the Tommy Dorsey Band and his career as a singer was launched. In addition to extensive touring, Frank Jr. appeared regularly in Las Vegas.  In 1985, his LasVegas show, backed by a 17-piece orchestra, re-introduced the lush big band sound to patrons, sparking renewed interest in live music. Beginning in 1988, at his Father’s request, Frank served as conductor and musical director for his father’s final years of live performing, earning Frank Jr. the respect of the musicians and those in the audience for the devotion and skill he brought to the job. After his father’s death, Frank, Jr. enchanted the audience with a commemoration of “Ol’ Blue Eyes;” thereafter Frank performed several of his father’s favorite songs as part of his show. The stunning magical segment had fans cheering their appreciation and critics commending Frank’s imagination and class. As a result Sinatra Sings Sinatra was born.

Dan Keberle is an experienced performer in both the jazz and classical styles. He is the former music director of the Spokane Jazz Orchestra and leader of the jazz quintet Viva Jazz!, and he appears frequently as guest soloist with public school concert bands and jazz bands. He has performed often with the Phoenix and Spokane Symphony
orchestras and has played in groups led by Doc Severinsen, Billy Eckstein, and Louie Bellson. He has backed a variety of entertainers, including Ernie Watts, Bob Mintzer, Bob Hope, The Four Tops, Marvin Hamlisch and Andy
Williams. He is a professor at Whitworth University, where he teaches studio trumpet and jazz improvisation, and directs the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble 1. He is a past recipient of Whitworth's Outstanding Faculty Service Award and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach jazz at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Ticket prices for either performance begin at $25 and are available in advance at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office, located at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.spokanesymphony.org. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT.

This concert is underwritten by WestCoast Entertainment.