Oct 05, 2007 The best is yet to come as singer and recording artist Russ Lorenson ( http://www.russlorenson.com ) honors an American music icon in his show, Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to the Life and Music of Tony Bennett .
Lorenson’s tribute to the man whom Frank Sinatra called "the best singer in the business" premiered in July 2006 as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt and is currently enjoying sold-out runs across the country, including San Francisco's Empire Plush Room, Sterling’s Upstairs in Los Angeles, and New York's famed Iridium Jazz Club. The show is musically directed by renowned jazz pianist Kelly Park. “I find great inspiration in Mr.
Bennett’s music and artistic vision,” says Lorenson. “The Great American Songbook has had no greater champion, and I am honored to be singing Mr. Bennett’s greatest hits.
” Russ Lorenson has established a reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading interpreters of jazz standards, with a sound and approach that place him at the intersection of Broadway, jazz, and pop – the very essence of the Great American Songbook. Jazz Review says that “Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick; he is his own man.” Recently nominated for a 2007 MAC Award by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, Russ Lorenson’s passion for the stage started as a youngster, with a performing career that began at age seven in his home town of Philadelphia.
As an actor he has appeared in musical productions with theatre companies throughout California, and has toured with the National Theatre for Children. As a choral conductor and vocal coach, Russ was the Associate Conductor of the award-winning California Youth Chorale for 5 years. As a vocalist he has toured the US, UK and Europe, appearing in concert with such luminaries as Broadway star Karen Mason, "Queen of Cabaret" Andrea Marcovicci, jazz diva Wesla Whitfield, and as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt.
Lorenson’s previous nightclub show, A Little Travelin’ Music , played to sold-out audiences on both coasts. His debut CD, of the same name, was released in May 2006 on the LML Music label and features songs from the show and includes duets with special guests Shawn Ryan and Klea Blackhurst. His second CD, What I Want For Christmas , was also released on LML Music in 2006, and has received extensive radio airplay in major markets across the US.
Both CD’s were included in the initial Nominating Ballot for the 2006 Grammy Awards. The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is a privately funded, non-profit cultural arts center that offers performances by regional and touring groups, arts education and an art gallery with changing exhibits. Education in art, dance, music, theater and photography for all ages is provided through partnerships with Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Ballet School, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and First Stage Theater Academy and by visiting performers and visual artists.
Wisconsin artists are showcased at the Hidden River Art Festival in September and in the Ploch Art Gallery with five exhibitions each year.
News RSS