If you’re a die-hard jazz fan, or even a casual listener, you’ve got to hear this scoop! Tony Bennett, that sound of a generation, was honored at a fantastic gala event hosted by Jazz at Lincoln Center, and boy, were there some heavyweights on the guestlist. We’re talking none other than Tony Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth, crooner-extraordinaire Josh Groban and a bevy of other musicians and musical impresarios who added grace, splendor and a whole bunch of vibrant colors to the evening!
The crowd was buzzing with anticipation as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, under the leadership of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, kicked off the event. But the best was yet to come. Out strolled Kristin Chenoweth, pixie-sized goddess with a voice that could melt the coldest of hearts, and poured out her heart and soul in an emotional tribute to Tony Bennett. There were few dry eyes in the house as Kristin’s voice echoed through the room as she sang Bennett’s famous hits, especially, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. Now, isn’t it a beautiful image – the powerhouse performer paying homage to a legendary voice of our times? I’m sure quite a few readers are already reaching for tissues; I get you, pals!
Now, hold your breath (not literally, though!) for we’re upping the event’s glam quotient. Out came the mesmerizing Josh Groban, smiling effortlessly and owning the stage as he always does. The crowds couldn’t help but sway as Josh Groban sang “The Good Life”, another famous Bennett number. Immaculately suited up and belting out tunes with infectious gusto, Groban was the epitome of style and substance; a cocktail that seemed to be the flavor of the evening. Between you and me, I do think he stole the show, but let’s keep that to ourselves, shall we?
And if that wasn’t enough, the evening was packed with many more tributes that recognized the stellar contributions of Bennett. Singer Vanessa Williams, guitarist Bill Charlap, and even actor Alec Baldwin took center stage at times, adding a unique flavor and lots of laughter to the proceedings. But Krisitin and Josh, with their heart-rending performances, swept everyone off their feet, singing a legendary era back to life!
Ah, I could go on all day, talking about this fantastic night where stars descended in honor of a music legend. But I wouldn’t want to rob you of the joy of seeing it for yourself online. Go ahead, find footage of this Jazz at Lincoln Center gala, and you’ll feel like you were there yourself! The music, the warmth, the feeling of unity – it was a night to remember.
Before I bid adieu, I will say proudly, “What a night for Jazz, what a night for music.” Every note was played – every song was sung – in honor of Tony Bennett, a man whose voice has woven golden threads into the tapestry of jazz history.
Don’t you agree that this is too good to keep to yourselves? Go ahead, share this with your buddies, jazz lovers or not. You never know who might fall in love with the incredible world of jazz just by reading about such a mesmerizing event. Go on, spread the jazz love!
