Symphony Pops 2022-2023 Season
Playing for Peanuts: The Music of Vince Guaraldi | October 9, 2022
Sunday, October 9, 2022 3 PM
Mike Berkowitz, conductor
David Benoit, piano
Launching Michael Berkowitz’s final season, Playing for Peanuts: The Music of Vince Guaraldi represents the world premiere of brand new orchestrations of Guaraldi’s genius, inspired by local legend Charles M. Schulz, his quirky Peanuts characters, and the comic strip itself. GRAMMY®-nominated pianist David Benoit, who composed music for the Peanuts TV specials for more than 10 years, will perform enduring favorites with his trio, including “Linus and Lucy,” “Christmas Time Is Here,” “You’re in Love Charlie Brown,” “Great Pumpkin Waltz,” “The Red Baron March,” “Cast Your Fate to The Wind,” plus other Peanuts favorites.
For four decades, the GRAMMY®-nominated pianist/composer/ arranger David Benoit has reigned supreme as one the founding fathers of contemporary jazz. He has served as conductor with a wide range of symphonies, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Dresden Philharmonic, London Symphony, and the Asia America Symphony Orchestra, to name a few. Piano performances have included Claude Bolling’s” Suite for Flute & Jazz Piano,” “Suite for Cello & Piano,” “Concerto for Guitar & Jazz Piano Trio,” with Angel Romero; guest soloist with Lalo Schifrin and his orchestra; and, as a tribute to Charles M. Schultz, the Peanuts Piano Concerto and the music of Vince Guaraldi in conjunction with his recording of Here’s to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years. Be a part of the music of Charlie Brown at this special tribute, here in the hometown of Charles M. Schulz himself.
This performance generously made possible by The Redwood Empire Ice Area (Snoopy’ s Home Ice)
A John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas | December 11, 2022
Sunday, December 11, 2022 3 PM
Mike Berkowitz, conductor
Jim Curry, guest artist
After being selected to sing as the voice of John Denver in the CBS Television Movie “Take Me Home, the John Denver Story,” there was no doubt that Jim Curry would continue to sing the praises and songs of America’s Troubadour – John Denver. As a life-long fan, Curry dedicated himself to continue John Denver’s legacy of songs and his message of love and caring for our planet to future generations.
Since 2002 the combined talents of Curry and his band have brought John’s music back to thousands of people. He also works behind the scenes to preserve Denver’s music. Most notable is Curry’s collaboration with Lee Holdridge in rebuilding and preserving Denver’s original symphony arrangements. Curry was a key performer in the induction of John Denver to the Colorado Music Hall of fame show hosted by Olivia Newton John. He also was the host of the official John Denver Estate show, which toured the United States and Australia. Curry’s latest project is titled, “Such a Wild Place,” which was produced by two of John Denver’s band members, Pete Huttlinger and Chris Nole. It includes four original songs co-written by Jim Curry and also includes three unreleased songs written by John Denver.
This performance generously made possible by Gordon Blumenfeld
"Stayin' Alive" The Bee Gees Tribute | February 5, 2023
Sunday, February 5, 2023 3 PM
Mike Berkowitz, conductor
“Stayin’ Alive”-The Bee Gees Tribute is the largest production of the Bee Gees in the world. This all Canadian cast from Toronto, Ontario, has been touring for the past eight years, recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. With amazing vocals, “Stayin’ Alive” creates an eerie sense of seeing the Bee Gees live in concert. Capturing the close harmonies of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb in a full history of the band, “Stayin’ Alive” includes songs from “To Love Somebody,” “Massachusetts,” I Got to Get A Message,” “I Started A Joke,” “Jive Talking,” “More Than A Woman,” “Nite Fever,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “Tragedy,” and “Stayin’ Alive.”
“Stayin’ Alive” performs two sets – the early traditional songs and the disco set, complete with white disco outfits – that will take you back in time to both eras with all their hits. “Stayin’ Alive” is an unbelievable night of the Bee Gees that is backed by a select group of studio musicians.
This performance generously made possible by Mercy Wellness
My Kind of Broadway | April 23, 2023
Sunday, April 23, 2023 3 PM
Mike Berkowitz, conductor
Laura Dickinson, vocalist
David Burnham, vocalist
Celebrate with Michael Berkowitz as he conducts the best that Broadway has to offer in his final concert at the LBC. In “My Kind of Broadway,” Mr. Berkowitz is joined by two world class singers, Los Angeles studio singer Laura Dickinson and vocalist David Burnham. Laura Dickinson has won three Grammy® Awards for her work as a female music producer and vocal contractor. She will showcase her powerhouse vocals with “Big Spender,” from Sweet Charity, “Maybe This Time” and “Cabaret” from Cabaret, “People” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” from Funny Girl, “Defying Gravity,” from Wicked, “Being Alive,” from Company, and “The World Goes Round,” from The World Goes Round.
Broadway performer, David Burnham, last seen on Broadway in the mega-hit musical, “Wicked,” playing Fiyero, performs with symphonies all over the country, and his solo concert has been seen in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Burnham will perform “Music of The Night” from Phantom of The Opera, “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables, “I Have Dreamed” from The King And I, and “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story.
The performance also will feature several instrumental pieces, including “Memory” from Cats, “Oklahoma” from Oklahoma, “Candide Overture” from Candide, “Broadway Fantasy Overture,” and “Mambo,” from West Side Story, featuring Mr. Berkowitz on drums.
This performance generously made possibe by The Heck Foundation
To purchase tickets, please call the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts at (707) 546-3600 or visit their website.
Information on LBC’s Covid-19 policies per CA State Guidelines
Banner photo by Susan and Neil Silverman Photography