JOHNNY MATHIS – Appears with the San Francisco Symphony Friday and Saturday
20 July 2007Chances are – it’s going to be misty, but a wonderful, wonderful evening of his greatest hits
By Seán Martinfield
Sentinel Fine Arts Critic
Copyright © 2007 San Francisco Sentinel
Fellow native San Franciscan Johnny Mathis returns to Davies Symphony Hall for two concerts with the San Francisco Symphony – Friday, July 20th @ 8:00 pm and Saturday, July 21st @ 8:00 pm. Since his first No.1 hit, “CHANCES ARE” in 1957, Johnny Mathis has remained one of the world’s most enduring voices in Pop Music.
JOHNNY MATHIS
In 1958, two years after being signed by Columbia Records, Johnny’s “GREATEST HITS” was released. It started a tradition that has been copied by countless record companies since. The recording stayed on the Billboard Top Albums Chart for more than nine years. Johnny’s “GREATEST HITS” enjoys a history of being one of the most popular albums of all time. In 2006, he celebrated his 50th anniversary as a recording artist by releasing the CD JOHNNY MATHIS GOLD: A 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Guest Conductor SCOTT LAVENDER promises that Johnny will include “Chances Are” and “MISTY” in the concert.
The San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Symphony’s 2007 annual summer music celebration SUMMER IN THE CITY showcases the best of classical favorites, Broadway, and popular music, all in the relaxed elegance of Davies Symphony Hall. Festive decor, dramatic concert lighting, an array of dining options, and nightly lobby entertainment all add to the summer fun. The week features NEIL SEDAKA IN CONCERT on Friday July 27th and PATTI LuPONE – The Lady With The Torch on Saturday, July 28th.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS ON-LINE
Friday, July 20th @ 8:00 pm
JOHNNY MATHIS —
Saturday, July 21st @ 8:00 pm
NEIL SEDAKA
NEIL SEDAKA – Friday, July 27th @ 8:00 pm
PATTI LuPONE
PATTI LuPONE – Saturday, July 28th @ 8:00 pm
Sean’s pre-concert dining suggestions –
ABSINTHE BRASSERIE & BAR – A French Bistro @ 398 Hayes Street (at Gough). Reservations strongly recommended. 415-551-1590. From the Loire Valley of France, try the Fleur Verte with marinated olives. It’s fresh goat’s milk cheese covered in tarragon, thyme, and pink peppercorns. You’ll be singing Johnny’s “Wonderful! Wonderful!” Suggested wines include Domaine des Rochelles, Anjou, France, Rosé of Cabernet Franc, 2005.
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN – California Cuisine @ 524 Van Ness Avenue (between Golden Gate and McAllister). Reservations not accepted. 415-436-9380. Try their brand new chilled Mediterranean Salad! It’s a great toss of cucumbers, red onions, fresh tomatoes, Greek olives, crisp Romaine leaves and lemon-herb vinaigrette served on a bed of hummus. It’s topped with Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and CPK’s own Tzatziki sauce. Add your choice of grilled rosemary chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or sautéed salmon. Served with pita bread, your CHANCES ARE – awfully good!
For your listening and viewing pleasure, Seán recommends:
DVD – Johnny Mathis Gold: A 50th Anniversary Celebration
MP3 Download – NEIL SEDAKA, “The Definitive Collection”
CD – NEIL SEDAKA, “The Definitive Collection”
MP3 download – PATTI LuPONE, “The Lady With The Torch”
CD – PATTI LuPone, “The Lady With The Torch”
See Seán’s recent articles:
NORMA SHEARER Flick Opens the San Francisco Silent Film Festival
NEIL SEDAKA and PATTI LUPONE – Summer in The City at Symphony Hall
IPHIGÉNIE EN TAURIDE –Everything old is new again at SF Opera
NAN KEMPNER – de Young Museum Presents Couture Collection of Fashion Goddess
JERSEY BOYS – Earth Angels invade Curran Theatre! Cast #2: Their Eyes Adore You!
DAVID GOCKLEY’S “DON GIOVANNI” – Semper Fi!
HIROSHI SUGIMOTO – Retrospective of photographer’s work at the de Young Museum, July 7th – September 23rd
JEANETTE MacDONALD – First Lady of “San Francisco”
DER ROSENKAVALIER – A Viennese Bon-Bon At San Francisco Opera
SPIDER-MAN 3, An All-American Cinematic Marvel
SAMSON vs DELILAH at AT&T Park – Can Stadium Survive Biblical Shearing?
LA VIE EN ROSE (La Môme) – Biography of Edith Piaf - A Sensation at the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival
An Interview with PASCAL MOLAT – Principal Soloist, San Francisco Ballet
San Francisco Sentinel’s Fine Arts Critic Seán Martinfield is a native San Franciscan. He is a Theatre Arts Graduate from San Francisco State University, a professional singer, and well-known private vocal coach to Bay Area actors and singers of all ages and persuasions. His clients have appeared in Broadway National Tours including Wicked, Aïda, Miss Saigon, Rent, Bye Bye Birdie, in theatres and cabarets throughout the Bay Area, and are regularly featured in major City events including Diva Fest, Gay Pride, and Halloween In The Castro. As an Internet consultant in vocal development and audition preparation he has published thousands of responses to those seeking his advice concerning singing techniques, professional and academic auditions, and careers in the Performing Arts. Ask him a question on AllExperts.com . If you would like to build up your vocal performance chops and participate in the Bay Area’s rich theatrical scene, e-mail him at: seanmartinfield@att.net.
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