North Central features performances by three unique artists
Chronicle Media — January 19, 2016
Rick Michel in “Sinatra Forever: Salute to Frank Sinatra.”
North Central College kicks off a January fine arts calendar with performances ranging from rock to Sinatra with a dose of the Classic American Songbook tunes in between.
First up is Jim Peterik and World Stage, a now-legendary World Stage performance going on its 16th consecutive year, on Jan. 16.
The performance begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, in the College’s Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave.
Award-winning entertainer and recording artist Spider Saloff follows on Jan. 24 with a show titled “Irving Berlin: The American Dream” on Jan. 24. On Jan. 30, Rick Michel in “Sinatra Forever: Salute to Frank Sinatra,” a show that focuses entirely on the music of the legendary entertainer who would have turned 100 late last year.
Returning to Wentz Concert Hall, Peterik’s show promises to be another powerhouse of hit songs, virtuoso playing, stunning vocals and unexpected twists and turns. World Stage began as a CD of Peterik exploring new styles of music, written and sung with some of his friends and colleagues. He and his guests perform their collaborations, along with their own hits, in front of Peterik’s handpicked band, featuring the hottest and most versatile musicians he could find.
Award-winning entertainer and recording artist Spider Saloff
The celebrity lineup for the January show includes Kelly Keagy from Night Ranger, Alex Ligertwood from Santana, Toby Hitchcock from Pride of Lions, blues rock guitarist/singer Anthony Gomes, & The Ides of March! Some past World Stage alumni include Don Barnes, Jeff Carlisi and Donnie VanZant from .38 Special; Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon; David Pack from Ambrosia; Jack Blades, Kelly Keagy and Joel Hoekstra from Night Ranger; Cathy Richardson from Jefferson Airplane; Mike Reno from Loverboy; The Ides of March; and Rik Emmett from Triumph.
Peterik’s career has spanned five decades. As a consummate composer and performer, he has been responsible for many unforgettable songs that have sold millions of albums worldwide and garnered many awards, including Grammy and Oscar nominations.
As founding member of Survivor, Peterik and the group’s songs “Eye Of The Tiger” and “The Search Is Over” have become modern classics.
Patrick tickets are $75 and $65; call the North Central College Box Office at (630)-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Spider sings Irving Berlin — Through stories and music, Saloff will perform a riveting musical tribute to the life and career of the Great American songwriter Irving Berlin, who was an amazing influence and motivator during the years of both World Wars.
With a personal endorsement from the Berlin family, Saloff presents the highly acclaimed show with thrilling arrangements from the great American Songbook. Songs include “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “Let’s Face the Music,” “Blues Skies” and other beloved Berlin classics all in a unique, fresh style.
The evening will be filled with familiar music and stories about the composer’s music and controversial life with Saloff’s own special brand of humor, making for an unforgettable show.
Noted as one of the great interpreters of the American Songbook and one of the finest jazz singers working today, Saloff has performed with symphony orchestras across the country. She had the honor of performing the American premiere of “So This Is Love,” a newly discovered song by the great Billy Strayhorn. Saloff has received a special citation for her musical contributions from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (the presenter of Grammy Awards) and has recorded and performed with jazz luminaries such as the late Les Paul and current stars Michael Feinstein, Mark Murphy and Dick Hyman.
Tickets are $35 and $30; call the North Central College Box Office at (630) 637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Sinatra show —Michel, who has performed and headlined in Las Vegas since 1981, presents his “Sinatra Forever” show that salutes and interprets Ol’ Blue Eyes standards. This is not an impersonation show, but an interpretation performed by Michel, who’s been called “The closest thing to Sinatra we have ever heard” by Variety. A timeless concert, “Sinatra Forever” is part of the American Songbook with all the original arrangements.
A master impressionist for more than 40 years, Michel has been touring his “Sinatra Forever” show nationwide and around the world. More than half the members of his orchestra are musicians who played with Sinatra. They will back Michel in his 22-song set that covers everything from Sinatra classics such as “Witchcraft” to lesser-known hits like “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” from the musical “Guys and Dolls.”
Michel also likes to sing songs that Frank Sinatra might have sung or that would have been interesting to hear him sing, such as: Roger Miller’s “King of the Road”, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and “The Curtain Falls” by Bobby Darin, just to name a few.
Tickets are $50, $40 and $30; call the North Central College Box Office at (630) 637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
— North Central features performances by three unique artists —
