Berklee Presents "The Great American Songbook: The Music Of George Gershwin"

BOSTON - Picture a stage full of musicians, a string section, men in tuxes, women in evening wear, and the great standards and show tunes of George Gershwin, performed in the classic styles of the mid-20th century golden age of popular song.

On Thursday, January 30, 2003, Berklee College of Music presents “The Great American Songbook: The Music of George Gershwin" at 8:15 p.m. at the Berklee Performance Center. Tickets for this very special event are $10 general admission, $4 for seniors, and are available at the Berklee Performance Center box office, 136 Massachusetts Avenue, or by calling 617-747-2261.

Berklee Associate Professor of Voice Donna McElroy, who has been an arranger/background vocalist on several gold and platinum releases, will sing lead throughout the night, accompanied by a 40-piece all-star band of Berklee faculty members and top students.

Executive Vice President and vibraphonist Gary Burton, winner of five Grammy awards, will be guest solo instrumentalist. Guest vocalists will include faculty member Marlon Saunders and student Christy Bluhm.

McElroy and the orchestra will perform some of Gershwin's best, including “How Long Has This Been Going On," “Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and a medley from Porgy and Bess. Musical arrangers for the concert include faculty members Larry Monroe, Joe Smith, Jay Kennedy, and Grammy nominee Richard Evans, who will also serve as musical director.