Singer/songwriter Beth McDonald and pianist Joe Holt, along with bassist Jeff Davis, recall the classic, sophisticated vocal and piano jazz that Peggy Lee and George Shearing made in the mid-20th century at the Mainstay in Rock Hall, MD on Saturday October 12 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for this FallFest concert are $15 and reservations are suggested. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
Vocalist and songwriter Beth McDonald and pianist Joe Holt each find inspiration in classic jazz and in particular, to the music that Peggy Lee and George Shearing made in the mid-20th century. Beth says, “I feel like I connect more with Peggy Lee than with any other artist of the 20th century” while Joe describes hearing a Shearing recording for the first time, “This guy plays too clean to be jazz.”
Peggy Lee’s long career spanned six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman’s big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and performer who earned a place in history as one of the first famous female singer/songwriters.
George Shearing enjoyed one of the longest, most prolific recording careers in jazz history, beginning his performing and recording career in the 1930’s and continuing into the 21st century. His nimble, witty jazz style had a broad influence on American jazz and popular music.
In this show, which they call “Remembering George Shearing and Peggy Lee,” Holt and McDonald will pay tribute to Lee and Shearing’s individual careers as well as their landmark 1959 recording together, “Beauty and the Beat.”
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.
The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
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