Russ Lorenson in "Benedetto/Blessed: A Tribute to Tony Bennett"
In honor - not impersonation - of Mr. Bennett (whose birth name translates to "blessed" in Italian), and his successful career spanning over six decades, Lorenson performs an array of the crooner's biggest hits, including "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," "Fly Me To The Moon," "Because of You" and "The Shadow of Your Smile."
“I find great inspiration in Mr. Bennett’s music and artistic vision,” says Lorenson. “The Great American Songbook has had no greater champion, and I am honored to be singing Mr. Bennett’s greatest hits.”
About Russ Lorenson
Russ Lorenson has established a reputation as one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading interpreters of jazz standards, with a sound and approach that place him at the intersection of Broadway, jazz, and pop – the very essence of the Great American Songbook. Jazz Review says that “Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick; he is his own man.”
Nominated for a 2007 MAC Award by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, Russ Lorenson’s passion for the stage started as a youngster, with a performing career that began at age seven in his home town of Philadelphia. As an actor he has appeared in award-winning musical productions with theatre companies throughout California, and has toured with the National Theatre for Children. As a vocalist he has
toured the US, UK and Europe, appearing in concert with such luminaries as Broadway stars Karen Mason and Dale Kristien, "Queen of Cabaret" Andrea Marcovicci, jazz diva Wesla Whitfield, and as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt.
Lorenson’s previous show, A Little Travelin’ Music, played to sold-out audiences on both coasts. His debut CD, of the same name, was released in May 2006 on the LML Music label and features songs from the show and includes duets with special guests Shawn Ryan and Klea Blackhurst. His second CD, What I Want For Christmas, was also released on LML Music in 2006, and has received extensive radio airplay in major markets across the US. Both CD’s were included in the initial Nominating Ballot for the 2006 Grammy Awards.
In recognition of his solid and sophisticated musical vocabulary, Jazz Review says that “"Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick, he is his own man." The Napa Valley Register said that "...Lorenson’
For more information about Russ Lorenson, please visit http://www.russlorenson.com.
About Austin Cabaret Theatre
Founded in 2001, Austin Cabaret Theatre is Austin's only resident professional producing cabaret company. ACT’s roster has included such cabaret luminaries as Ann Hampton Callaway, Steve Ross, Jason Graae, Sam Harris, Karen Mason, Amanda McBroom, Klea Blackhurst, Faith Prince, and Tony DeSare. Guest Artists often present student workshops in cabaret performance, question and answer sessions, and special appearances on local programs.
For more information please contact Stuart Moulton, Artistic Director, at (512) 289-2287 or stuart@austincabaret.org.
ATTENTION CALENDAR EDITORS:
SECTION: Theatre
WHAT: Benedetto/Blessed:
WHEN: Thursday & Friday, March 27th & 28th at 8:30pm.
WHERE: Austin Cabaret Theatre at The Mansion at Judges' Hill, 1900 Rio Grande (MLK & Rio Grande), Austin, Texas 78705
TICKETS: $39, available by calling (512) 453-2287 or online at www.austincabaret.org.
ATTENTION REVIEWERS:
Russ Lorenson is available for interviews, and review copies of his CD's are available through RL Productions at (415) 674-3863. Please contact Rick Loveland (rick@rl-productions.biz)
ATTENTION PHOTO EDITORS:
High-res images of Russ Lorenson can be downloaded at http://www.russlorenson.com/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
