The New York Pops: Patti Austin Sings Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook

"S'Wonderful," the title of George and Ira Gershwin's song, is how I would describe The New York Pops concert that took place at Carnegie Hall on Friday, March 16, 2012, featuring Patti Austin singing the Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook with arrangements by the late Nelson Riddle and musical direction/conducting by Steven Reineke.

Patti Austin, Photo Credit: Maryann LopintoPatti Austin, Photo Credit: Maryann LopintoThis concert was a real treat for many reasons! The first reason this concert was such a treat was for the collaboration between Patti Austin, Steven Reineke, and The New York Pops. The blending of Patti's vocals, the New York Pops' playing, and Steven's musical direction was brilliant! This was actually my first live Patti Austin experience and let me say, she was in fine form! Her voice is strong and her performance grand! The New York Pops sounded great along with her, never drowning her out! Steven's musical direction and conducting were once again perfection! He is where he is at such a young age because Steven knows what he's doing. Steven knows music, knows symphonies, and knows how to conduct them effortlessly (at least what appears to be effortlessly). Some of my favorite songs performed were "Strike Up The Band," "I Got Rhythm," "Somebody Loves Me," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "S'Wonderful," "But Not For Me," and "The Man I Love."

Christopher Riddle, Steven Reineke, Photo Credit: Maryann LopintoThe second reason the concert was such a treat was because the versions of these songs were the original arrangements by the late Nelson Riddle, which are not always performed. As an added bonus, Nelson's son, Christopher Riddle, was on hand to conduct part of the concert. It was quite a night to get to see Christopher conduct his father's music and tell some stories of his time with his dad.

Adam Rothenberg, Patti Austin, Steven Reineke, Photo Credit: Laurie GeigelThe third reason the concert was such a treat is a personal one. I got to attend this concert with my parents and this was their first time ever at Carnegie Hall. I am so thrilled that I got the chance to bring them to one of New York's most respected institutions and to experience the New York Pops and Patti Austin! Then for all of us to get to go backstage after the concert to meet Steven and Patti was the icing on the cake.

There are three more New York Pops concert this season. Be sure to catch at least one of them for a New York Pops concert is an evening to remember!

Friday, April 13, 2012 at 8pm: Hollywood Award Winners. Click here for info & tickets!

Carnegie Hall: Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage

Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor
Essential Voices USA, Judith Clurman, Music Director and Conductor

Stroll the red carpet in an evening of Academy Award®-winning scores and songs, including music from Doctor Zhivago, Out of Africa, Titanic, and The Lord of the Rings, plus an 80th birthday tribute to John Williams with Oscar®-winning music from Jaws, Star Wars, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and Schindler’s List.

Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 12:30pm & 3:30pm: Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Jim Henson's Musical World. Click here for info & tickets!

Carnegie Hall: Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage

Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor
John Tartaglia, Host
Essential Voices USA, Judith Clurman, Music Director and Conductor
Craig Shemin, WriterDaniel Seth, Associate Director

The magic of the Muppets® comes alive as The New York Pops pays a musical tribute to Jim Henson's great legacy through song and puppetry. In collaboration with The Jim Henson Legacy.

Monday, April 30, 2012 at 7pm: 29th New York Pops Birthday Gala honoring Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Dinner dance to follow at the Plaza Hotel. Click here for info & tickets!

Musical Honorees 
Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty,
the Tony Award-winning and Oscar-nominated songwriting team of such renowned
Broadway musicals as Ragtime, Once On This Island, Seussical, and the feature film Anastasia.

NY Pops Holiday Concert: John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Wish You a Swingin' Christmas

On Friday, December 16, 2011, I was treated to a truly delightful evening of holiday music at Carnegie Hall when I attended the NY Pops Holiday concert "John Pizzarelli and Jesicca Molaskey Wish You a Swingin' Christmas." This was my first time seeing the NY Pops and I was entranced, engulfed, and mesmerized by their talent!

Musically directed and conducted by Steven Reineke, this joyous evening consisted of holiday songs performed by the NY Pops, world-renowned jazz guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli, critically acclaimed actress and singer Jessica Molaskey, and Essential Voices USA (a choir that promotes the love of music and the art of ensemble singing comprised of professional singers, auditioned volunteers, and high-school students). Some songs they performed individually and others were a group effort, but all of them were wonderful!

One of the highlights for me was when 9-year-old pianist, Adam Tannenbaum took the stage to perform "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. I'm not sure there are enough words to describe just how incredible Adam was. It was one of those moments, I felt lucky to be around for. Some of my other favorite moments of the night included Essiential Voices USA singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "We Need a Little Christmas" from "Mame," Jessica Molaskey singing Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game," and John Pizzarelli singing "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "White Christmas." Each time, these great performers were accompanied by the NY Pops, which was always a welcomed delight! I also really enjoyed watching Steven Reinke conduct the evening. It was evident that Steven loves what he does. He is energetic, interactive, and knows how to have fun, while moving the evening along.

The NY Pops Holiday Concert was another great way to get into the holiday season. I would definitely suggest next season to take in this enjoyable and upbeat holiday concert! If you can't wait until then to see the NY Pops, then I would check out their remaining concerts at Carnegie Hall (57th Street & 7th Avenue): "Patti Austin Sings Ella Fitzgerald's Gershwin Songbook" on March 16, 2012 and "Hollywood Award Winners" on Friday, April 13, 2012!