SEASON OPENING GALA
HONORING JUNE ROGERS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024
THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS!
PLATINUM SPONSORS
The Gagos Family
Janet Rogers and Bev LaBelle
John S. and June A. Rogers
Sutter Health
GOLD SPONSORS
GALLO
Bob & Marie Gallo Foundation, In memory of Bob & Marie Gallo
Reed Foundation,
Jeff & Margaret Reed and Matthew & Jamie Reed
Myrna and Joaquin Rose
SILVER SPONSORS
Marie and Frank Assali
DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto
Rabbi Andra Greenwald and Loren Gonella
Ginger and Kent Johnson
Beard Land & Investment Co.
Dr. Alex Mari
Fred Silva - Berliner Cohen
Silva Injury Law, Inc.
Wilmington Trust Company
BRONZE SPONSORS
Janice Lucero
California State University, Stanislaus
Sheila Carroll
Lisa and Pat Dodd
Patty and Jim Duval
Jim and Roni Edgmon
Kenni and Lou Friedman
Bill and Linette Garton
Rob and Jan Gilbert
Adrian Harrell –New Bridge Management
John and Marlene Hendrickson
Linda and Alan Julien
Michael and Claudia Krausnick
The Mayol Family and Team PSC
Donna Robinson
Suite 52 Living
Joe and Ann Swain
University of California, Merced
University of the Pacific
U.S. Bank
Aaron Valencia and Gloria Soriano
Bruce and Grace Valentine
Valley First Credit Union
Ann M. Veneman
Sherry and Reagan Wilson
ABOUT THE SHOW
Michael Feinstein brings to life Big Band Celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Supported by the Carnegie Hall Big Band, Feinstein pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound.
The performance will feature hits such as “Because of You”, “Rags to Riches”, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, “The Best is Yet To Come”, “I Get a Kick Out of You”, “Stranger in Paradise” and many more. Feinstein’s dynamic interpretations, coupled with the grandeur of the big band, will create an unforgettable night that honors the legacy of Tony Bennett in all its glory.
Michael Feinstein’s close friendship with Tony Bennett adds a profound layer to this tribute, as their camaraderie brings authenticity and depth to each note performed. Not only does Feinstein’s masterful interpretation of Bennett’s timeless repertoire pay homage to an era of classic songwriting, but it also preserves the rich cultural heritage that these songs represent.
The show also brings to bear the history of Carnegie Hall, which has been connected to the American big band for decades. Icons from across the 20th and 21st centuries have graced the stage of Carnegie Hall, from Benny Goodman to Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald and from Frank Sinatra to of course, Tony Bennett. A multi-media element of the show will help to bring this history to life onstage.
“Tony Bennett is one of the most enduring icons of the 20th century. He has created a body of work surpassed by none.” - Michael Feinstein
HONORING JUNE ROGERS
GALLO CENTER FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
A Modesto native, June Rogers has been actively involved with the Gallo Center for the Arts since before the doors opened in 2007. June’s leadership as an original member of the Board of Directors helped sustain the fundraising campaign, design elements of the venue and planned for the grand opening events.
June, along with her husband John, and her family, continue to enjoy the Gallo Center season after season as enthusiastic audience members. June and John reside in Hughson, and are active philanthropists locally in the San Joaquin Valley region, and across the country, with a focus on higher education and community social services.
A Q&A WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
What inspired you to pay tribute to Tony Bennett?
I would not have been able to achieve what I do if it weren’t for the individuals who preceded me and imparted their knowledge, one of whom was Tony Bennett. I had the privilege of knowing Tony personally—I once had the opportunity to sing with him. He is a legend.
Can you describe how important Tony’s contributions are to the history of the Great American Songbook?
Tony Bennett’s work has left a significant mark on The Great American Songbook, making timeless classics shine even brighter. His songs—“I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Fly Me to the Moon, “The Way You Look Tonight” and many others, are a showcase of his emotional depth and commitment to the music.
What can we expect from the show?
I’m performing the songs associated with him, including Cy Coleman pieces like “The Best is Yet to Come” and “I Want to Be Around.” Of course, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” will be included, along with Gershwin songs because his first commercial record featured Gershwin’s work. Then, songs associated with people he worked with, like Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, and Sophie Tucker.
Can you tell us about the first time you met Tony?
The first time we met was in 1983. I was doing a benefit and Tony was asked to participate. I remember talking to him on the phone first because he wanted to perform some unknown Gershwin songs that I had access to, thanks to my work with Ira Gershwin. Then, I met Tony in ‘83 backstage at the concert, and he was great.
You debuted this show at Carnegie Hall to a sold-out audience. What inspired you to collaborate with the Carnegie Hall Big Band?
The first time I performed at Carnegie Hall was in 1978, and I was 22 or 23 years old. I’ve maintained this relationship with Carnegie for all these decades. I got the idea that people everywhere should experience a Carnegie Hall Big Band event… because big bands have played at Carnegie Hall since the last century, yet Carnegie Hall has never created anything like this—a touring big band that preserves the legacy of all the great bands, band leaders, and singers who fronted the bands.
