The Minnesota Orchestra's 2008-09 U.S. Bank Weekender Pops series features a wide variety of popular entertainment, ranging from the music of Queen (performed by the Finnish vocal group Rajaton with the Minnesota Orchestra) to jazz favorites, cabaret, traditional Irish dance music, adult contemporary pops and more—with humor provided by comedian Bill Cosby.
The series begins with Down by the Riverside, a program of gospel and jazz by the Blind Boys of Alabama along with Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and continues throughout the season with: Rajaton performing the music of Queen with the Minnesota Orchestra; saxophonist Branford Marsalis paying homage to Brazilian master Heitor Villa-Lobos; gifted trumpeter, composer and performer Chris Botti playing contemporary jazz; sensational entertainer Eartha Kitt; Doc Severinsen in a much-heralded return, his first on the series, since becoming the Orchestra's pops conductor laureate; Grammy Award-winner Bobby McFerrin with the male vocal ensemble Cantus; a cappella sounds of Ladysmith Black Mambazo; unique song stylings from the Puppini Sisters; spirited dancing from Trinity Irish Dance Company; Irish tenors Ronan Tynan and John McDermott in a St. Patrick's Day celebration; Bill Charlap, Nicholas Payton and Ravi Coltrane leading a 70th anniversary tribute to Blue Note Records; adult contemporary artist Jim Brickman; and famed comedian Bill Cosby.
A complete description of the U.S. Bank Weekender Pops season follows:
Chris Botti with the Minnesota Orchestra
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Sunday, November 23, 2008, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
A gifted instrumentalist, talented composer and charismatic performer, Chris Botti has become a virtual genre of one in the realm of contemporary jazz—while simultaneously capturing the attention of the pop music world. Botti's arrangements for orchestra will highlight both his masterful skill on trumpet and with the orchestra as a whole.
Eartha Kitt with the Minnesota Orchestra "Santa Baby"
Friday, December 12, 2008, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, December 13, 2008, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Nominated for a Tony (three times), the Grammy (twice) and an Emmy Award, Eartha Kitt has been entertaining audiences in film, theater, cabaret music and television for many years. Ms. Kitt will join the Minnesota Orchestra to perform a lively holiday show featuring classic favorites including "Santa Baby."
Jingle Bell Doc with the Minnesota Orchestra
Sunday, December 21, 2008, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Doc Severinsen returns for his first holiday show since becoming the Orchestra's pops conductor laureate in 2007. Doc is joined by the Minnesota Chorale, virtuoso bell choir Twin Cities Bronze and special guests in a concert of sassy trumpet solos, holiday favorites and big-band swing! Audiences can expect to hear such standards as Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland and Hallelujah Chorus, among others.
Bobby McFerrin with special guest Cantus
Friday, January 30, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
In an exciting meeting of style and voice, ten-time Grammy Award-winner Bobby McFerrin will join one of America's finest professional male vocal ensembles, Cantus, to create an amazing vocal experience at Orchestra Hall. McFerrin, known for his large vocal range and vocal percussive talents, has been impressing audiences for years, including holding the No. 1 spot on U.S. pop charts in 1988 for "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Cantus, which recently completed a highly acclaimed tour with the Boston Pops, is known for its diverse repertoire, which ranges from Gregorian chant to world music and spirituals.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Friday, February 20, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Two-time Grammy Award-winning ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo makes its second appearance at Orchestra Hall, following its highly acclaimed concert here in February 2007. The ten-member group (which performed on Paul Simon's Graceland recording) marries intricate rhythms and harmonies with the sounds of gospel, folk, reggae and traditional African music. (Please note: the Minnesota Orchestra does not perform at this concert.)
The Puppini Sisters
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
With unique vocal stylings and three-part harmonies—on such classics as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"— the Puppini Sisters are reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters of the World War II era, but bring their showstopping renditions to such modern-day pop favorites as Blondie's "Heart of Glass" and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." (Please note: the Minnesota Orchestra does not perform at this concert.)
Trinity Irish Dance Company
Sunday, February 22, 2009, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Trinity Irish Dancers have taken the traditional Irish dance world by storm. With the help of Artistic Director and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mark Howard, Trinity has won two Emmys of its own for appearances on PBS television specials, One Step Beyond and World Stage. The ensemble has also been featured recently in the ABC special, Dignity of Children, hosted by Oprah Winfrey. (Please note: the Minnesota Orchestra does not perform at this concert.)
Ronan Tynan and John McDermott with the Minnesota Orchestra A St. Patrick's Day Celebration
Friday, March 20, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, March 21, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Ronan Tynan and John McDermott have a decade-long musical history—they toured as two of the three original Irish Tenors. That famed trio debuted in Dublin in 1998 and toured America and the world to great acclaim, which led to numerous TV appearances and a gold record. In this performance, Tynan and McDermott will join the Minnesota Orchestra to sing Irish folk tunes, opera excerpts and American standards.
Blue Note Records—70th Anniversary Tour featuring Bill Charlap, Ravi Coltrane, Pat Martino, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson
Sunday, March 29, 2009, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Celebrating the long and illustrious history of Blue Note Records, this all-star modern jazz band will come together to perform the classic music of the '60s era, including the music of Art Blakey, Clifford Brown and Herbie Hancock. (Please note: the Minnesota Orchestra does not perform at this concert.)
Jim Brickman with the Minnesota Orchestra
Friday, April 17, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, April 18, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Jim Brickman has revolutionized the sound of adult contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano and romantic popular songs. Brickman's awards include six gold and platinum selling albums, consistent debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Magazine's New Age chart, a Grammy nomination in 2003 and a Canadian Country Music Award for "Best Vocal/ Instrumental Collaboration." In this concert with the Minnesota Orchestra, Jim Brickman will delight audiences with his No. 1 Billboard hits "Valentine," "The Gift," "Love of My Life" and "Peace."
Bill Cosby
Saturday, June 27, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
With successes spanning five decades and virtually in all media, comedian Bill Cosby has achieved legendary status in the entertainment industry. In the 1960s, his stand-up act was a coast-to-coast sensation, spawning a string of hilarious, best-selling comedy albums—which went on to win eight gold records, five platinum records and five Grammy Awards. His role on TV's I Spy made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series, breaking television's racial barrier and winning three Emmy Awards. Mr. Cosby will present a stand-up comedy routine based on his own life experiences. -- www.minnesotaorchestra.org
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