From staff reports
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love” so put a little love in your heart as Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts opens its 2024 season with a romantic cabaret evening on Saturday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Foxburg’s Lincoln Hall.
It will be a celebration of love with versatile vocalist Lisa Bleil, keyboardist John Burgh, the fabulous Benny Benack, Jr. on sax and clarinet, Bob Insko on bass and drummer Joey Waslousky.
Lisa, John, Benny and the band will present some of the best love songs of all time, paying special tribute to all those we love in an atmosphere of cabaret seating and twinkling candlelight. Enjoy classic love ballads, tasty jazz standards, some up-tempo rock n roll along with music for dancing.
Wine and beer will be offered for sale along with complimentary savory snacks and Valentine’s chocolates. Tickets cost $30 for adults. Buy online at alleghenyriverstone.org or call (724) 659-3153 to reserve and pay with cash or check at the door.
John Burgh was first introduced to the Pittsburgh music scene in 1982 when he joined the Harold Betters Band playing five nights a week at the South Hills Sheraton. John graduated from IUP in 1981 as a piano performance major and has returned there many times to play with nationally known artists such as Billy Crystal, Rita Moreno, and recently Doc Severinsen. John played for many years with the Billy Price Band touring Europe in 2003. He has played and recorded 5 albums with the rock group Gathering Field, playing Hammond B3 organ. Besides filling in occasionally with CLO productions like Miss Saigon and Addams Family, he enjoys playing piano for local musical productions in Sewickley. John also has been a long-time member of the Balcony Big Band.
Benny Benack, Jr. is a legend in the Pittsburgh jazz and night club scene a band leader well known for his virtuosic musicianship and charismatic audience appeal. The Benny Benack Band plays everything from jazz, swing, big band, Dixieland, Rhythm and Blues and Rock n’ Roll with wonderful vocals from the Great American Song Book. His father, Benny Benack, was a Pittsburgh band leader and at the forefront of the Pittsburgh jazz scene in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Benny Jr. continues the family’s musical tradition playing trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone. His son, Benny Benack III, is following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as a jazz trumpeter and vocalist, currently building a big name for himself in the jazz scene in New York City and around the world.
Warm your hearts this winter with your special someone on this splendid evening, entertained by an impressive group of performers bringing “love, sweet love” to you and ARCA’s 2024 season opening performance.