Date: Sep 30, 2011

The Life of Tony Bennett in Words and Music

Hofstra Entertainment Presents a Tribute on October 9

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … Author David Evanier celebrates the legendary career of Tony Bennett in his book, All The Things You Are: The Life of Tony Bennett, the first biography of the entertainer. This fall Evanier joins Hofstra Entertainment to present a special event of the same name, featuring a round-table discussion, musical performances and a book sale and signing. All The Things You Are will be presented October 9, 2011, at 2 p.m. at The Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center, California Avenue, South Campus.
 
Tickets are $15, $13 senior citizens (over 65 with ID). For tickets and more information call the Hofstra Box Office at 516-463-6644 or visit www.hofstra.edu/hofstraentertainment.
 
Music industry insiders joining Evanier in the discussion exploring Bennett’s musical work include:
 
•         Author and music critic Will Friedwald – best known for the definitive Frank Sinatra biography, Sinatra: The Song Is You
•         WHAT-AM Radio Anthony DiFlorio – broadcaster, writer, and expert on Italian-American entertainers
•         Renowned music publicist and concert promoter Len Triola
•         Patsy’s Italian Restaurant co-owner and executive chef Sal Scognamillo
 
This special event will additionally feature the Rags to Riches Quartet and guest vocalists Eric Comstock, Lynn DiMenna, Sarah Partridge, David Guidice, Sean Sullivan and Bob Spiotto. There will also be a book sale and signing by David Evanier of All The Things You Are.
 
Of Tony Bennett’s lasting impact and influence in music, Evanier says, “Tony Bennett is one of America's greatest entertainers  from Garland to Sinatra, and he is the only living star among this group. He has led an amazing life. He fought in World War II and helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp. He marched alongside Dr. King at Selma, and he has been a superstar since 1951, when “Because of You” sold one million copies. He is a great singer and a fine painter as well; several of his paintings are in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He is a proud Italian-American who has stayed close to his roots,  a passionate supporter of civil rights and a great humanitarian. He has stuck to his guns in singing the Great American Songbook and has refused to compromise his standards or his principles. He is a bridge from the 20th to the 21th century, and at 85 he is still young and vibrant, a role model for young and old people alike.”
 
This program is being presented in conjunction with Italian Culture and Heritage Month.
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