Premier Interpreter of American Popular Song Michael Feinstein to Perform Oct. 3

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Michael Feinstein at 8 p.m. on Oct. 3 in the Mainstage theater in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

Feinstein, one of the premier interpreters of American popular song, has been a household name since the success of his 1988 one-man Broadway show, "Isn't It Romantic." He enjoys an active performance calendar, including major concert halls, symphony orchestras, intimate jazz clubs and college campuses. More than a mere performer, he is nationally recognized for his commitment to the American popular song, both celebrating its art and preserving its legacy for the next generation.

His latest CD from Concord Records is "Hopeless Romantics," a songbook of Harry Warren classics recorded with legendary jazz pianist George Shearing.

In 2004, Feinstein completed a national tour with songwriting icon Jimmy Webb based on their CD, "Only One Life -- The Songs of Jimmy Webb." The disc was named one of "10 Best CDs of the Year" by USA Today.

In 2003, Feinstein received his fourth Grammy Award nomination for his Concord release, "Michael Feinstein with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra," his first recording with a symphony orchestra. He also hosted and produced "The Great American Songbook," a PBS Special and DVD set from Warner Brothers Home Video that traces the history of popular music in our country.

His Manhattan nightclub, Feinstein's at the Regency, has presented the top talents of pop and jazz such as Rosemary Clooney, Steve Tyrell, Barbara Cook, Ann Hampton Callaway and Dame Cleo Laine.

Feinstein started playing piano by ear when he was five. As a teenager, he played at weddings and parties in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he worked in local piano lounges for two years, moving to Los Angeles when he was 20. Through the widow of legendary concert pianist-actor Oscar Levant, he was introduced to Ira Gershwin in July 1977. He became his assistant for six years, granting him access to numerous unpublished Gershwin songs, which he has since performed and recorded.

Through his live performances (from Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall), recordings, film and television appearances, and his songwriting (in collaboration with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Lindy Robbins and Carole Bayer Sager), Feinstein has been an important musical force during the past 15 years. His television credits include performances on "Caroline in the City," "Melrose Place," "Coach," and "Sybil."

The Library of Congress recently elected Michael to the exclusive "National Sound Recording Advisory Board." He and other industry leaders recently met in Washington D.C. for a forum on safeguarding America's musical heritage.

Tickets for Michael Feinstein are $41, $36, $31 general admission and students $25. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and all Ticketmaster locations including ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets call 716-852-5000, in Canada 416-870-8000. For group sales, call 716-645-6771. For more information call 716-645-2787. Students (of any school) must present valid student ID at the Center Box Office to receive discount.