Ben Vereen to sing tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr. with Spokane Symphony

Mar 3, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

SPOKANE— Preeminent song-and-dance man Ben Vereen will dazzle audiences with his tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. when he appears with the Spokane Symphony at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 8 p.m. The symphony will be conducted by Nelson Kole.

Vereen, who continues to tour extensively throughout the United States, will be performing his most recent version of his acclaimed one-man show, which will include “A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.” Over 25 years ago, a one-man show was created to showcase Vereen's versatility and creativity, combining his twin loves for performing and the stage. This ever-changing cabaret-style show won him "Entertainer of the Year", "Rising Star", and "Song and Dance Star" from the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) – he is the first simultaneous winner of these awards – and earned a coveted spot in the Casino Legends Hall of Fame. His current show, "Vereen Sings a Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr.” which features the music of the legendary “Mr. Entertainment” is a particularly apt fit for Vereen, who served as understudy for Davis in “Golden Boy” early in his career.

Vereen is a highly versatile entertainer, singer, and dancer who has performed in some of the most notable Broadway productions, television series, and variety shows. A Tony and Drama Desk Award winner for his performance in Bob Fosse’s Pippin, Vereen’s Broadway credits include: Wicked, I’m NotRappaport, A Christmas Carol, Jelly’s Last Jam, JesusChrist Superstar and Hair. Some of his film credits include: Idlewild, All That Jazz, Sweet Charity, FunnyLady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Once Upon a Forest. Television highlights: Roots, Grey’s Anatomy (Prism Award), Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Hallmark’s An Accidental Friendship (NAACP nomination), Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style, Ellis Island (Golden Globe Nomination), Anne Rice’s Feast of All Saints, Zoobilee Zoo, and Star Trek - The Next Generation.

Most recently, Vereen co-stared opposite Vanessa Williams in the film, And Then Came Love(2007) and opposite Ciara and Patti LaBelle in Mama, I Want to Sing! (2009). In June of 2007, he celebrated Eartha Kitt’s 80th birthday in concert at Carnegie Hall to multiple standing ovations. For Nickelodeon, Ben provided voice-overs on the show Wonder Pets! He has also made guest star appearances on ABC's hit prime-time drama “Grey’s Anatomy” (2005), “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2001), and “The View” (1997).  

Vereen has become one of the nation’s most requested speakers on topics ranging from overcoming adversity to Black history, and donates countless hours to various arts and humanitarian organizations. He is also a spokesperson for sanofi-aventis, U.S., helping to raise awareness about diabetes.

Tickets range from $27 to $54 and are available in advance at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT and at www.spokanesymphony.org.  

Westcoast Entertainment is underwriting this concert.

CALENDAR LISTING:

Ben Vereen: a tribute to Sammy Davis Jr. Pops Concert; Spokane Symphony; Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. in the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets are $27 to $54; Call the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200 or purchase in person at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox Box Office, 1001 W. Sprague; tickets are also available through TicketsWest outlets or by calling 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT or online at www.spokanesymphony.org