Symphony takes a nostalgic trip with the legends of the small screen

May 1, 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

SPOKANE -- Back by popular demand, a nostalgic song and dance team joins Associate Conductor Morihiko Nakahara and the Spokane Symphony as they wrap up the season in style with an exciting new show called "Stay Tuned" Saturday, May 6 at 8 p.m. in the Spokane Opera House.

From top hits to cool riffs, from classic skits to comedy bits, Five By Design takes you back to the days of the small screen legends. This musical journey through the early days of television is chocked full of memorable songs, commercials, and sketches, all presented live, and in living color.

Five By Design tunes in to such programming as The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall, and Milton Berle's "Texaco Star Theatre, drawing upon those television pioneers that came from vaudeville, radio, motion pictures, classical music, and Broadway. Five By Design's "Stay Tuned" is an affectionate glimpse into American culture from 1950 to 1966.

Some of the selections include Bobby Darrin's "As Long As I'm Singin", Rosemary Clooney's "Hey There", Perry Como's "Papa Loves Mambo", the Crewcuts' "Sh-Boom", the Four Lads "Istanbul, Constantinople" and the Tokens' "Lion Sleeps Tonight".

Add vintage commercials Snap, Crackle, Pop... Rice Krispies and shows from the archives of Name That Song, This Is Your Story and a special guest appearance from Ferrante and Teicher performing "Smile". You'll have a great time with some of the greatest music around!

Peter Bay, conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, says: Look no further for a wonderful pops concert! Five By Design has the best singers, rhythm section, and arrangements in the business. The orchestra will be as involved in the evening as the audience, and everyone will go home happy and humming.

Five by Design thrilled Spokane audience with performances of Radio Days and Club Swing.

The concert is underwritten by LeMaster and Daniels and Lukins and Annis.

Tickets are $26, $34, and $39. Tickets are available in advance without service charge at the Spokane Symphony Ticket office, 818 W. Riverside, Suite 100, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or at spokanesymphony.org.