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21-09-2010
NELSON RIDDLE ORCHESTRA ARTICLE
23 Nelson Riddle Orchestra to perform in concert Oct. 2
In this age of social media and nano-technology, the classic hits first recorded on vinyl more than half a century ago still hold a place in the hearts of many and have gained a following among those born a generation later.
Nelson Riddle, the iconic arranger and bandleader who worked with luminaries including Sinatra, Nat Cole and Dean Martin, is enjoying a major resurgence in popularity.
On Oct. 2, fans will be able to hear Riddle’s arrangements live in a concert in Monroe Township by The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, now under the direction of the great American bandleader’s son Christopher.
On Saturday, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m. the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission will host The Nelson Riddle Orchestra at the Richard P. Marasco Center for the Performing Arts in the orchestra’s first New Jersey theater appearance in more than five years. Vocalists Bryan Anthony and Gabrielle Stravelli will perform with the orchestra.
Over the past two years, the Riddle family has worked tirelessly to bring the orchestra back to its former glory and have chosen to base their operations in Monmouth County, where Nelson Riddle grew up. He was raised in Rumson and attended Rumson-Fair Haven High School.
“Up to now, we have focused our attention on developing the show here at home in smaller venues on the Jersey Shore, so now it is great to be able to give audiences the first peek at what one of our exciting theater productions is going to look like for 2011,” said Michael Acerra, Riddle’s grandson and assistant manager of the orchestra,
Acerra, Asbury Park, continued: “Keeping The Nelson Riddle Orchestra alive is a real labor of love for all of us, and I think that really comes across in our shows. It is great to be able to pass on our grandfather’s legacy to future generations.”
The Nelson Riddle Orchestra has performed for presidents and royalty the world over and has provided the backdrop for numerousmovies and TV series, including TV’s hottest phenomenon, “Mad Men.”
Christopher Riddle and the orchestra will be joined on stage by the vocal talents of Anthony and Stravelli, both New York City-based singers who have carved out careers in the tough world of jazz. Stravelli, a former MonmouthCounty resident who performed widely in Monmouth and Ocean counties, will be making her first appearance with The Nelson Riddle Orchestra.
Following the Monroe performance, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra will be flying out to headline at the Los Angeles Jazz Festival.
Francis Kiernan, general manager, said, “These are very exciting times in the Riddle camp,” adding that the orchestra is preparing for the 2011 tour schedule and looking forward to the Oct. 2 concert, predicting the orchestra and vocalists “will make this a night to remember.”
Tickets are $28; for patrons, tickets are $24; students will be admitted free of charge. For tickets, call 877-77-CLICK or visit www.monroetownshipculturalarts. com. For more information, visit www.nelsonriddle.org.
link: http://atlanticville.gmnews.com/news/2010-09-23/Arts_%7C_Zest/23_Nelson_Riddle_Orchestra_to_perform_in_concert_O.html
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