Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents
Two Concerts with Jennifer Sheehan and James Followell
Thursday, February 12 • Michael’s On East
Sunday, February 15 • North Port Performing Arts Center
Jennifer Sheehan has become one of the most sought-after new voices in the concert and cabaret world. She and pianist James Followell will enchant audiences with songs by Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Mercer and more.
“The beauty of Ms. Sheehan’s voice is refreshingly unvarnished and devoid of circus tricks. Drawing from a deep well of feeling, she interprets lyrics from the point of view of someone who knows who she is and conveys empathy in a voice that glows with insight. Young, good-looking and very astute, Ms. Sheehan gives you hope.”
Stephen Holden, The New York Times
“Her voice soars, swoops and scats, leaping octaves with slippery ease, peeling emotional layers from big, teary ballads like an onion.”
—Connect Savannah
(Sarasota, Florida) Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents critically acclaimed vocalist Jennifer Sheehan with James Followell, piano, in two concerts celebrating 100 years of the Great American Songbook. The first concert is part of Artist Series Concerts’ “Lunch, Look, and Listen” series, Thursday, February 12, Michael’s On East, 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota. The performance is 11 a.m.; lunch is at 12:15 p.m. Tickets are $45 and includes lunch. To purchase tickets for this concert, call 941-306-1202 or visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org. The second concert is Sunday, February 15, 3 p.m., at North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 West Price Boulevard, North Port. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets for the North Port concert, call the box office (M-F; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at 941-426-8479; or online at www.artistseriesconcerts.org.
Soprano Jennifer Sheehan has become one of the most sought-after new voices in the concert and cabaret world. Critically acclaimed for her refreshing vocal style and riveting stage presence, Sheehan has performed in esteemed venues across the country, including Carnegie Hall as the guest of Michael Feinstein, the Savannah Music Festival, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Juilliard in Aiken Festival, and at Jazz at Lincoln Center and many of New York City’s prestigious clubs. She is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including the Johnny Mercer Foundation’s “Margaret Whiting Award,” the Noël Coward Foundation’s “Noël Coward Cabaret Award,” and the national Glenn Miller Vocal Scholarship Award.
James Followell has worked as a music director, accompanist and arranger with many Broadway and cabaret luminaries. Theater credits as musical director include the Off-Broadway production of Jerry Herman’s Showtune (vocal and piano arrangements), and The Best of Times (featured pianist/vocalist) at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End. He also served as music director/pianist for the Off-Broadway hit, Forever Plaid, and was the conductor/pianist for the international tour of Little Shop of Horrors. He is the recipient of the 2005 Dick Gallagher Award from the Mabel Mercer Foundation.
Since 1996, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota has presented an ever-expanding annual season of concerts by globally renowned and celebrated emerging artists. The 2014-2015 season runs through May 2015 and includes six concerts in its “Classical Recital Series,” four concerts in its “Pop Series,” and three special concerts. Three “Lunch, Look and Listen” events are also scheduled. For more information about the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s 2014-2015 season, visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.
The 2014-2015 Season at a Glance
Classical Recital Series
Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
- Ying Quartet with Ayano Ninomiya, violin, Janet Ying, violin, Phillip Ying, viola, and David Ying, cello, performing works by Haydn, Auerbach, and Beethoven. March 14 and 15.
- Bion Tsang, cello, and Adam Neiman, piano, performing works by Faure, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. April 18 and 19.
- Adrienne Danrich, vocalist, and Djordje Nesic, May 30 and 31.
Pop Series
At the Historic Asolo Theater; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota.
- “”Into the Night with Gershwin”: The Music of George Gershwin and Marvin Hamlisch” with Thomas Pandolfi, piano. February 28, 7:30 p.m., and March 1, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
- “Trumpet Invasion” with Brandon Ridenour, trumpet, Mara Bonde, soprano, and Rich Ridenour, piano. May 2, 7:30 p.m., and May 3, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
- “A Romp With Gilbert & Sullivan” with Tracy Olivera, soprano, Bob McDonald, baritone, Steve Cramer, tenor, Joseph Holt, piano, and the Gloria Musicae Singers performing highlights from “Pirates” “The Mikado,” and “Pinafore.” May 9, 7:30 p.m., and May 10, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Lunch, Look and Listen
One-hour concerts at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. At Michael’s On East Ballroom, 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota.
- “Best Of The Great American Songbook” with Jennifer Sheehan, cabaret/theater singer, and James Followell, piano, performing songs by Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim and more. February 12.
- Samus Haddad, baritone, and Lee Dougherty Ross, piano, performing spirituals and songs by Weill and Hoiby. March 19.
Soiree Series
Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. and Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. At the Weisenborne/Fischer residence. Call for address.
- Jennifer Kim, classical guitar. April 26 and 27.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota was formed in 1996 as the Artist Series of Sarasota. The group is a non-profit corporation based in Sarasota, FL, that prides itself on presenting several major national and international varieties of concert, opera, orchestral, Broadway and film performances throughout their season. The majority of the performances are staged at the restored Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling.
