Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents
Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway in “Sibling Revelry”
With Alex Rybeck, Piano
March 26 Church of the Palms
Broadway headliners Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway reprise their critically acclaimed show that turns sibling rivalry into singing revelry with great music, witty banter and heartwarming stories.
“The sisters lift these songs to expressive heights rarely attained by any singer.”
— The New York Times
“Their voices blend and soar majestically like the eagles!”
— Rex Reed, The New York Observer
(Sarasota-Manatee, Florida) Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents “Sibling Revelry,” the acclaimed revue featuring Broadway sensations and Tony nominees Ann Hampton Callaway and her sister Liz Callaway, with pianist Alex Rybeck. “Sibling Revelry” was first performed at New York’s Rainbow and Stars in 1995 to rave reviews and features such beloved popular songs as “Get Happy,” “Happy Days are Here Again,” “It’s Today,” “The Sweetest Sounds,” and more. The concert is Sunday, March 26, 3 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $45 (general seating), and are available at www.artistseriesconcerts.org or by calling 941-306-1202 (M-F, 10-4). Student tickets, for $10, are available at the door.
Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the leading champions of the great American Songbook, having made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadwayworld.com as “Performer of the Year,” Hampton Callaway is a born entertainer. Her unique singing style blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls, theaters and jazz clubs as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film. She is celebrated for her Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for composing songs for the biggest names in show business, including Barbara Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, Michael Feinstein, and Carole King. Hampton Callaway’s live performances showcase her warmth, spontaneous wit and passionate delivery of standards, jazz classics and originals. She has been called one of the nation’s most gifted improvisers, taking words and phrases from her audiences and creating songs on the spot, whether alone at a piano or with a symphony orchestra.
Liz Callaway, a Tony nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and recording artist, is best known is best known for her work on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in “Baby,” and, for five years, won acclaim as Grizabella in “Cats.” She has also starred in the original casts of “Miss Saigon,” “The Three Musketeers,” and “The Look of Love.” Callaway has also established a major career as a concert and recording artist. She sang the Academy Award-nominated song “Journey to the Past” in the animated feature “Anastasia” and is also the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin and the King of Thieves” and “The Return of Jafar.” Other film work includes the singing voice of the title character in “The Swan Princess,” “Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Alex Rybeck is a pianist, arranger and composer, known for his work in theater, cabaret, and the recording studio. He has worked with the world’s most notable performers, including George Abbott, Hal Prince, Tommy Tune, and Burt Bacharach. Rybeck has also served as musical director for countless Broadway and cabaret stars, including Faith Prince, Tommy Tune, Metropolitan Opera star Roberta Peters, Eartha Kitt, and Kitty Carlisle Hart, among others. His original compositions include “What a Funny Boy He Is” (recorded by Nancy LaMott) and “Sing Out” (premiered by the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus at Carnegie Hall).
The Remaining 2017 21st Anniversary Season at a Glance
Pops and Special Performances
(Check individual listings for dates, times and venue.)
- “Hot ‘n’ Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration!” with Maria Wirries: Wirries joins forces with five more singers and two pianists in this bubbly, two-act tribute to the classic, melodic, witty, sexy and sophisticated songs of Cole Porter. May 14, 3:00 p.m., at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.
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.
- Belle Canto: Sarasota’s premier women’s choral ensemble showcases the unique beauty and quality of sound that comes from the blending of women’s voices in an all-French program. March 16.
Soirée Series
Sunday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. and Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. At the Weisenborne/Fischer residence. Call for more information and address.
- “Tenor on the Road:” Lyric tenor Blake Friedman and Joseph Holt, piano. Blake Friedman presents a program devoted to travel, not only geographically, but spiritually as well. April 16 & 17.
Other special events
- Artist Series Concerts’ National Music Scholarship Competition features young pianists, ages 18-25, and takes place on April 29. The competition rotates each year between singers, pianists, and string instrument players. Since its inception in 2007, the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s scholarship program has awarded more than $270,000 to 72 talented young musicians, with many past winners going on to study at major schools and pursue successful music careers. Past winners have gone on to study at leading music conservatories and pursued successful music careers. In 2016, the competition was opened to young singers nationwide and awarded $26,000 to seven winners.
- The Suncoast Music Scholarships, a new annual collaborative competition conducted and funded by Artist Series Concerts and the Sarasota Music Club, awards another $20,000 to young musicians from high schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The SMS auditions are scheduled for April 22.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota was formed in 1996 as Artist Series of Sarasota. The non-profit organization presents world-class musical experiences in a diverse range of genres, including classical, cabaret, pop, Broadway, orchestral and opera. A central focus of Artist Series Concerts’ mission is to spark a lifelong love of the musical arts by exposing young people to interactive music experiences. It accomplishes this through its performance-based outreach programs in area schools, creating unique learning opportunities for thousands of students and educators every year. In addition, Artist Series Concerts’ preeminent Sarasota National Music Scholarship Competition grants more than $20,000 annually to gifted, young musicians from around the country. Past winners have gone on to study at leading music conservatories and pursued successful music careers. For more information, visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org.