Prepare for another fantastic OFAM grand finale as Hyman and his forces take the Cuthbert stage with a fascinating Gershwin "mix". The evening begins with Dick and his small jazz band, fronted by Shirley Sachs on a cool set of Gershwin standards. Then Dick invites a very special guest as he, Randy Sandke and Ken Peplowski jam with the great George Gershwin himself...! Well, with his piano rolls anyway, as preserved compact disc played by a Yamaha Disclavier!
Next...with a great night under the stars, a big band and a grand piano, what would be more perfect for this Gershwin extravaganza than a virtuoso performance of Gershwin's greatest piece? Maestro James Paul and pianist William Wolfram join the company for a performance of the original jazz band version (with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, 1924) of Rhapsody In Blue.
Finally, Dick Hyman's Jazz All-Stars (in big band formation) take the stage for a special set of arrangements of Porgy and Bess tunes written by the great Bob Haggart in 1958 for a big band recording. Haggart felt that these arrangements were his best work, and indeed, they are highly regarded in the profession. But only two of these arrangements are still in existence and so this year Dick and guest artist Randy Sandke have undertaken the task of transcribing them from the 1958 recording for this concert, a similar concert to be presented at Dick's Jazz In July series at the 92nd Street Y in New York and a recording.