Michael Feinstein Brings Poignant “Because of You,” Tony Bennett Tribute to The Mac
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) presents Michael Feinstein in “Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett” 4 p.m., Sunday, February 16. The performance features Bennett’s iconic hits including “Because of You,” “Rags to Riches,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Stranger in Paradise” and many more. The performance will feature select video projections to augment Feinstein narrative and comments throughout the show. Feinstein’s lush musical interpretations are supported by a trio of Carnegie Hall Ensemble musicians, creating an unforgettable concert that honors Bennett’s legacy and is perfect for Valentine’s Day weekend.
Feinstein’s close friendship with Tony Bennett adds a profound layer to this tribute, bringing authenticity and depth to the performance. Not only does Feinstein’s interpretation of Bennett’s timeless repertoire pay homage to an era of classic songwriting, but it also preserves the rich cultural heritage that these songs represent. The show also honors the history of Carnegie Hall, which has featured on its stage musical legends from 20th and 21st Century from Benny Goodman to Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and, of course, Tony Bennett.
Tony Bennett (1926-2023) was an American singer best known for his song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” He has introduced a multitude of songs into the Great American Songbook that have since become standards for pop music. During his career, he won 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He is one of the limited number of artists to have new albums charting in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and first two decades of the 21st century.
Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” is recognized as one of the premier interpreters of American standards. His 200-plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Hollywood Bowl as well as the White House and Buckingham Palace. He has become an unparalleled interpreter of music legends such as Irving Berlin, Tony Bennett, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer and Duke Ellington. Feinstein has received three honorary doctorates and is a published author of “The Gershwins & Me,” a Los Angeles Times best-seller.
To order tickets for “Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett” or for more information, visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000.
