A tribute to Tony Bennett at Hofstra

Tony Bennett is indeed an American classic. His many decades as an entertainer with that inimitable voice and style – which spawned a television special for his 80th birthday, followed by an album, Duets: An American Classic – are the subject of an extensive tribute at Hofstra on Sunday.
Part roundtable discussion, part book signing, part musical tribute – this special event celebrates Bennett’s legendary career, which is the subject of author David Evanier’s new book, “All The Things You Are: The Life of Tony Bennett.” The first biography of the entertainer to be published, it was the impetus for this program, presented in conjunction with Italian Culture and Heritage Month at
Hofstra.
“When I heard about this book the musical wheels started turning,” said Bob Spiotto, executive producer of Hofstra Entertainment, who performs in the tribute, in addition to being its producer and director. “It’s not always that we have access to an author who has written a book about an iconic figure. So it seemed appropriate that we do a book signing/discussion/performance type of event.”
Music industry insiders join Evanier in a discussion exploring Bennett’s musical works, highlighted with performances from the Bennett Songbook. The panel assembled includes experts on Bennett’s life and career: author and music critic Will Friedwald – best known for the definitive Frank Sinatra biography, “Sinatra: The Song Is You;” WHAT-AM Radio’s Anthony DiFlorio, a broadcaster, writer, and expert on Italian-American entertainers; music publicist and concert promoter Len Triola; along with executive chef Sal Scognamillo, co-owner of the famed Patsy’s Restaurant, a hangout for Bennett and Frank Sinatra, as well as many others of renown throughout the years.

The program features the Rags to Riches Quartet and guest vocalists Eric Comstock, Sarah Partridge, Lynn DiMenna, David Guidice, Sean Sullivan, and Bob Spiotto.
Comstock and Partridge are among the accomplished lineup of performers who are slated to appear. Comstock, a jazz pianist/singer, is a regular at New York’s prestigious Oak Room Supper Club at the Algonquin Hotel, in addition to performances at popular venues around the country, along with television appearances. Partridge, has also appeared at the Oak Room, as well as at other premier jazz clubs in New York, Boston and Washington, D.C., among many other locales.
The Rags to Riches Quartet is an ensemble of distinguished musicians – pianist Gene Drob, Calvin Hill on bass, Lou Caputo on saxophone and Mike Campenni, percussion – who provide the musical backdrop to a fascinating discussion of Bennett’s long and varied career.
Of Bennett’s lasting impact and influence in music, Evanier says, “Tony Bennett is one of America’s greatest entertainers from Garland to Sinatra, and he is the only living star among this group. He has led an amazing life. He fought in World War II and helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp. He marched alongside Dr. King at Selma, and he has been a superstar since 1951, when “Because of You” sold one million copies. He is a great singer and a fine painter as well; several of his paintings are in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He is a proud Italian-American who has stayed close to his roots, a passionate supporter of civil rights and a great humanitarian. He has stuck to his guns in singing the Great American Songbook and has refused to compromise his standards or his principles. He is a bridge from the 20th to the 21st century, and at 85 he is still young and vibrant, a role model for young and old people alike.”
Bennett’s dynamic life will come alive through stories by people who knew him and through glimpses of his music, which still resonates with Bennett’s many fans, much as it did years ago.
“The roundtable discussion allows people to speak directly with the author and others who have had contact with Bennett over the years,” said Spiotto. “It made sense for people who have had a direct connection with him to share their thoughts. And when you also have the musical elements, it is something very special.”
The program concludes with a book sale and signing by Evanier of “All The Things You Are,” followed by an added treat – a tasting, courtesy of Patsy’s Restaurant.
“This is a real feast for all the senses,” noted Spiotto. “And the fact that this is taking place during Italian Heritage Month makes this the perfect Italian meal. This is a unique event, with a little bit of everything. It’s a little different for us and we are tremendously excited about it.”
The tribute, which is divided into two acts, opens with a musical overture of Bennett standards presented by the Rags to Riches Quartet. It serves as an introduction of sorts for Evanier and his panel. The discussion is interspersed with songs performed by the group of guest vocalists. They’ll perform “I Wanna Be Around,” “The Best Is Yet To Come,” “This Can’t Be Love,” and “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” among others. The vocalists perform 18 songs in all.
Spiotto’s contribution consists of “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive,” “Swinging On A Star” and “Put On A Happy Face.” “All three songs appeared on Bennett’s “The Playground,” an album that is one of Spiotto’s favorites. “It’s a charming CD,” he said, “ with many great songs that are positive and uptempo. I’ve always enjoyed this CD, so it seemed appropriate to share it with others.”
The tempo of the day should leave everyone humming and singing, along with gaining some new insight into the man behind the music. “People will be thoroughly ‘edutained’,” according to Spiotto.

All The Things You Are
Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m. $15, $13 seniors.
Hofstra University’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center,
California Ave., South Campus, Hempstead. (516) 463-6644 or visit www.hofstra.edu/hofstraentertainment.