Artpark Pays Homage to Artie Shaw!

(Lewiston, NY)   Western New York's own "King of the Clarinet," Salvatore Andolina, returns to Artpark on July 28 with his celebrated big band for a scintillating Artie Shaw Tribute.   Andolina, who last appeared at Artpark in 2006 for a very well-received tribute to fellow swing icon Benny Goodman, is set to showcase all of Shaw's unforgettable classics including "Begin the Beguine," "Star Dust," "Moonglow" and several others.  Tickets for the performances, which take place at 2pm and 8pm, range from .50 to .50.

ARTIE SHAW

Artie Shaw was a leading jazz clarinetist and big band leader of the mid-20th century. His 1938 recording of Begin the Beguine made him a popular rival to superstar clarinetist Benny Goodman.  Shaw developed a reputation as a reluctant and somewhat grouchy genius; his big bands were roaring successes but he frequently broke them up, only to form new bands months or years later.  He also dabbled in symphonic music and avant-garde jazz combos and led a U.S. Navy big band during World War II.

Later Shaw wrote books, including the semi-autobiographical The Trouble With Cinderella (1952). A famous ladies' man in his day, Shaw was married eight times, including marriages to Hollywood beauties Lana Turner and Ava Gardner.  Always unpredictable, Shaw quit the music business in 1954, though a big band bearing his name was reformed in 1983 and continued touring into the 21st century.

SALVATORE ANDOLINA

In the worlds of classical music and jazz, crossover versatility is rarely found in a single individual. Over the past decade, however, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has witnessed the keen achievements of one of Buffalo's native sons in the person of Salvatore Andolina, who is now the BPO's hottest switch-hitter in his permanent position of clarenitist, bass clarinetist and saxophonist.

While Andolina has been a full-time member of the BPO for the past dozen seasons, his association with the Orchestra began in the late '70s when he was a standout performance major at the University at Buffalo as a full-scholarship student on the clarinet. Upon completion of his degree at UB under former BPO clarinetist James Pyne, Andolina pursued advanced clarinet studies with Stanley Hasty at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester and coaching with the legendary Benny Goodman in New York City.

In addition to appearing as a soloist with the BPO, Andolina has been featured with the Rochester Philharmonic, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Fresno Philharmonic, the Arts Nova Chamber Orchestra and the North American New Music Festival. More significantly, Andolina has been featured on at least 15 studio recordings, including his prized CD: "Like Benny to Me," a tribute to Goodman.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Already one of Western New York's prime dancing destinations, Artpark will feature a brand NEW PARQUET DANCE FLOOR in the pit area of the Mainstage Theater for concertgoers to enjoy.  The dance floor will also be moved outside - and enlarged - for free, danceable Wednesday night shows like moe. (July 9), the Cajun Festival (July 16), Cherry Poppin' Daddies (July 23) and Donna the Buffalo (August 20).

For ticket information, access the Artpark website at www.artpark.net, call the Artpark Box Office at (716) 754-4375 or visit www.tickets.com. 

The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company, Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under a license agreement.

###