Elvis: The King's Songbook

Michael Krajewski, Conductor

Oct 21-23, 2016

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Featuring

Dave Bennett and Allison Blackwell rock the POPS’ world premiere of ELVIS: The King’s Songbook!

Elvis Presley single handedly changed the course of American popular music with a hypnotic mix of blues, southern rock and country sounds. From the mid-fifties into the late seventies, the King topped the charts with infectious rock and soulful ballads. Don’t miss this incredible performance of Elvis’ best—from "Burnin’ Love" and "Jailhouse Rock" to "Suspicious Minds" and "Always on My Mind"—you’ll be All Shook Up!

Allison Blackwell, vocalist

The Dave Bennett Quartet

Dave Bennett, vocalist

Tad Weed, Piano

Shelly Berger, Bass

Pete Siers, Drums

Guest Artists

Allison Blackwell, vocalist

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"But for my money it was vocalist Allison Blackwell who made the evening. In a luscious orchestration of Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me," the Pops and Blackwell created one of those great city moments when everything seems to stop. The sounds of goodness, sincerity and warmth poured forth."-Peter Dobrin, Classical Music Critic for The Philadelphia Inquirer

Raised in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania, this award winning Philadelphia native has distinguished herself as a force of nature in the theatre and concert world. Her versatile voice and outgoing personality on stage make her a highly sought out performer.

Allison Blackwell made her Broadway debut in the Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess alongside six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald and Tony Nominees Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier. This life changing experience allowed Ms. Blackwell to record her first original cast album and perform at the 2012 Tony Awards (Winner: Best Revival). In 2013, Allison was blessed to play one of her musical “idols” Aretha Franklin, in A Night With Janis Joplin. USA Today noted, "Allison Blackwell, veers from a stunning operatic rendering of Summertime to a shivery, booming impersonation of Aretha Franklin." She subsequently joined the Broadway cast for Disney’s The Lion King after finishing her run in A Night With Janis Joplin. Allison Blackwell was last seen on Broadway playing the featured role of Violetta in Pretty Woman: The Musical. “When Edward and Vivian go to see "La Traviata," they're practically blown off the stage next to Allison Blackwell's stunning soprano.” -Roma Torre NY1

Allison Blackwell has performed with such orchestras as The Boston Pops, The New York Pops, The Atlanta Symphony and The Houston Symphony. With The Philly Pops, she has been seen as a guest artist in such concerts as The Carole King Songbook, Elvis: The Kings Songbook, Philly Pops Memorial Salute Concert and the Pops at Independence Hall.

Ms. Blackwell received her Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College and her Masters of Music from The Boston Conservatory.

For more information about Allison Blackwell, visit her website www.allisonblackwell.com.

Dave Bennett, vocalist

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A multi-instrument phenomenon, Dave Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso who plays electric guitar, piano, drums and vocalizes. He is the only artist anywhere saluting The Roots of Pop: covering music from the Swing Era to early Rockabilly and Country, to Elvis Presley, the Beatles and more. His 2013 CD Don't Be That Way met with critical acclaim. His second CD , slated for 2016 release is currently in production featuring original compositions influenced by Dave’s appreciation of jazz, blues, swing, gospel, and pop.

Helpful Information

This program, including intermission, is approximately two hours in length. Artists and program are subject to change without notice.

Discounted parking passes are available from select garages. For more information, please call 215.893.1999 or add a parking pass during checkout when purchasing your tickets.

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Photography

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