Explore and enjoy glorious songs from the great American Songbook with stories about their long, often-unexpected lives. Three-time Emmy Award–winning writer and documentary filmmaker Sara Lukinson’s abundant sampling of clips—and lively storytelling—make for joyful and moving evenings to spend with Irving Berlin and George and Ira Gershwin, along with the artists who keep their songs alive.
June 9 Let’s Face the Music and Dance: Songs by Irving Berlin
It may have all started with the young Irving Berlin, churning out the first popular songs that people danced to, loved with, cried over, and dreamed about. Broadway and the movies made them famous, but time made them American classics. Deceptively simple songs, beautifully crafted, they still touch the heart, lift spirits, make you smile, and want to keep on singing them. Songs include “Blue Skies,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “White Christmas,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and “Let’s Face the Music and Dance.”
June 23 ’S Wonderful: The Songs of George and Ira Gershwin
The two brothers, one a musical genius, the other a poet, were devoted to one another and their songs, which brimmed over with American freshness. Along with Berlin, they were the first to imagine what popular songs could be. George Gershwin dared to blend classical music with jazz, and Ira dared to be a literate while also lighthearted. Their songs, whether romantic or effervescent, are beautifully crafted, singable miracles, and America’s gift to the world. Songs include “Someone to Watch Over Me,” ’S Wonderful,” “I Got Rhythm,” “I Loves You Porgy,” “The Man I Love,” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.”
2 sessions
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