Grammy-Winning Michael Feinstein Performs

Michael Feinstein, multi-platinum selling and five-time Grammy nominated singer and pianist, will headline the Spring Gala for Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County at Westport Country Playhouse on Saturday, March 12, 2011. 

“We’re thrilled to have one of the Premier interpreters of American standards appear in Westport,” says NSFC Chairman Harold Levine, who lives in Westport.  “This will be his first time on the Playhouse stage.  He’s looking forward to it and so are we!”

Through his live performances, recordings, film and TV appearances, as well as songwriting, Feinstein has become an ‘all-star force’ in American music.  His 150 plus shows a year have included performances at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Buckingham Palace and the White House.  He is nationally recognized for his commitment to celebrating America’s popular song and preserving its legacy. 

Most recently, he hosted “American Songbook”, a three-part PBS special that traced the history of popular music in our country.  His Manhattan nightclub, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, presents top talents of pop and jazz.  He appears there for a sold-out holiday engagement every year.

Neighborhood Studios, formerly known as the Music and Arts Center for Humanity (MACH), provides arts education to children at risk and those with special needs.  Its goals are to improve academic performance, increase graduation rates and serve as a catalyst for lifelong success. 

The funds raised at the Spring Gala will be used to support three extra-ordinary summer camp programs-Ailey Camp for young dancers, Camp Hart for handicapped children and the Conservatory for talented high school music and art students.  For more information on Neighborhood Studios please visit www.musicandartscenter.org or visit our facebook page at Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County.

The Co-chairs of the Spring Gala are Harold Levine and Robert Jacobs of Westport.  The committee includes Adria Pearl- Belport, Vida Florian, Mark Graham, David Hart, Lucy Johnson, Lisa Shufro and Alicia Wettenstein.  Corporate sponsors for the event thus far include Pitney-Bowes, General Electric, People’s Bank, MX Energy, Westport Resources, Gault Inc., Moet Hennessy and the Steinway Gallery of Westport.

Tickets for the gala are available at $75, $150 and $250.  Tickets at $250 include orchestra seating and a post-performance reception with Michael Feinstein.  Tickets may be ordered by calling the Westport Country Playhouse box office at 203-227-4177 or by visiting the website at www.westportplayhouse.org.