Dirtadian is jazzed up for Sinatra show show
By Cathalena E. Burch
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Armen Dirtadian has been performing music in Tucson for 30 years. But
nothing to this point has excited him as much as his concert Monday at
the Gaslight Theatre.
He’s doing Sinatra the way Old Blue Eyes himself did Sinatra: with a
full big band and those unforgettable arrangements by Nelson Riddle.
But there is one hitch: Dirtadian will be backed by the stringless,
18-piece University of Arizona Jazz Ensemble – brass, woodwinds, jazz
guitar and percussion. Riddle’s arrangements included a string
section.
"They’ve had to rearrange them, because it’s just a big band minus
strings. But some of the arrangements I’m going to sing are real
close," he said of "Frank & Ella: a Tribute Concert to Frank Sinatra &
Ella Fitzgerald," co-starring Katherine Byrnes.
The pair will present two shows – at 3 and 7 p.m. Monday – of popular
hits by both legendary singers. There are very few tickets left for
the 7 p.m. show.
Dirtadian said the song list includes some of Sinatra’s
classics. "Come Fly With Me," "New York, New York" and "My Way" are
among them.
"Out of the 30 years I’ve performed in Tucson, this is going to be one
of my highlights," Dirtadian said. "I finally get to perform with a
big band, and these kids are just fabulous musicians."
Dirtadian said he hopes to give the UA School of Music a $1,500
honorarium for the ensemble’s participation.
Tickets are $21.95 through the Gaslight, 7010 E. Broadway. Group
discounts are available. Details: 886-9428.
Cathalena E. Burch
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
