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Russ Lorenson Brings Tony Bennett Tribute to San Diego, 8/22

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San Diego native Russ Lorenson comes home with his acclaimed show, Benedetto/Blessed: Celebrating the Life and Music of Tony Bennett, for one performance only, at 5:00pm on August 22nd at The Celebration Cabaret, 5820 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121. Show tickets are $20-$42.50, and are available at here.

Russ Lorenson honors an American music icon in his show, Benedetto/Blessed: Celebrating the Life and Music of Tony Bennett. Lorenson's tribute has enjoyed sold-out runs across the country, including San Francisco's Empire Plush Room, Sterling's Upstairs in Los Angeles, Milwaukee's Wilson Center for the Arts, and New York's famed Iridium Jazz Club. The show comes directly to San Diego after a successful five week run as the centerpiece of the 2010 Something COOL Summer Cabaret Festival in San Francisco, and is musically directed by renowned jazz pianist Kelly Park.

In honor - not impersonation - of Mr. Bennett (whose birth name, Benedetto, translates to “blessed" in Italian), and his successful career spanning over six decades, Lorenson performs an array of the crooner's biggest hits, including “I Left My Heart in San Francisco," “Fly Me To The Moon," “Because of You" and “The Shadow of Your Smile," and tells the story of this remarkable artist's life.

“I find great inspiration in Mr. Bennett's music and artistic vision," says Lorenson. “The Great American Songbook has had no greater champion, and I am honored to be singing Mr. Bennett's greatest hits in the town where I left my own heart."

Russ Lorenson has established a reputation as one of today's leading interpreters of jazz standards, with a sound and approach that place him at the intersection of Broadway, jazz, and pop - the very essence of the Great American Songbook. Jazz Review says that “Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick; he is his own man."

Nominated for a MAC Award by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs, Russ Lorenson's passion for the stage started as a youngster, with a performing career that began at age seven. As an actor he has appeared in award-winning musical productions with theatre companies throughout the US, including San Diego's own Starlight Musical Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, and Lyric Opera San Diego. As a vocalist he has toured the US, UK and Europe, appearing in concert with such luminaries as Broadway stars Teri Ralston, Karen Mason, and Dale Kristien; “Queen of Cabaret" Andrea Marcovicci, jazz diva Wesla Whitfield, and as the opening act for the legendary Eartha Kitt.

Lorenson's previous nightclub show, A Little Travelin' Music, played to sold-out audiences on both coasts. His debut CD of the same name features songs from the show and includes duets with special guests Shawn Ryan and Klea Blackhurst. His second CD, What I Want For Christmas, has received extensive radio airplay in major markets across the US.

In recognition of his solid and sophisticated musical vocabulary, Jazz Review says that “"Lorenson is not just a crooner covering the traditional Sinatra style or trying to be the next Connick, he is his own man." The Napa Valley Register said that “...Lorenson's tribute is solid gold." The San Francisco Examiner said, “...with his quartet accompaniment, he revealed the artistry of a master crooner...Lorenson's own vocal technique is a masterpiece." The San Diego Union-Tribune said that his “relaxed, easy deliveries...seem natural and heartfelt..." The Los Angeles Times said that he brings “a supple voice and strong sense of characterization to all his songs." Talkin'Broadway.com said that “Russ Lorenson has brought the crooner style back to the cabaret scene...reminiscent of those singers that I used to hear when the 52nd Street cabarets were the cat's meow." BeyondChron.com said, “This tribute to Tony Bennett is also a tribute to Russ Lorenson...He embodies every nuance about Tony Bennett without trying to act like him. And that, my friends, is what great genius is all about." The Juice Weekly called Russ “...a performer that is reminiscent of the old greats..." The Coronado Journal simply called him “...irresistible..."

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