A-list Lineup of Musical Guests Makes This a “Starry” Night
NEW YORK–(Business Wire)–
Everyone`s favorite “Hitman” David Foster joins Great Performances superstar
Andrea Bocelli for a new Christmas concert of holiday classics airing on
Thanksgiving night. Showcasing Bocelli`s unmistakable soaring vocals are lush
new arrangements infused with the distinctive Foster touch. The inspiring
concert performance, recorded at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, also features
special musical guests Natalie Cole, Mary J. Blige, Reba McEntire, Welsh
mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, The Muppets and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Among the featured songs highlighted will be “White Christmas,” “Oh Holy Night,”
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” “The Christmas
Song,” “What Child is This” and many more. Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: My
Christmas will be broadcast in the New York City/tri-state viewing area on
THIRTEEN`s Great Performances series in HD on Thanksgiving night, Thursday,
November 26 at 8 p.m. EST, with additional broadcasts continuing in December on
PBS stations nationwide (check local listings).
Great Performances is a production of THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG -
one of America`s most prolific and respected public media providers.
The My Christmas concert is the ultimate holiday musical experience from Andrea
Bocelli, showcasing the tenor in performances of traditional carols and other
favorites in English, with a few additional selections in Italian and German.
Regarding Christmas music, the star remarks, “I have long dreamed of recording a
holiday album that captures the beautiful traditions of the holiday season.
Every year, these songs have brought incredible joy to me and my family, and it
is my hope to give back that same joy by making this album.” Of her experience
singing Elvis Presley`s “Blue Christmas” with Bocelli during the taping, country
music star Reba McEntire told the Toronto Sun, “I sat there in awe. I just loved
it. (His voice) is rich like frosting on a cake - decadent. It`s so full. I
stood there right beside him and just watched him.”
An iconic figure in music who has sold more than 60 million albums to date,
Bocelli continues to defy categorization, age barriers and labels of any kind.
In concert or on the opera stage, he has sung with everyone from Luciano
Pavarotti and Placido Domingo to Bono and Celine Dion. In addition to his solo
Great Performances concert programs, Bocelli`s many memorable television
appearances include the Oscar and Grammy Awards telecasts, mentoring contestants
on American Idol and performances at the Official Ceremonies of the Olympic
Games, all of which have propelled Andrea Bocelli into becoming a global
household name in contemporary popular music.
The national PBS broadcast of Andrea Bocelli and David Foster: My Christmas is
produced by THIRTEEN for WNET.ORG.
By Jay Lustig/The Star-Ledger
October 25, 2009, 1:29PM
The tour is called “David Foster and Friends.” And after more than 30 years as one of the pop world’s most successful songwriter-producers, Foster has plenty of friends to call on.
Peter Cetera (formerly of Chicago) and Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind and Fire) were there when the tour hit the Prudential Center in Newark, Saturday. So were Deborah Cox, “American Idol” alumni Ruben Studdard and Michael Johns, and the quartet, the Canadian Tenors. But the closing slot went to a woman who has not released an album in the United States yet: Charice, a 17-year-old from the Philippines who is well known her own country, and is being mentored by Foster for worldwide stardom.
She has a big voice and, like another Foster protege, Celine Dion, projects a sense of steely determination when she sings. In this show, she was called on to belt out songs Foster has produced and/or co-written for divas Dion (”The Power of Love”) and Whitney Houston (”I Will Always Love You,” “I Have Nothing”), as well as her own Foster-produced single, “Note To God.” Her poise and vocal command were impressive, especially in light of her youth. She ended her memorable mini-set with “I Will Survive,” one of the few songs in the show that Foster didn’t write or produce.
As expected, it was an evening of clean-cut, immaculately crafted pop music. Foster never has been hip, but his knack for helping singers make the most of their talents — two of his recent finds are Josh Groban and Michael Buble — is beyond question.
Foster, 59, served as the show’s amiable host, and accompanied everyone on piano. At several points, he emphasized that this was the third show of his first tour, ever.
Johns sang two of Foster’s rock hits: “She’s a Beauty” and “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion),” recorded by the Tubes and John Parr, respectively. The show’s three backing vocalists, meanwhile, tackled the “West Side Story” ballad “Somewhere” (which Foster produced for Barbra Streisand) and “Got To Be Real,” his disco hit with Cheryl Lynn.
Studdard stood in for Al Jarreau (the swinging “Mornin’”) and All-4-One (the earnest “I Swear”), and brought a touch of blues grit to “Home,” a hit for both Buble and country singer Blake Shelton.
Cetera and Bailey sang some of the buttery pop-soul hits they have made with Foster, and also briefly touched on their non-Foster history — Bailey with an excerpt from “Easy Lover,” Cetera with “If You Leave Me Now.”
Foster will soon embark on his second tour, joining Andrea Bocelli to perform songs from Bocelli’s upcoming, Foster-produced holiday album, “My Christmas.” Stops will include the Izod Center in East Rutherford, Dec. 5.
Michael Johns singing “Man In Motion”David Foster and Friends NJ 10/24
Peter Cetera “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” at David Foster NYC 10/23
Michael Johns and Peter Cetera Hard Habit to Break
David Foster playing St. Elmo’s Fire theme song
David Foster and Friends: Ruben Studdard - I Swear
David Foster and Friends: Ruben Studdard - Home
David Foster and Friends (Chicago): Charice - Bodyguard Medley
David Foster & Friends (BOSTON): Charice - Somewhere Over The Rainbow
David Foster & Friends: Canadian Tenors - Halleluiah
David Foster & Friends (BOSTON): Charice - Note to God
David Foster & Friends (BOSTON): Charice - The Power of Love
Deborah Cox and Cody Karey “The Prayer” @ David Foster & Friends concert 2009 w/ Charice
David Foster and Friends - America’s Song - Boston 10/25/09
David Foster and Friends (New Jersey): Charice - “I Will Survive”
Deborah Cox - “Un-break My Heart” - David Foster & Friends Concert Tour, Chicago
Deborah Cox - “Through The Fire” - David Foster & Friends Concert Tour, Chicago
One of the first producers Celine worked with on her inaugural English album ‘Unison’ was David Foster. That sparked a musical relationship that has spanned decades. David has produced some of Celine’s greatest hits, including “All By Myself” and the timeless classic “Because You Loved Me”. Starting this month, David will hit the road for his 10-city David Foster & Friends Tour and Celine couldn’t be happier for him:
“Hi David! I really want to congratulate you on your first North American tour this fall! I’ve heard so much about it and it’s great that you’re celebrating your 60th birthday this way. It’s so great to see you bringing good music to all of us and discovering new talent. Best wishes and thanks again for everything we’ve done together.
POSTED BY DOUG ANDERSEN
Capping off an intense week of multiple recording sessions inside the historic Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a few hours this month.
“The Lord’s Prayer,” featuring Andrea Bocelli, the choir and orchestra, and David Foster at the organ will be part of a PBS Christmas special produced by WNET. After several takes, David Foster then switched to the piano to accompany both the choir and orchestra for “The Prayer,” a song he personally composed, which will be featured in an upcoming choir and orchestra recording.
Between takes of the recording process, Bocelli sat down at the Tabernacle’s famous pipe organ and gave an impromptu recital of “Ave Maria” while accompanying himself.
“It was beautiful; his sweet voice carried throughout the Tabernacle,” said choir member Robb Cundick, who also said the unplanned performance was his favorite part of the afternoon.
After the conclusion of “The Lord’s Prayer,” Bocelli said he had enjoyed his day in Salt Lake as well as singing in the Tabernacle. He complimented the Tabernacle acoustics and said that the entire experience was very moving.
“For me it was a huge experience,” Bocelli said. “The quality of the choir is very high. … The orchestra also (is) very inspiring.”
Wales News
Sep 18 2009 by Robin Turner, Western Mail
SOPRANO Katherine Jenkins looks set for her big break in the US, thanks to a television Christmas special.
The Neath star is to sing a duet with tenor Andrea Bocelli in his festive show on the PBS network.
The show, which will also feature Mary J Blige, Natalie Cole and The Muppets, looks set to bring the 29-year-old to a big American audience, with PBS boasting 65 million viewers.
Although Jenkins has insisted she does not want to move from the UK, it will certainly boost sales of her new album, Believe, the first she has recorded in the US.
The Welsh diva had a huge ovation from the 5,000-strong crowd at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre this week where the Christmas show was recorded in front of a live audience.
Bocelli picked Jenkins to sing the ballad I Believe after being impressed with her when they duetted during the 2007 Strictly Come Dancing final.
The singer, due to arrive back in Britain at Heathrow Airport today in time for her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing tomorrow night, was clearly thrilled by her quick visit to Hollywood.
She enthused on her website yesterday: “I’m here on a whistle stop tour – I arrived on Sunday and I go home on Thursday.
“I’m here to perform a TV concert with David Foster and Andrea Bocelli for a PBS Christmas special.
“It’s being filmed at the Kodak theatre… where the Oscars are held! You should see the set, it’s incredible! There are Christmas trees and fake snow, it looks like a magical Christmas in Hollywood!”
She added: “As soon as I get back to the UK I have to prepare for my performance on Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday!
“I’m a massive fan of the show and had so much fun performing on it with Andrea Bocelli in 2007, so I’m really pleased to be involved again.
“I’ll be singing ‘I Believe’ from my new album, but instead of singing it as a duet with Andrea (as I do on the album), I’ll be singing it solo. I can’t wait to see all the dancers in their fabulous outfits!”
Celebrity-watchers believe the Christmas special could well be Katherine’s big break in the US.
Beverley Watts, editor of the online version of Celebrity magazine Now, said: “She has a new management team who are said to be very keen for her to cross the Atlantic.
“Katherine has told us she has no intention of moving to the US on a permanent basis but she’ll need to spend a decent amount of time there to make it work.
“And Bocelli is, of course, massive in America and with the right choice of music, Katherine could now crack it in the US and of course she’s a stunning girl.”
And Elaine Penn, deputy showbiz editor of TV Quick magazine, added: “Katherine Jenkins is already a huge name in the UK, due to her enormous talent. And to be asked to record a duet in the States with Andrea Bocelli is high praise indeed as he’s an international star, recognised the world over and huge in the US.
“Appearing alongside him on PBS could be just the exposure Katherine needs to make it there – after all, the station is said to be America’s ‘most trusted national institution’.”
Producer David Foster is now steering Jenkins’ US career. He said: “Katherine’s voice is right up there with the best. On the Christmas TV special with Andrea she both looked and sounded beautiful.”
Although the star has signalled her intention to break into the American market, moving permanently to the States is something she has said she is keen to avoid.
In a recent interview with Now magazine, she asserted: “I have no intention of moving to America.
“I have a house in London and all my family in Wales. I love it in the US but I am definitely not going to move there.”
Worldwide Superstar Andrea Bocelli Set to Release His First-Ever Holiday CD,
My Christmas
Produced By The Grammy-Award Winning David Foster, Available November 3rd On
Sugar/Decca
NEW YORK, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Millions will rejoice this holiday season
with the much-anticipated release of Andrea Bocelli’s My Christmas. The
first-ever Christmas recording from Andrea is a heart-warming collection of
songs destined to become a holiday classic for years to come. Produced by the
legendary David Foster, the CD features the singer’s unmistakable soaring
vocals, alongside duets with special guests to be announced soon. My
Christmas will be released on Sugar/Decca on November 3rd.
My Christmas is the ultimate holiday recording from Andrea Bocelli, who sings
traditional carols and favorites in English, with a few selections also
featuring Italian and German. The lush, beautiful arrangements are evident
throughout; highlights include “White Christmas,” “Oh Holy Night,” “Santa
Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” “The Christmas
Song,” and “What Child Is This” among others.
“I have long dreamed of recording a holiday album that captures the beautiful
traditions of the holiday season. Every year these songs have brought
incredible joy to my family and I, and it is my hope to give back that same
joy by making this album,” commented Bocelli. My Christmas will also be a
major component of a PBS Great Performances special to air on Public
Television this December. The program will present both Andrea Bocelli and
David Foster together in a stellar Christmas program, to be filmed on
September 15th at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.
Additionally on the live front, Andrea is slated to perform three historic
classical concerts for the first time ever at New York City’s famed Carnegie
Hall on September 8th, 9th and 11th. A series of very special Christmas
concerts are slated for December; confirmed dates include November 28th at
Bank Atlantic Center in Ft Lauderdale, December 3rd at Air Canada Center in
Toronto, December 5th at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ, December
12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and December 13th at the Honda Center in
Anaheim.
An iconic figure in music who has sold over 60 million albums to date, Bocelli
continues to defy categorization, age barriers and labels of all kinds. In
concert or on the opera stage, he has worked with everyone from Luciano
Pavarotti and Placido Domingo to Bono. His memorable television appearances
on such events including The Grammy Awards, mentoring contestants on American
Idol, and the Official Ceremonies of past Olympic Games have propelled Andrea
Bocelli to a global household name.
14th Annual Concert Benefits Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and Supports Foundation’s Work to Transform Education.
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) August 31, 2009 — The Andre Agassi Foundation (AAF) today announced that Dane Cook, Daughtry, Tim McGraw and Brian McKnight will headline its 2009 Grand Slam for Children benefit concert, under the musical direction of David Foster. The annual event supports the Foundation’s efforts to transform education and benefits the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a K-12 public charter school in Las Vegas that strives to provide children with a first-class education. Hosted by tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi and presented by Genworth Financial, the 2009 Grand Slam for Children will take place Saturday, Sept., 26 at Wynn Las Vegas.
“Each year, the stars align and donate their talents to celebrate our achievements and support our work in education,” said Agassi. “This year’s Grand Slam for Children promises to be an incredible night of entertainment that benefits Agassi Prep and allows us to create opportunities that change children’s lives.”
This year’s Grand Slam for Children will bring together top-name talent under the musical direction of Grammy award-winning producer, arranger and composer David Foster. Comedian Dane Cook, whose double platinum album Retaliation became the highest charting comedy album in 28 years; Grammy-nominated rock band Daughtry, fronted by former American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry, whose new album Leave This Town debuted No.1 on the Billboard Top 200; Grammy, Country Music Association and American Music Award-winning country music star Tim McGraw; and singer, songwriter and producer Brian McKnight will be joined by additional performers to be announced prior to the Sept. 26 benefit concert.
The 14th Annual Grand Slam for Children will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Wynn Las Vegas. The evening will include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, live auction and benefit concert. Sponsorships for the Grand Slam for Children are still available at the following levels: Gold $17,500, Platinum $40,000 and Diamond $85,000. Individual seats are also available in sets of two; at the Gold level for $3,500 and at the Platinum level for $8,000.
NEW YORK - (Business Wire) Famed musical showman, producer and songwriter David Foster and some of his talented friends will be embarking on a 10-city tour of “David Foster and Friends” starting in Chicago on October 21st, including stops in New York, Boston, LA, Vancouver, Miami and other markets, it was confirmed today by Warner Bros. Records. In addition to such artists as Philip Bailey from the chart-topping Earth, Wind and Fire, Oprah protégé Charice, Chicago’s Peter Cetera and American Idol’s Michael Johns, fans can expect surprise visits at every show.
Foster, who has an unparalleled four-decade career producing, writing, discovering and nurturing some of the greatest talents in music, has added a special event to the “Foster and Friends Show” - a HIT MAN Talent Search for emerging artists that will take place in each city. Talent in each market will compete to be the next mega-artist by submitting video performances to NAMEDROP.COM. Following the pre-selection, radio and TV stations in their markets will air the selected video/audio clips and viewers/listeners will vote for the two finalists via station websites. The two finalists get to perform with Foster in front of a live audience during the Foster and Friends Concert. The audience and Foster will choose the final winner, who will be flown to Vancouver on November 8th for a final showdown in Foster’s home town.
With one of Hollywood’s most impressive phone books, Foster has yet to reveal which guests might visit him on stage during the tour. “Cher and Donny Osmond both surprised me in Las Vegas so I think people won’t be disappointed. I can certainly say each show will be very special and loads of fun. You never know what’s going to happen with this much talent on stage,” commented Foster who performed two sold out shows at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas recently.
Foster, a 15-time Grammy winner whose PBS Great Performances Special, “David Foster and Friends” was the highest pledged PBS show in history, will perform with his friends some of the hits that have paved the way for the many artists that he has worked with over the years, including Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, Chaka Khan, Madonna, Chicago and The Corrs. Foster recently produced Seal’s critically acclaimed, “Soul” CD, Michael Bublé’s upcoming “Crazy Love” CD and a cut on Whitney Houston’s new CD. He is also in the studio with Oprah discovery Charice, who received five standing ovations during her recent performance in Las Vegas. David Foster’s current DVD/CD “Foster and Friends” is available on 143/Reprise Records.
Tour dates are as follows:
21-Oct Chicago, IL Wed Rosemont Theatre
23-Oct New York, NY Fri WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden
24-Oct Newark, NJ Sat Prudential Center
25-Oct Boston, MA Sun Agganis Arena
28-Oct Atlanta, GA Wed Fox Theatre
30-Oct Tampa, FL Fri St. Pete Times Forum
1-Nov Hollywood, FL Sun Hard Rock Live
5-Nov Los Angeles, CA Thur Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk
6-Nov San Jose, CA Fri HP Pavilion
8-Nov Vancouver, BC Sun General Motors Place
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