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Tony DeSare: Let’s Misbehave

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Pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare is known for delivering a fresh and versatile take on old-school jazz. He plays cabarets and clubs as well as large concert halls. Now he’s looking forward to two evenings at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton that include vocals, instruments, and even tap dancing. “This show is my baby,” he says. He came up with the concept, and the result is a show called “Let’s Misbehave: The Songs of Cole Porter.”

DeSare will be on piano, John Manzari will tap dance, and Aubrey Logan will play trombone. Oh, and all three will provide vocals. Add the full Edmonton Symphony Orchestra led by guest conductor Cosette Justo Valdés, and as DeSare notes, “You have a lot of different things you can combine, and that is such a fun way to approach entertainment.”

DeSare came up in the jazz and cabaret scene in New York, and says, “When I got a record deal, that’s when I started to tour.” To play concerts with a full orchestra is particularly fun for him. “There’s nothing better than sharing the stage with a great orchestra,” he says, “when everyone is doing their best to share beautiful music.”

And the music of Cole Porter lends itself well to this dynamic, exuberant program. “I have sometimes shied away from doing a show all about one composer, but Cole Porter’s music is different,” says DeSare. “He wrote so many kinds of songs with so many different structures. His songs don’t sound old. They are sexy, current, and clever.” He adds, “He wrote both music and lyrics. He was one of the few people at that time to do both. There’s so much to pull from, so he’s perfect for a variety show.”

DeSare keeps busy providing music for movies, and he has another symphonic pop show in the works. He puts out a new single every month with horns and strings accompaniment. He also shares “Song Diaries” each week, which are solo performances of him singing at the piano. “Right now I’m just following wherever the wind takes me. It’s fun.”

Tony DeSare performs in “Let’s Misbehave: The Songs of Cole Porter,” October 11 and 12 at The Winspear Centre in Edmonton. Find info at winspearcentre.com