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Lineup: Kevin Sings Johnny“Kevin Sings Johnny” pays special tribute to the compelling career of legendary crooner Johnny Mathis, bringing the “Mathis Magic” to life for a whole new generation of music lovers. The show is divided into four sections: Old School (Johnny's debut recordings for Columbia Records - before he was famous), Classics (“Chances Are”, Twelfth of Never” and many more), a Swing Softly section, and a Modern section from the mid-1960's to the present. This groundbreaking show is unique in that it uses fresh musical transcriptions from the original album recordings, carefully rearranged and fully-scored for a ten-piece orchestra, including a sweet little string section and a tight horn section to boot. It's also unique for preserving the original keys to the songs, making it one of the most challenging shows to perform, even for the most seasoned vocalist. “Kevin Sings Johnny” allows you to sit back and enjoy this wonderful musical journey celebrating one of the most prolific performers in the history of popular song. KEVIN KIRKENDAHL: Born in Minneapolis, MN in 1965, Kevin studied music theory, voice and theater for several years as a young actor with the world-renowned Children's Theater Company. He went on to star as Milton in the award-winning off-Broadway hit, "Avenue X: the a cappella Musical" at the Great American History Theater in St. Paul, MN. He earned a double major in history and theater as well as a master's degree combining history and drama from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Kevin is comfortable performing a wide variety of musical styles (a cappella, do-wop, R&B, gospel, pop, folk, jazz, etc.) and has honed his skills specializing in the challenging vocal techniques of Johnny Mathis, Al Jarreau, Nat King Cole, George Benson, Bobby McFerrin, Sam Cooke and more. He has spent the last several years in Los Angeles performing jazz standards and the Great American Songbook. His wide vocal range, impeccable phrasing and intimate sense of song have brought him critical acclaim from some of the best in the business. He has the uncanny ability to sound like Johnny without sounding like an imitation. THE SUNSET JUNCTION PLAYERS: The Sunset Junction Players are a collaboration of the finest musicians in Los Angeles celebrating the legendary crooners, the Great American Songbook and more. These players include: RHYTHM SECTION: - Chris Glik, piano (Platters, The Ink Spots, Coasters, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra) - Steve Pemberton, drums (Johnny Mathis, Mel Torme, Count Basie) - Mike Flick, bass (Glenn Miller, Harry James, Jimmy Dorsey, Four Aces), - Ron Hershewe, guitar (Johnny Mathis, The Ink Spots, Freddy Hubbard, Shirley Jones) HORN SECTION: - Bram Glik, tenor saxophone (Bobby Caldwell, Barbara Morrison, Mayer Hawthorn) - Juliane Gralle, trombone (Metropole Orchestra, HR Frankfurt Radio Big Band, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Vince Mendoza, Tori Amos) - Brian Swartz, trumpet (Michael Bublé, Patti Labelle, The Dixie Chicks, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Natalie Cole) STRING SECTION: - Jean Sudbury, violin ((Johnny Mathis, Melissa Manchester, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles) - Robert Matsuda, violin (Ray Charles, Joni Mitchell, Faith Hill, Gwen Stefani) - Novi Novog, viola (Prince, Doobie Brothers, Frank Zappa, Michael Jackson)