“We will do a presentation of classic songs from the American Songbook with a sprinkling of patriotic tunes,” said Hennings. “We’ll do favorites like “Summertime,” “Mack the Knife,” “Making Whoopee” and offer music to inspire love of our country too. “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” will definitely be on our set list.”
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Although Hennings does not plan to play any of Miles Davis’ greatest hits on the program, he said that his music has been greatly influenced by the Alton native’s “cool jazz” sound. Hennings will be performing as part of the Miles Davis celebration scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, in Downtown Alton, coinciding with the unveiling of the commemorative statue on Third Street.
In collaboration with the Miles Davis Committee and Pride, Inc., the Jacoby Arts Center will have a special display twelves of Miles Davis’ most popular album covers mounted on a wall in the East Gallery. Titles include Davis’ groundbreaking album, “Kind of Blue.”
The exhibit has been made possible through the generous loan of Pete Basola’s collection of vintage Miles Davis albums and with special thanks to Quint Long and Dr. Tony Phillips, the new owners of Picture This and More, for supplying the frames.
Accompanying Hennings are the husband/wife duo of Marty and Eric Johnson on piano and bass respectively and percussionist Peter Hussey.
“I met the Johnson’s from a performance at the Unitarian Church, so there’s familiarity there. Marty has an insistence on getting tunes right when we rehearse and Eric is solid on the bass,” Hennings said.
The concert will also feature gourmet popcorn from PopUtopia, formerly The Hive. Both savory and sweet autumnal flavors will be available, including pumpkin spice, caramel, candy corn, turtle and kettle corn.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10, and no reservation is required. Food and drink are available at an additional cost.
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