Connie Francis Concert Reviews, 2006 to 2007
http://www.mfwright.com/connie_francis/cfconcertrev5.html
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Connie at Neil Sedaka: 50 Years of Hits in NYC
October 26, 2007
A concert of Neil’s songs performed by Neil and many friends including Connie Francis at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York.
Terry Murtaugh found these links of photos of Connie, Neil and others at Lincoln Center:
Denise Larin assembled a montage video of 40 pictures by B. Bank at http://www.delarco45.multiply.com. Some of the pictures were taken backstage or at the party that followed the show and some were taken while Connie was singing Where The Boys Are and when she sang with Neil.
Sedaka Returns, With Friends:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305858,00.html#3
Video and article interview of Neil Sedaka:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/25/sunday/main3409785.shtml
It follows after the comercial and it’s 2' 56" interview.
Connie in San Francisco at Castro Theatre
October 13, 2007
by website editor:
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| Connie during first part of concert |
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| Connie on stage, her signature on screen |
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| Doug Walters conducts orchestra and plays the piano |
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| Connie in a sexy dress during second part of show |
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Connie on stage and live,
difficult to capture the moment and emotion in photos |
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| Connie and her backup singer Scottie Haskell on left |
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| Connie introducing drummer Bobby Grauso |
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| Scottie Haskell, Connie’s backup singer |
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| Connie with Bobby Darin |
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| UK magazine Picturegoer article from 1959 |
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| Frank Sinatra in backdrop as Connie sings one of his songs |
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| One of Connie’s "Secret Sister" articles from fan magazines |
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| Maybe the only true fan magazine article about Connie |
Very good, Connie’s presentation was strong at this show, orchestra very in tune with everything. Bobby Hammon (of Style Five Salon in Las Vegas), one of Connie’s piasanos who follow her everywhere, summed up the show as, “She bowled them over!” (I asked to elaborate) “as in bowling, Connie knocked the audience down.” And yes, everyone was definitely wowed at this performance. Singing Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” seems that Connie’s strongest singing strengths are in other languages but yet her standards are always great as she did with Frank Sinatra’s song.
Unlike the recent Boston newspaper article saying Connie ran through her monologe like reading from a script, this performance Connie was relaxed and having fun with it like in a conversation. She talked about all the places she has been at with Bobby Grauso (this concert here, performance there, going to Vietnam, etc). and of course, “how long have we been together?” Bobby answered, “47 years!” Connie then said, “nobody say what my age is!”
Connie wore a pants suit outfit first part of show, and then a stunning black dress for second part of show. Her hair was nice and poofy and makeup very glamourous with sparkly stuff (for you makeover artist let me know the correct technical term). She should have done a professional photoshoot and would be able to make considerable profit selling the prints.
Sound system was pretty good, though this theatre by its inherent design from the 1920s makes poor acoustics for such a concert arrangement but Don Tittle must have done his magic because you can clearly her Connie’s voice. Maybe some instruments were a little off but you have to be a professional audiophile to spot such. However, this is live, this is the real person, what you see and here is for real. No lipsyncing crap to some CD (recorded by another artist). You get the real Connie at her shows.
Michael Dardenelle stopped by where I was sitting so we swapped Connie stories, glad he tracked me down because I had no idea where to find him (not sure what he looked like). I did see many other fans there as well: Paulette, Cora, Eric, Fran, Nick, Bobby.... Michael talked about the shirt and the difficult logistics of putting it together. He and Mike Church emailed back and forth regarding the artwork and none of them saw the final product until it was finished. Shirts were a big sell at the concert. Earlier in the day, Connie thanked Michael for the work involved in making them. The colors on the shirt are brilliant.
I saw Connie briefly at the meet and greet (and yes I told her how much I enjoyed the show). It was a long line of fans but I had her autograph the Italian Favorites album for the Italian American Heritage Foundation (http://www.iahfsj.org), I also gave her a hardcopy of the paragraph from Nick Clooney’s article in Cincinnati Post of what he wrote regarding Connie and Madonna in music. I printed the page from Jonathon’s March concert countdown webpage (I told Connie to not feel too pressured to start on time).
Took lotsa photos, most photos were too blurry, ones that are reasonable have some blur but hopefully it gives the motions at the time. It is difficult to capture the moment, you have to be there to experience it. Many others took photos and most likely very good ones so send them! Someone asked me a list of all the songs she performed (I didn’t tally these) but many others (and you know who you are) can write more definitive music analysis than I can so send it to me for my concert review page.
Photos shown in the background screen along with many video scenes from the fan magazines (“My Father Kept Me A Prisoner!” maybe the only true fan magazine story?). Of course Bobby Darin shown, including the duet they did on Ed Sullivan with Connie wearing the beautiful white dress.
One of the new photos shown in backdrop was one of Connie with Frank Sinatra. Fan club also mailed this photo to members in quarterly newsletter prior to this show.
Some other things on the concert: I spoke briefly with Scottie Haskell about her singing in commercials and movies. I asked what was the most interesting works, she said all of it was enjoyable. Scottie was able to do the solo performance at the opening of Paris Las Vegas which she spent considerable practice to sing well in French. The movie “Matrix Revolutions” was particularly challenging for Scottie as the language they were singing in is called Sanskrit. Sanskrit is probably the oldest known language, Scottie mentioned, “it’s actually very sacred in fact when you chant in this language you can feel the energy. It’s very cool actually!” I wanted to find out more as I’m sure she has many interesting stories with all the work in many commercials and movies. Her father is Jimmie Haskell, a composer who worked with many performers including Bobby Darin, and he is still active. His webpage is http://www.jimmiehaskell.com. Another photo of Scottie at http://www.terikoide.com/gallery4b.html
I also talked to Nick who guided Connie from the back to the main stage. Castro theatre stage has a narrow segment for Connie to enter from left, it is only two feet wide with a 18 inch drop at the stairs (which is why she did not enter from the audience rear). Nick had to make sure Connie does not veer off and not trip on a number of cables with bright spotlight on her.
I heard there is not much room behind the stage curtains and behind the stage are cables everywhere with lots of opportunities to trip and fall.
About Connie’s performance, between songs she said she wanted to move around the stage more but there is not much room. I think she wanted to be more expressive and dance around more if it wasn’t for all the speakers and cables taking up what space was left on the stage floor.
Orchestra members, local hires, are always good at Connie’s shows. She only brings Bobby Grauso, Doug Walters and Don Tittle. But then some concerts have orchestra members better than others. I think these guys were exceptional because Doug spent more time playing the piano instead of directing the orchestra. During the intermission, the orchestra members were relaxed with smiles and chit-chats.
Sheet music shows the overture written by Peter Matzo in Feb 1985.
As far as elouquet elaborate review with excellent prose on the concert, I rely on others to provide that. For me it is basically the usual “I enjoy her concerts, her singing, she’s beautiful, I want to date her, etc, etc, etc....”
Guy Consterdine writes:
One of Mike Wright’s enjoyable photos from Connie’s concert at Castro Theater, SF, showed an article from Picturegoer magazine reproduced on the big screen behind Connie. It’s photo 21 of 43.
The article is from the 11 April 1959 issue of Picturegoer, a legendary UK magazine which alas no longer exists. At school I was an avid reader of Picturegoer, being mad on films as well as music. The photos of Connie from the photo session when this was taken are among my favourites.
Previous night prior to concert Castro theatre showed “Where The Boys Are” that was actual film, which is better quality than digital.
San Francisco concert media coverage:
Comeback Connie Francis (click title for article)
Oct 9, 2007
by Greg Archer, The Examiner
“When the likes of Paris Hilton can land record deals — and get away with it — some may find it downright refreshing that Connie Francis is able rise like a phoenix from the fickle ashes of pop culture and show the world the real secret to longevity: class.”
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| signed album for Italian American Heritage Foundation |
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Orchestra horns in front of audience front row,
not enough room on stage for the trumpets and trombones. |
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| Sheet music with last minute notes for trumpet #2 |
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| Connie’s soundman Don Tittle at his "mission control console" |
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| Soundboard console overlooking theatre |
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| Don Tittle performing last minute sound system checks |
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| Mike Church on last minute checks just before showtime |
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| Opportunities to buy Connie CD, photos and shirts |
Here on the right is Nancy DeVincenzi Melander and Ken Borelli, board members for the Italian American Heritage Foundation with the popular Italian album signed by Connie for the foundation.
Connie in Hong Kong Exhibition Center
on May 13, 2006
Review by Mike Church:
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| Connie in dressing room |
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| stage at Hong Kong |
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| audience at Hong Kong |
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| Connie and Sidney |
The show in Hong Kong was wonderful. Connie did an amazing job. She diligently spent the entire rehearsal period going over both new and old songs in the show. She added “Never On Sunday,” “Follow The Boys,” “When The Boy In Your Arms,” “High Noon,” “Second Hand Love,” and a few others. She had a new arrangement of “Hava Nagila.” She did a full 90 minute set, and received an standing ovation at the end of her show. I will have pics forthcoming, when I return home.
Last month [April 2006] Connie did four interviews with the press in Hong Kong. They were with RTHK Radio (The Uncle Ray Show), Apple Daily (1,000,000 circulation), SCMP (radio I think), and HK Magazine.
A short message received from a fan:
“Connie’s HK concert was fabulous. Her best in years as it was put!!!”
Photos and a short review at the Genting webpage at http://www.genting.com.my/en/live_ent/2006/conniefrancis/default.htm
Connie in Boston at Cutler Majestic Theatre
May 5, 2007
by Jack Skelly
I was late because of traffic but was told she opened with “Let Me Try Again” and had a little problem with the sound. That out of the way she took oved the stage and was Connie once again. Her voice was right on, she looked wonderful, she obviously was enjoying herself and her audience loved her.
My only regret is that it’s over I wish she was here tomorrow as I would go again. She is an American institution and I can’t understand why she’s not in the Rock&Roll HOF.
She ended the evening with “If I Never Sing Another Song” and then came back to do “God Bless America” to thunderious applause. It was a great evening with a great singer.
God Bless Connie Francis and Thank You Connie for coming to Boston.
Boston Concert media coverage:
Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA (North Philly)
May 5, 2007
by Terry Murtaugh
“It all started here in Philly,” Connie Francis told the packed crowd in the Keswick Theater. Heads nodded among the 1500 fans-most from the birthplace of American Bandstand where Dick Clark launched Connie’s career on Jan 1, 1958. So began a terrific night of Connie Francis music with “America’s Sweetheart of Song” clearly in top form.
The concert started with the moving “Let Me Try Again” followed by the lively “Unchain My Heart”-a tribute to Ray Charles. This was the first of several tributes by Connie during the evening: after intermission she also sang a medley of Judy Garland’s music, “Rock-a-bye Your Baby” to salute Al Jolson, and finally a beautiful and poignant “I’ll Be Seeing You” as a video montage of Frank Sinatra pictures and album covers was shown.
But back to the first act: Connie’s third song was the dynamic “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” followed by the most extensive medley of hits-with “My Happiness, Many Tears Ago, Don’t Break the Heart that Loves You, and Together” topping my list of hits that were great to hear “live.” Later in the show Connie sang a song that could be her own anthem” “Old Time Rock and Roll.” [Editorial: I wish the R&R Hall of Fame induction committee could’ve heard her sing that Bob Seger classic. She owns that song!]
One of the highlights early in the show was Connie announcing (with typical self-effacement) that her shoes didn’t fit [they were cheap too!] and she needed replacements. Connie continued to ad lib until an assistant brought a new pair - and fans near me commented: “Connie is really enjoying herself! If there was one sentence to capture the night’s theme-that was it. Connie obviously loved being on stage and performing for her fans-which allowed her fans to have a terrific night loving her right back.
The second act started with the Italian medley and Connie performed an especially strong “Malaguena.” Another highlight was her rendition of Edith Piaf’s “La Vie en Rose” which Connie described as “one of the most beautiful songs ever written.” The evening ended with Don Black’s “If I Never Sing Another Song” followed by a standing ovation as Connie sang “God Bless America” and recounted her memories of singing for the troops in Vietnam.
Bottom line: it was a magical night of being entertained by the awesome musical talent of Miss Connie Francis. “I want to die on this stage at 96,” Connie announced. No way, Connie. You’ll still be going strong at 106!
Media coverage:
Connie at Castro Theatre in San Francisco
on March 3, 2007
by website editor:
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| Sold out! |
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| Connie on stage |
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In the shadow of Judy Garland as Connie sings
Over The Rainbow and the Trolley song. |
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| Connie bowing to audience (photo by Frank Siccone) |
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| People in line to meet Connie |
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Connie’s backup singer and soundman, Scottie Haskell and Don Tittle
(photo contributed by Lare) |
Great concert, Connie did well in spite of a problems during rehearsal but came together quite well that evening, orchestra members were fantastic. Connie’s voice grew stronger as the show went on. She opened with Let Me Try Again. Connie added some new songs, Ray Charles’ Unchain My Heart, Edith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose,” and a Sinatra ballad “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Very strong performance and great response from audience. At end of show when she did leave the stage after a couple encores and obviously she was not returning (meet and greet session was next), the audience did not bolt from the theater as typically happens at other concerts.
Movie critic Jan Wahl of KRON-TV Channel 4 began the evening with brief about Castro Theatre, mentioned the ghosts of Robert Mitchem and Ann Miller, and many other past entertainers are all around. She gave a nice introduction about Connie and emphasized how wonderful it is to hear live music.
Frank and Chris add:
Wasn’t it fun to hear the audience begin singing along (without any prompting) to “Volare” when it came on the sound system before the concert began? “Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa!” The audience was REALLY enthusiastic, as Castro audiences always are.
Connie sang some of her rock-n-roll hits that made her a mutiple chart topper intermixed with monologues about her early years in fan magazines, along with pictures on the overhead display. “What a picnic she must be having, dating all those groovy guys. Wrong!” Connie said only one article was perhaps true (“My father kept me a prisoner!”).
In Italian tradition, Connie belted out Malaguena, Comme Bella A Stagione, Al Di La and Mama (these are difficult songs to sing in first place) with all the emotion.
Later at meet-and-greet, it seemed so many people lined up. I heard they were there till 12:30 am.
Latest news Connie will return in October 13. See Concert Schedule.
Download this beautiful flyer for the March 3 concert (with a sexy pose by Connie).
from Mike Church, Connie’s business manager
As I am sure many of you have heard, Connie did the best show I have heard in at least 10 years! The show was sold out. The promoter was so pleased, he booked her back on October 13th. I have heard it is already half sold out [ as of March 9 ], so if you want to go, get your tickets now.
Connie’s backup singer, Scottie Haskell, said she has never seen anything like the way Connie and her fans interact. She was talking with someone who came all the way from Ireland to see Connie. Scottie, daughter of composer Jimmy Haskell, is a session singer who sings for movies and commercials.
Connie’s soundman Don Tittle said the challenge for this concert is the theatre is a movie theatre, not a concert theatre. He increased the echo for Connie’s mic so her voice can be heard throughout the theater. Don had to setup way in the back, the horns were down on the floor (stage was too small for all 21 pieces), normally the whole band is on stage or all in the orchestra pit. It was a challenge but they pulled it all together quite nicely. Don is always the soundman at Connie’s concert because he knows what Connie wants.
They had an excellent orchestra and let Connie’s conductor Doug Walters have fun with the concert.
Connie’s swingin’ drummer Bobby Grauso, “47 years!” when Connie asked how long they have performed together. “I shouldn’t have asked that question!” He is the same drummer in her “Live at Sahara in Las Vegas” LP. He was also a drummer at the Copacabana when Connie’s conducter at the time needed him for a gig. Bobby has been in Connie’s orchestra since.
Media Reviews:
The crowd loves Connie Francis
San Francisco Chronicle
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Lipstick on your collar?
The Bay Area Reporter Online
March 1, 2007
Traditional roots lead to sweeping career
Contra Costa Times
March 1, 2007
Interview on View From The Bay
Connie was interviewed on KGO Channel 7 while in San Francisco.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=whatshot&id=5083185
Aired on Friday, March 2, 2007
The inspiring story of a survivor: Connie Francis. She dealt with fame at a young age, tragedy, personal loss and affliction. You too can thrive regardless of life circumstances.
Connie was interviewed on KGO-TV Channel 7 on Friday before the concert. Her reply when asked why she doesn’t just put her feet up but instead continues performing at concerts: “I love it. I love the people. I love making people happy. That’s one of the great rewards about this business, the ability to reach people and become a part of their lives through my music.” She described music as “the core of life.”
Download this beautiful flyer made for the March 3 concert (with a sexy pose by Connie) by the promoter in San Francisco (click here).
Connie in Arizona
on February 2006
Review by Christine Zinno:
Connie was in strong voice at this outdoor venue, both at rehearsal and at the show later that evening when the air was chilly (I was freeeeezing in my seat!). The show was sold out to a crowd of 5,000! I saw many people standing as well. There were two large screens on either side of the stage which showed the usual clips as well as real time video of Connie/the band, etc when the clips weren’t being shown. She added “La Bamba” noting that their were many spanish speakers in the audience (great to hear her do this! I love when she does this on the Sahara album), and of course closed the show with “God Bless America.”
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