Prudence Johnson & Dan Chouinard: Gershwin!

“Johnson’s lush, precise, expressive voice, with its pearls of vibrato, is best unadorned. A smart, sensitive pianist – like Chouinard – is all she needs”. – Pamela Espeland, MinnPost

Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard return to Dakota for an evening devoted to the music of George and Ira Gershwin. Here, they will be joined by jazz violinist Randy Sabien. A special highlight will be Chouinard’s performance of “Rhapsody in Blue” marking the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s iconic masterpiece.

George and his brother Ira wrote music together for only thirteen years — from 1924 to ’37, the year of George’s untimely death. However, this short time left the American popular songbook forever changed. Here, this trio of veteran musicians pays tender homage to the brothers with a dazzling collection of songs that trace their brilliant career together, from 1920s Broadway to Porgy and Bess at Carnegie Hall and on to Hollywood.

For three decades, singer Prudence Johnson and pianist Dan Chouinard have enjoyed a musical friendship. Further, both are veterans of National Public Radio’s A Prairie Home Companion.

Prudence Johnson’s career has taken her from honky-tonks to Carnegie Hall, from the theater stage to the Silver Screen, from the Midwest to the Middle East. Also, with her roots in folk and country music, Prudence developed a passion for jazz.

For nearly four decades Dan Chouinard has been pianist and accordionist of choice for many Twin Cities performers. Additionally, he enables community singalongs, and a writer of hit shows for public radio, concert hall and stage.

Randy Sabien is a bluesy, rockin’, swingin’, funky jazz violinist. Moreover, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his vibrant, inventive style. Sabien is also hailed as a pioneer in string education. Also, at age twenty-one, he founded and chaired the string department at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Recommended for fans of Karrin Allyson, Stacey Kent, Nellie McKay and Holly Cole.

LEARN MORE: danchouinard.com
LEARN MORE: randysabien.com