Thanks to each of you who came out for the recent listener-generated benefit concert, “Singing for your Station.”
When news became official that WXXI was facing a $1.9million cut from the Federal government, many listeners, viewers and members stepped up to help - providing support in financial and tangible ways.
One listener who stepped up was Rochester mezzo-soprano Jessica Ann Best who reached out to suggest creating a special benefit concert "Singing for your Station." Jess reached out to so many friends and venues, and pulled together an A-list of performers. A HUGE thanks goes out to Jess and her entire family who created all the materials, social media posts, promoted and facilitated this concert of stellar musicians, and worked hand-in-hand with everyone to bring her vision to life.
The program ranged from early music and classical to Broadway tunes, jazz, and even popular songs. Singers paid tribute to the late Fascinatin' Rhythm host Michael Lasser, with a number of selections from the Great American Songbook.
Artists included Rochester tenor Mark Daniels with collaborative pianist Rob Goodling, vocalist and entertainer George DeMott, Great American songbook collaborators Alan Jones and Cindy Miller, soprano Abby Adair Reinhard, Lee Wright and members of First Inversion and the DUPC Chancel Choir.
Special thanks to long time Michael Lasser collaborator, Cindy Miller who created special lyrics to a medley of tunes by Burt Bacharach, singing about the importance of Classical 91.5.
Follow along with the lyrics as you watch and listen to the creativity and artistry of Cindy Miller with Alan Jones. (video below)
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make-up
I tune to ninety-one-point five.
I wake up to Brenda, and I’ve got a new best friend-a
She always makes me feel alive,
The music, the music must stay in my heart, oh how I love it,
The music, the music must never depart, oh how I need it,
The music, the music, that’s how it must be,
to live without it would only mean heartbreak for me.
I drive home with Mona, I know that I’m not alone-a
I tune to ninety-one-point five.
And how can you frown now, when you hear Miss Piper Brown now
Just tune to ninety-one-point five,
The music, the music must stay in my heart, oh how I love it,
The music, the music must never depart, oh how I need it,
The music, the music, that’s how it must be,
to live without it would only mean heartbreak for me.
There’s John on a Sunday, he makes it into a fun-day
I tune to ninety-one-point five.
With Marianne’s play list, discover a brand new A-list
Just turn to ninety-one-point five.
The music, the music must stay in my heart, oh how I love it,
The music, the music must never depart, oh how I need it,
The music, the music, that’s how it must be,
to live without it would only mean heartbreak for me.
There’s Steve, James and Joshua, Alyssa and oh my gosh-wah
I tune to ninety-one-point five.
There’s never a day off, and if I am feeling way off,
I tune to ninety-one-point five
The music, the music will stay in our hearts and we will listen
Forever, forever we never will part, oh how we’ll love it
Together, together that’s how it music be,
to live without it would only mean heartbreak for me.
You’ve got to believe me, for me there is no one… but all of you
We’ll see you through, cause you need money too
We’ll answer your prayer, to stay on the air
We’ll always, always all be there – So much music to share
Keep lastin’, broadcastin’
You’re the reason we will keep you safe and strong, from symphony to song.
In good times, and bad times you’ll still play each note from every score
Hear the music soar.
Keep lastin’, broadcastin’
You’re the reason we will keep you safe and strong, from symphony to song.
In good times, and bad times you’ll still play each note from every score
Cause that’s what friends are – that’s what friends are for.
The number to call is four five four, sixty-three-hundred – just ask for Jeanne or Ruth.