In 1998, Lannie Garrett was invited to create a special show for Colorado’s historic, Littleton Town Hall. The show was designed to pay tribute to one of America’s most beloved and prolific composers, Mr. George Gershwin, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Lannie and her band sold out all four nights of this very special evening and a Sunday matinee was added to accomodate the demand.
The stage was set in black and white with only a touch of red in the flowers on the piano and in Lannie’s vintage costumes. A framed black and white photo of Gerswhin was highlighted by a pin-spot as it sat on the piano.
The show began with the haunting and familiar refrain from “Rhapsody in Blue”on alto saxophone and kicked into Lannie’s sultry entrance on “Fascinatin’ Rhythm.” It swung into the familiar “Let’s call the Whole Thing Off” and bossa nova-ed the beat on her version of “But not for Me.” The show-stopper was Lannie’s poignant, heart-wrenching rendition of, “I Loves You, Porgy” from Gershwin’s operetta, Porgy and Bess.
The second half of the evening showcased a collection of tunes by a group of America’s favorite composers, from Hoagy Carmichael to Johnny Mercer.
Lannie has since performed this show at many corporate events and a sold-out New Year’s extravaganza in 2008.
“After seeing this show, I chose her to be our entertainer extraordinare for a special fundraiser. I can always count on her. As always, the audience loved her.” –Judy Wolf-Denver Social Activist/Patron of the Arts
