88 Keys for Skitch: A Celebration of the Piano

The New York Pops 23rd Birthday Gala, entitled 88 Keys for Skitch: A Celebration of the Piano, features pianists and singers from the worlds of popular music, Broadway, film, television, jazz, and cabaret paying homage to the late pianist and conductor Skitch Henderson, who would have turned 88 this year.

Conductor and pianist Marvin Hamlisch leads The New York Pops Orchestra in the gala concert. Elaine Stritch hosts and performs. Special guest Liza Minnelli sings classics from her songbook. Broadway’s Jersey Boys perform some of the Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons classics that are winning them standing ovations every night at the August Wilson Theatre. Pianist and conductor Bob Lappin, founder and music director of the Palm Beach Pops, fulfills an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall made by Skitch Henderson shortly before his death last year. Darlene Love, currently seen as Motormouth Maybelle in Broadway’s Hairspray, offers up her hit “Da Doo Ron Ron” and a preview of a song that she will perform with The New York Pops for this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular telecast on NBC. Two-time Grammy-winning pianist Peter Nero returns to Carnegie Hall with his trio for a special appearance. Pianist and jazz impresario George Wein interprets “Take the A Train” in tribute to his late friend of nearly sixty years, Skitch Henderson.