By Amanda Berg Whittle
Tomorrow (Saturday, 4/14) only, be sure to stop by Abravanel Hall for one of the most fun performances you’ll ever attend. Whole Lotta Shakin’–From Swing to Rock is a collaboration between the incredible Dave Bennett (along with his band) and the always amazing Utah Symphony. Jack of all instruments, Bennett, takes the audience on a musical ride, showcasing the evolution of rock and roll, beginning with swing music by composers such as George Gershwin and Benny Goodman, and eventually moving to works by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash, as well as two pieces written by Bennett himself.
Bennett is the definition of a performer, with all the razzle and extra dazzle. He feeds off the energy of the audience, and the audience definitely feeds off his energy as well. He solos on clarinet, piano, drumset, guitar, and vocals, all of which are amazing–the most impressive of these, however is the clarinet. To be honest, I’ve never liked the clarinet. I’ve always thought of it as a relatively boring instrument (unless Benny Goodman was the one playing). I’m a french horn player, and a bit of a french horn elitist. I had no idea what magic could be done on the clarinet until tonight! Bennett has changed my mind about the instrument, bringing personality and pizzazz to it like I have never seen before. Not to mention, the bell of his clarinet is bedazzled, making it as sparkly as his personality. His band members, whose names are not mentioned in the program or on Google, along with conductor Michael Krajewski, help him accomplish his goal of making the night a rocking and rolling evening for all people involved! The Utah Symphony always has great lighting to set the mood for each song (Chip Dance, Stage Manager–no lighting designer provided).
If you want to have more fun than you’ve had in years by watching a man who can play preposterously high notes on the clarinet, sing like Elvis, and do arabesques while playing a piano, Abravanel Hall is the place to be Saturday at 7:30. If you are offended by people playing $100,000 Steinway pianos with their feet, don’t show up. Actually, nevermind. Please, do go–Dave Bennett’s band will lighten you up and help you realize everyone needs a little fun in life. Oh, and did we mention the Utah Symphony is there? So much talent in one place will definitely cause a whole lotta shakin’… so the performance is aptly named, right?
Utah Symphony Presents Whole Lotta Shakin’–From Swing to Rock
April 13-14, 2018 7:30 PM
Abravanel Hall, 123 W South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Contact: 801-533-NOTE (6683)
Tickets: $15-$83 Family night pricing is available for this performance: $30 for 2 adults and 2 children, additional children $5 each
GENERAL AGE GUIDELINE: Individuals ages five and older are welcome at this performance. Parents should ensure their children are able to sit quietly through the performance without disturbing others around them. No babes in arms will be admitted.
Whole Lotta Shakin’–From Swing to Rock Facebook Event
This review is RIGHT ON! This show was incredible! We were mesmerized from the beginning notes of the clarinet, to the piano antics and jam session, Dave’s voice, the drummer and guitarists, to the drum duet to the cat calls from a woman in the front row. We commented that this was the best musical show / tribute / performance we’ve probably ever seen! We were enthralled and thrilled, as was everyone around us. Dancing, clapping, singing along (quietly so as not to disturb our neighbors), we saw so many smiles and so much energy spread from the stage throughout the entire auditorium. We will beg the powers that be at the Symphony to bring these men back for a summer concert in Deer Valley AND for a New Year’s Eve dance & bash. There was a dang lot of shakin’ goin’ on!!
We heard him in Eagle River Wisconsin several years ago. It was one of the best performances ever. Dave Bennett is an amazing performer. Such virtuosity!