LOUISVILLE, Ky. 鈥 “Heeeeere’s Johnny!” That lead-in, followed by a big-band trumpet blast, was the hallmark of late-night television for three decades. 鈥淛ohnny鈥 was Johnny Carson, the announcer was Ed McMahon and the bandleader was Doc Severinsen. Beginning in 1962, 鈥淭he Tonight Show鈥 with Johnny Carson ruled the night airwaves for 30 years.
A Louisville audience will have the chance to hear Severinsen鈥檚 iconic big band sound next month. UofL鈥檚 Department of Ophthalmology and Jazz Studies Program will present 鈥淛azz-4-Sight鈥 featuring Severinsen performing with the UofL Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m. April 7 at the School of Music鈥檚 Comstock Hall, 105 W. Brandeis Ave. Concert tickets are $50 a person, with all proceeds benefiting the Kentucky Lions Eye Center and UofL jazz students.
Doc Severinsen and His Big Band hit the road in 1992, following the final telecast of Carson鈥檚 show, and hasn鈥檛 stopped touring since. Audiences enjoy Severinsen鈥檚 shows not only because he shared their living rooms for so many years but also because of the Big Band repertoire, which includes Duke Ellington and Count Basie standards, pop, jazz, ballads, big band classics and, of course, 鈥淭he Tonight Show鈥 theme.
Severinsen, 90, can still play hard and hit all the high notes, a result of his continued commitment to studio practice and the refinement of his craft. The trumpeter also surrounds himself with the best in the business and enjoys sharing the spotlight.
The public also is invited to a 6 p.m. gala that includes dinner and a silent auction at the University Club, 200 E. Brandeis Ave.聽
Click to purchase tickets for the concert or gala. For questions or more information, contact the聽School of Music at 502-852-6907.聽
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