How to go
What: “Madman Across the Water: The Music of Elton John” with Jeans ’n Classics and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Cost: $29-$81. Discounts available for seniors, students, military and educators
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com
Artist info: www.jeansnclassics.com
Like many successful acts of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Elton John created lush, multipart songs that were influenced as much by classical music as Chuck Berry and his contemporaries. Given the rich subject matter, it’s no surprise Canadian group Jeans ’n Classics created a symphonic program based on John’s extensive musical catalog.
Jeans ’n Classics joins the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for “Madman Across the Water: The Music of Elton John,” a Rockin’ Orchestra Series concert at the Schuster Center in Dayton on Saturday, Jan. 31.
“It’s great to be back in Dayton, and this time we’ll be with a choir,” Brennan said. “It’s just anthem after anthem, and, as one might imagine, the choir will join us for the really big stuff.”
Universal appeal
“The Elton stuff has a wide audience demographic,” Brennan said. “People in their early 20s certainly known the material and like it. It also works with the 70-year-old demographic that were only in their 20s or 30s when it came out.”
The show opens with the powerful one-two punch of “Funeral for a Friend and “Love Lies Bleeding” and continues with classic songs such as “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” “Daniel,” “Honky Cat” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.”
“Elton John has a bit of a timelessness about him that resonates with any generation,” said DPO assistant conductor Patrick Reynolds, who will be behind the baton for the concert.
Mutual admiration
For “Madman Across the Water,” Brennan (guitar) will be joined by Jean Meilleur (lead vocals) and John Regan (piano, vocals), Mitchell Tyler (bass) and Jeff Christmas (drums).
“I always enjoy working with our friends in Jeans ’n Classics,” Reynolds said. “Over the years they’ve practically made Dayton their second home, and we’re always thrilled to welcome this immensely talented group of musicians. Also, it’s going to be a special treat to feature our terrific high school honor choir we’ve assembled just for this concert.”
Brennan shares the enthusiasm. He said, “I can’t wait to hear them (The Dayton Philharmonic) on the Elton stuff. We haven’t worked with the chorus there before, but I can just imagine they will sound magnificent. Plus we have that great hall and all the talented tech people there.”
Jeans ’n Classics, which has programs dedicated to classic acts as diverse as The Eagles, Michael Jackson, U2 and The Beach Boys, return to town on May 30 for a Rockin’ Orchestra concert pairing the classic Beatles albums “Rubber Soul” and “Revolver.”
As for Elton John himself, he will be in southwest Ohio in late February. He is bringing his band to Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena on Feb. 27.
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