Life
By Eric Robinette
Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN — Most people write love letters with a pen and paper, or with a computer. Next weekend, some performers will write a love letter with musical instruments and microphones
The Middletown Symphony Women’s Association presents a tribute to Rosemary Clooney, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Miami University Middletown Community Center.
The musicians include the symphony’s musical director, Carmon DeLeone on drums, and Cincinnati singer Nancy James, who is well known for her years on “The Bob Braun Show.” Both of them met Clooney, and both consider her a personal favorite.
“When I was asked to do this, I didn’t hesitate. I said yes immediately. Rosemary Clooney is my favorite female singer. She was without parallel. She had that ability to sing so simply and so beautifully,” DeLeone said.
James, who put the program together, said it goes through all phases of Clooney’s career, from “Come on-a My House” to “Sisters” and beyond.
The concert will be accompanied by a slide show documenting Clooney’s life. Clooney, the brother of newscaster Nick Clooney and aunt of actor George Clooney, died in 2002.
“This program is like our love letter to Rosie. She made many appearances on the (Bob Braun) program, and she was wonderful. Feeling a part of her performing family was something that gave me a wonderful perspective of her as a person,” James said.
Performing with DeLeone and James will be Steve Schmidt on piano, Michael Sharfe on bass and Bill Gimmer on trombone.
Tickets for the show cost $20, reservations are appreciated by Tuesday. Call (513) 423-6779 for tickets.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.