Jamie Bernstein to present "The Bernstein Beat" with Keweenaw Symphony Apr. 17 at Rozsa

HOUGHTON -- Bring the entire family along on the marvelous musical journey of Jamie Bernstein’s "The Bernstein Beat," together with conductor Joel Neves and the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Saturday, April 17, at the Rozsa Center.*

Jamie Bernstein, daughter of conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, will present her father's music at a concert with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra Saturday, Apr. 17, at the Rozsa Center. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

This fun-filled family adventure explores the music of Jamie’s father, conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, one of the most beloved and influential Americans in 20th-century culture. Jamie’s desire to help the next generation discover how "cool" her father was is evident in her wonderfully contagious enthusiasm and effortless ability to completely captivate a young audience.

The concert is based on the format of Leonard Bernstein’s groundbreaking televised "Young People’s Concerts," introducing kids to his irresistible music, including selections from his Broadway shows "On the Town" and "West Side Story." Jamie reveals the secret of understanding the complex rhythms in her father’s music: break 'em down into "hot dogs and hamburgers!"

Audience volunteers help Jamie onstage and during one piece, everyone gets to shout "MAMBO!!" at the top of their lungs!

Assisting Ms. Bernstein in this delightful musical endeavor is conductor Joel Neves, assistant professor of music and director of orchestras at Michigan Tech University, and director of the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra.

Conductor Joel Neves, assistant professor of music and director of orchestras at Michigan Tech University, and director of the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

As a narrator, writer and broadcaster, Jamie Bernstein has transformed a lifetime of loving music into a career of sharing this passion with others. As a concert narrator, she has appeared with symphonies around the world, performing her acclaimed family and adult concert programs and narrating such concert standards as Walton’s "Facade" and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 3, "Kaddish." Her much-lauded concert series has earned rave reviews from around the country.

For a glorious evening of music-making and pure family fun, join Jamie Bernstein, Joel Neves and the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. TONIGHT, Saturday, April 17. After all, when was the last time you were allowed to yell "MAMBO!" in a crowded theater?

For more information on Jamie Bernstein, visit her blog at www.j-beat.blogspot.com.

This event is sponsored by the Katherine M. Bosch Endowment, the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, and Minnesota Public Radio (WGGL).

Ticket prices: General Public, $20 and $15; 18 and under, $15 and $10; Students, free (MTU student ID required). To purchase tickets contact the Rozsa Box Office at 487-3200, The Central Ticket Office (SDC) at 487-2073, Tech Express (MUB) at 487-3308 or go online at tickets.mtu.edu. No refunds, exchanges, or late seating, please.

*Editor's Note: As of early afternoon today, Apr. 17, the Central Ticket Office reports seats are still available and tickets can be purchased at the door.