Because of You: Michael Feinstein Honors Tony Bennett in Albuquerque

Michael Feinstein in "Because of You," a Tribute to Tony Bennett featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble

Popejoy Hall welcomes renowned pianist and singer Michael Feinstein as he presents a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett with "Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett." It will celebrate Bennett's remarkable career while showcasing Feinstein's artistry and deep admiration for one of the most enduring voices in American music.

Feinstein's connection to Bennett goes beyond mere admiration. It's rooted in a shared passion for the Great American Songbook and an appreciation for the timeless quality of classic songs. For Feinstein, crafting this tribute was about striking the right balance between honoring Bennett's signature style and bringing his voice to the music. "Whenever I am given the opportunity to perform songs from Tony's repertoire, I try to find where I can make them a little bit different, so they'll have surprises and won't sound exactly like the way Tony sang them because nobody wants an imitator," shared Feinstein.

Performing with the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, Feinstein saw a natural pairing between Bennett's legacy and the powerful sound of big band. "It was a natural coupling since Tony always loved to work with big bands," Feinstein explains. But narrowing down the setlist for the evening was no easy feat. With a catalog spanning decades of countless hits, Feinstein had to carefully curate a selection that would represent Bennett's best work and resonate with audiences. "Preparing for any show like this is a winnowing process of figuring out what to leave out with the enormity of Tony. Choosing personal favorites of Tony's is no small feat because he sang so many songs."

Feinstein's tribute performance explores why this music resonates with people across generations. "One of the things I love most about the music I sing is that it is timeless. My audience is getting younger and younger. I'm not, but the audiences are! That's good because quality in the classic American song is different than contemporary music." Feinstein sees these songs as more than melodies; they carry deep messages of romance, wit, and social consciousness. "There are songs about subjects that empower women - there are songs that address social issues, in a eloquent way, like, You've Got to Be Carefully Taught or The Eagle and Me - songs that educate in a way where we don't even know we are being educated."

Beyond the music, Feinstein also reflects on the profound personal impact that Tony Bennett had on his life and career. He was not just an inspiration but also a mentor and a friend. "From the moment we met, Tony went out of his way to take me to different places, restaurants and clubs to introduce me to different performers and different kinds of music," Feinstein shared. "It was incredibly generous to somebody with very little success in show business. Those gestures and demonstrations of kindness stayed with me throughout the years, and I never forgot that."

Through this tribute, Feinstein hopes to give audiences a deeper appreciation of Bennett—not just as a singer, but as a person. "I hope that they will have an expanded perspective about Tony's work that's not only about his music but the reason that he likes some of these songs, the backstories, and moments of his life that made him who he was." Sharing stories and insights alongside the music, Feinstein seeks to highlight the depth and richness of Bennett's legacy. "It's wonderful to see the survival of one's career after they've passed because so often people are forgotten very quickly, and to be able to help perpetuate Tony's legacy by putting some things in context, I hope that people will come away from the performance knowing a little bit more about Tony and having a deeper sense of who he was musically."

Audiences can expect to hear a selection of Bennett's most iconic songs, delivered with the passion and reverence that have made Feinstein one of the leading interpreters of the Great American Songbook. From classics like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" to swing-era standards, the evening promises to be a stunning celebration of a true musical legend.

Michael Feinstein's "Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett" is March 9th at Popejoy Hall. Tickets are available at popejoypresents.com. Don't miss this extraordinary night of music, memories, and celebration of one of the greatest voices in American music history.