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Matt Dusk and Tony Bennett at Bennett’s 80th birthday party. Photo via Matt Dusk.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment, nostalgia, and celebration, as Platinum-awarded Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Tony Bennett.
Dusk’s tour, aptly titled Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett, will stop at the Kingston Grand Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 — part of a 15-city Ontario tour.
A lifelong admirer of Bennett, Dusk fondly recalls their friendship, formed in the Las Vegas showroom they shared, where the late crooner imparted valuable career advice (and shared a scotch or two!). Dusk’s band played the main showroom of the Golden Nugget in 2004 and 2005, but when Tony Bennett came to town, they’d get kicked out and given tickets to see the shows. According to Dusk, he and his bandmates have seen Bennett play at least a dozen times over the years, and after his shows, they would sometimes get to hang out backstage.
“Tony Bennett was an idol for me growing up, and I’m thrilled to create the very first show to pay homage to such a legend. Stepping on stage with a smokin’ band, performing these timeless hits, is about the music, the musicians, and the memories from the man who was swingin’ in every era,” Dusk expressed.
According to a media release, Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett not only celebrates Bennett’s memory, but also marks a milestone in Dusk’s career and follows the success of his previous show, Matt Dusk Sings Sinatra, which enjoyed sold-out performances in over 70 Canadian and U.S. cities.
Dusk shared that touring Ontario is performing to a hometown crowd every night.
“Our last show at the Grand was one of my absolute favourites on that tour. It was one of the final performances before we all went into hibernation in 2020,” Dusk shared.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be back, especially as I get to share stories of my time with Tony Bennett in Las Vegas. Great music never dies, and I’m honoured to carry the torch, bringing these timeless songs to a new generation.”
Photos by Victor Rusu.
Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett will transport the audience back to a small New York jazz club — where Tony Bennett got his start. Backed by renowned Canadian jazz musicians Mark Godfrey on bass, Matt Giffin on piano, and Ethan Ardelli on drums, Dusk will take you on musical journey through Bennett’s timeless hits, including “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “The Good Life”.
Nostalgia reigns supreme through the music and personal stories Dusk will share throughout the evening, many drawn from the pair’s shared stage in Vegas. So mark your calendar and get out your most classy outfit. The songs of Tony Bennett are coming to town!
Tickets for Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett are on sale now. Visit the Kingston Grand’s website to get your seats.
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