You Gotta Hear This! Does Rodgers & Hart

Local performing arts group You Gotta Hear This! continues its journey through the American Songbook on Saturday, October 24, with “Isn’t It Romantic? Music of Rodgers & Hart.” The concert begins at 7 pm in the Blake Hall Theatre at the Hoosac School in Hoosick.
While composer Richard Rodgers is perhaps more well known for his association with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, he penned many unforgettable songs with his first collaborator, Lorenz Hart. The duo, who worked together from 1919 until Hart’s death in 1943, dominated musical theater of the 1920s and ’30s.
Hart’s lyrics, tinged with a certain darkness beneath the optimism, are edgy and sophisticated – perfectly reflecting their era. In fact, “Isn’t It Romantic?” is meant to be ironic, in a way that modern audiences can really appreciate. “Blue Moon,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” are just some of the timeless Rodgers and Hart tunes YGHT! will be performing.
Renowned local singer, producer and teacher Steven Marking, fresh from his well-reviewed concert “I’ve Known Rivers,” headlines the program. Accompanied by Dottie Cross on piano, he is joined by local vocalists Carmel Bowling, Sarah Burdge, Leonard Cave, Liz Hill, Julia McKay and Ingrid Schaaphok in the October 24 event.
Marking is the Artistic Director of You Gotta Hear This! and in keeping with the organization’s mission of nurturing young talent, the evening will begin with a set performed by soloists Natalie Giordano, Emma Kerr, Tiffany St. Hilaire and Danielle St. Hilaire. Audience members who attended the organization’s spring concert in Petersburgh were charmed by the poised and gifted youngsters studying under Marking.
“Isn’t It Romantic? Music of Rodgers & Hart” begins at 7 pm on Saturday, October 24. The Blake Hall Theatre is located on the campus of the Hoosac School on Pine Valley Road in Hoosick. Suggested donation is $15. Call 518-424-1089 for more information or got to  www.YouGottaHearThis.org.