Deborah Grace Winer, a journalist and playwright who was also a long-time friend and colleague of the late Clooney, is the artistic director of the Jan. 6-8 concerts. Winer also hosts the performances, which boast the talents of Tony Award winners James Naughton and Karen Ziemba as well as John Pizzarelli and Paula West. Clooney's daughter-in-law, Debby Boone, will appear at the Jan. 7 and 8 concerts only.
Clooney's longtime collaborator, John Oddo, will be the musical director for the weekend of concerts, which will also feature George Rabbai on trumpet and flugelhorn, Mark Vinci on reeds, Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar, Jay Leonhart on bass and Joe Cocuzzo on drums. Show times are Jan. 6 at 8 PM, Jan. 7 at 3 and 8 PM and Jan. 8 at 2 and 8 PM.
The Last Girl Singer: Rosemary Clooney . . . and Her Way with Words will focus on the lyricists who wrote the songs Clooney performed and recorded throughout her decades-long career. Song titles will include "Come On-a My House," "Let's Get Away From it All," "I'll Be Around," "We'll Be Together Again," "God Bless the Child," "Shotgun Boogie," "I'm So Lonesome" and "I Want to Be a Sideman."
The 92nd Street Y is located in Manhattan at 92nd Street and Lexington Avenue. Tickets, priced $50 and $60, are available by visiting www.92Y.org.