“What the World Needs Now… Love, Sweet Love”
Join us for a Celebration of LOVE as the fabulously versatile vocalist Lisa Bleil with John Burgh and the virtuosic Benny Benack, Jr. to open ARCA’s 2024 season in a romantic cabaret evening on Saturday, February 17 at 7:30 PM in Lincoln Hall with candlelight and table seating.
Put a little LOVE in your heart as Lisa, John and the band present some of the best Love Songs of all time, and pay special tribute to all those we love, including our “special someone,” family, friends, and country… singing ballads, standards from the Great American Song book, tasty jazz, Rock n Roll and some dance music.
Take a spin on the dance floor with your sweetheart to songs of LOVE from decades past and present – or enjoy the entertainment at your table as Lisa is joined by some of Pittsburgh’s premiere instrumentalists – keyboardist John Burgh, sax and clarinetist Benny Benack Jr, bass Bob Insko, and dummer Joey Waslousky.
Table seating – Pre-purchase or Reservations Required. Adults $30. Beer and wine will be sold. Complimentary savory snacks and Valentine’s chocolate. Buy online here – Call to Reserve 724 659-3153 – to pay by cash or check at the door.
Her ARCA fans will remember when LISA BLEIL headlined for two years in ARCA’s outdoor concerts at RiverStone Farm in 2017 and 2018 with the John Burgh ALL STARS and in a blazing night of New Orleans Jazz in Lincoln Hall in 2019 with Benny Benack Jr and Benny Benack III in Lincoln Hall.
LISA BLEIL has performed with both the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and is known for her performances on the Emmy-winning PBS series “Live From Studio A”.She also can be seen on the nationally-televised PBS specials “Rock, Rhythm & Doo-wop” and “Red, White & Rock” performing with Frankie Avalon, Frankie Valli, Connie Francis, Englebert Humperdink, among others.
LISA’s beautiful, romantic ballads are sure to charm and perhaps inspire you to enjoy a slow dance with your sweetheart at the back of Lincoln Hall. Many, however, may prefer to sit and enjoy her gorgeous voice and extraordinary musical variety – AND her musicians’ riffing… an entertainment delight!
About the Musicians
Vocalist Lisa Bleil
Allegheny RiverStone Center for the Arts is proud to welcome back versatile vocalist Lisa Bleil, who headlined for two years in ARCA’s outdoor concerts at RiverStone Farm in 2017 and 2018 and joined the John Burgh JAZZ ALL STARS in 2019 with Benny Benack Jr and Benny Benack III in Lincoln Hall.
LISA BLEIL is known for her performances on the Emmy-winning PBS series “Live From Studio A” and can also be seen on the nationally-televised PBS specials “Rock, Rhythm & Doo-wop” and “Red, White & Rock” performing with Frankie Avalon, Frankie Valli, Connie Francis, Englebert Humperdink, among others.
This amazing and versatile vocalist was classically trained! Lisa Bleil has been singing professionally since she was 18. She attended the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music for her undergraduate studies in Classical Vocal Performance, and since then has performed in nearly every facet of the commercial music industry, from jingles to theater to television to teaching.
Lisa has performed with both the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. She can be seen on the nationally-televised PBS series, “My Music” performing with Frankie Valli, Frankie Avalon, Darlene Love, Englebert Humperdink, and Ronnie Spector, among others. She was also a member of the house band on the Emmy Award-winning “Live From Studio A” series on WQED.
Lisa currently serves on the Commercial Music faculty of Seton Hill University, and previously taught at West Virginia University, and the City Music Center at Duquesne University.
Lisa maintains an active performance schedule in the Pittsburgh area, singing regularly in local venues and in numerous concerts, including the annual Holiday Jam at the New Hazlett Theater
Keyboardist John Burgh
John Burgh and his band have been so popular with ARCA Members over the years, performing for two summers at the Outdoor concerts at RiverStone Farm and in Lincoln Hall with a six piece band including BENNY BENACK JR, BENNY BENACK III and LISA BLEIL.
John Burgh was first introduced to the Pittsburgh music scene on 1982 when he joined the Harold Betters Band playing five nights a week at the South Hills Sheraton. John graduated from IUP in 1981 as a piano performance major, and has returned there many times to play with nationally known artists such as Billy Crystal, Rita Moreno, and recently Doc Severinsen.
John played for many years with the Billy Price Band touring Europe in 2003. He has played and recorded 5 albums with the rock group Gathering Field, playing Hammond B3 organ. Besides filling in occasionally with CLO productions like Miss Saigon and Addams Family, he enjoys playing piano for local musical productions in Sewickley. John also has been a long time member of the Balcony Big Band (18 piece jazz band).
Many people will remember his performances over the last 30 years in the Oil City/Franklin and Foxburg area – and frequent appearances with Lisa Bleil in Pittsburgh music venues.
John grew up in the Harmony/Zelienople area playing piano accompanying his father, who played banjo, and helping his family in the tractor salvage yard business, which he continues to this day.
Benny Benack, Jr. – Clarinet and Sax
Benny Benack, Jr. is a legend in the Pittsburgh jazz and night club scene – a band leader well known for his virtuosic musicianship and charismatic audience appeal. The Benny Benack Band plays everything from jazz, swing, big band, Dixieland, Rhythm and Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll – with wonderful vocals from the Great American Song Book and more.
Benny is no stranger to the music world. His father, Benny Benack, was a Pittsburgh band leader and at the forefront of the Pittsburgh jazz scene in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.
Benny Jr. continues the family’s musical tradition playing trumpet, clarinet, and saxophone. His son, Benny Benack III, is following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as a jazz trumpeter and vocalist, currently building a big name for himself in the jazz scene in New York City.
Have a Romantic Weekend in Foxburg
Arrive early in Foxburg – and have a romantic dinner at The Allegheny Grille before the Valentine’s Cabaret in Lincoln Hall.
Reserve early for dinner, either ordering off the menu in the main dining room with tables overlooking the stunning Allegheny River in winter – or make a special reservation to enjoy the four course meal in the pavilion.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED for dinner on February 17 at The Allegheny Grille.
Or for more casual fare enjoy supper – salads, sandwiches or their special February pizza – at Foxburg Pizza,
Everyone loves chocolate at Valentine’s Day!
You can pick up a box of hand-made organic Valentine’s chocolates or their famous chocolate caramels – or their specialty Valentine’s Day chocolate dipped strawberries (be sure to order and reserve in advance) at Divani Chocolatier and Barrista
While there, enjoy gourmet chocolate or a specialty coffee to fortify your spirits before the cabaret!
Make it a ROMANTIC WEEKEND in Foxburg – and have an indulgent overnight in the newly renovated and elegantly rustic Foxburg Inn where every room has a view of the river.
Reserve early and get the room with the fireplace!
