A Newmarket physician by day, renowned pianist at night, Dr. John Brown is performing with his friend of 30 years, Frank Sinatra tribute artist Rick Stephenson at the Orillia Concert Band’s Frank Sinatra Comes Home to Orillia! May 11 and 12.
Stephenson, a professional performer, was the leader of the big band Endangered Species that played all over Ontario, including opening the Jerry Lewis telethon and appearing on Breakfast TV.
To see Stephenson in action, watch this YouTube video.
The Orillia Concert Band, joined by members of the Orillia Big Band and pianist Brown, are providing the big band accompaniment to Stephenson’s Frank Sinatra tribute performance.
The Orillia Concert Band will also be performing a number of entertaining big band pieces, including A Tribute to Count Bassie and Glenn Miller in Concert.
Due to the intense interest in this concert, a second performance is scheduled. The concerts are on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 12 at 2:30 p.m., at St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia, 62 Peter St. N.
Tickets are available online. Saturday night’s concert is almost sold out but a limited number of tickets have been reserved for purchase at the door (cash only) at both concerts for those who can’t purchase tickets online. If the Saturday concert shows sold out online, please consider attending the Sunday concert and leave the limited door tickets for those who can’t purchase online tickets, organizers request.
Please note that the online ticket charge will be from Zeffy on your credit card statement.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults - $25.
- Seniors (60+) - $20.
- Post secondary students - $15.
- Youth (5-18) - $10
- Children under 5 free
Doors open Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30. p.m. Use the west entrance only. Refreshments and snacks can be purchased in the lobby pre-show and at intermission.
Performer Information:
Rick Stephenson, a former longtime resident of Orillia, and a genuine Sinatra fan, sings a dynamic authentic tribute to Old Blue Eyes. A deep love and respect for Sinatra and his music led Stephenson to a career tributing the "Chairman of the Board." His musical journey began young, leading his first big band at 15. Graduating from Humber College in trombone performance, he was mentored by Order of Canada recipient Ron Collier. For 25 years as leader, singer and trombonist, Stephenson toured with his own 17-piece band, The Endangered Species Big Band, later called Rick Stephenson and His Orchestra.
Milestone performances have included opening the Jerry Lewis Telethon and the first Big Band Music video on Bravo/MTV. As a Frank Sinatra tribute artist, Stephenson was honoured in 2023 to have been invited to perform at Swing46 jazz club in New York City, performing with Dave Post and the Swingadelic Big Band. Stephenson has released a number of Frank Sinatra tribute albums (see HisSinatra.com). In 2023, Stephenson released his newest tribute album Reflections In The Wee Small Hours paying homage to Sinatra’s In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning. He is currently in the studio recording a new album, Singing For Sinatra to be released in 2024. This album will include songs Stephenson believes Sinatra would have sung given the chance.
In 2023, Stephenson was nominated for Tribute Artist of The Year in Nashville TN. (Josie Music Awards). He also tied for first place in the International - My Way Sinatra Sing-Off in Hoboken NJ. Stephenson appeared in the PBS Special, Here’s The Story filmed in Hoboken during the competition and followed up with a performance in NYC with The Swingadelic Big Band. He was just nominated in six categories for the Red Carpet Music Awards in Europe. Stephenson is thrilled to Come Home to Orillia! to perform with the talented musicians in the OCB & OBB.
John Brown, Pianist: Brown has known Stephenson for over 30 years. They initially met when Brown joined his band, The Endangered Species Big Band playing piano and keyboard. Brown has studied for many years with renowned Toronto jazz pianist and educator Frank Falco. Brown is a family physician in Newmarket with a special connection to Orillia. In 2011, he completed his private pilot training at the Orillia Ramara airport. As well as a talented jazz pianist, Brown is an orchestrator, arranger, recording engineer and is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album with Stephenson called Singin' For Sinatra to be release spring 2024.
The Orillia Concert Band is a 45-member recreational band based in the Orillia area, featuring wind, brass, and percussion instruments. Members range in age between 18 to 81. The OCB presents a four-concert series each year, plus charitable fundraisers and concerts for special events. Further Information on the Orillia Concert Band and upcoming concerts is available on the OCB’s Website and Facebook page.
Randy Hoover has been a contributor to the Orillia music community for many years. He has a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario as well as a Master’s of Education degree from St. Mary’s University. He holds an Associate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Trumpet Performance. He has taught secondary school music in Nova Scotia, Shelburne Ontario and Orangeville. For the past seven years, he has taught at Lakehead in the education program. Locally, Hoover has played in the Orillia Concert Band, the Orillia Silver Band, the Sensations Rhythm and Blues Band and with the Mariposa Arts Theatre. He is founder of the Leacock Brass Quintet and has been conductor of the Orillia Silver Junior Band. He is the founder of the Jazz Standards Trio and is currently the music director of the Orillia Concert Band and the Orillia Big Band.
