Manhattan Transfer tickets going on sale

From NPAC information

The Manhattan Transfer, the jazz/pop vocal group with the second most honored album in pop history, surpassed only by Michael Jackson’s Thriller, will be at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio on Saturday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 12.

The platinum selling, world-wide chart topping quartet, comprised of Cheryl Bentyne, Tim Hauser, Alan Paul and Janis Siegel, became the first group to win Grammys simultaneously in both the jazz and pop categories and earned a provoking 12 Grammy nominations in 1985 for the album Vocalese.  To date, The Manhattan Transfer has won 10 Grammys and has been nominated for 17.

Their recent No. 5 Billboard jazz chart album, The Chick Corea Songbook, was inspired by the classic work of jazz great Chick Corea, who contributed and plays an original composition entitled “Free Samba” especially for the album.

The Manhattan Transfer first hit radio stations in 1975 with its nationally recognized remake of the Friendly Brothers gospel classic “Operator.”  Later that year, the group aired its own comedy-variety show on CBS, taking Ed Sullivan’s old time slot. Widely renowned for broadening the musical landscape, the Manhattan Transfer is credited for bringing Brazilian music to American radio and for introducing Bob Marley and The Wailers to American television.

The group’s 1979 vocal remake of the Weather Report classic “Birdland” landed the quartet its first two Grammys for Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental, and Best Arrangement For Voices. The group won consecutive Grammys in 1982 and 1983 for Best Vocal Jazz Performance, Duo or Group category. Throughout the decade (1980-1990), the Manhattan Transfer held the title of “Best Vocal Group” in both the annual Downbeat and Playboy jazz polls.

Famous musicians who have worked with Manhattan Transfer include Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, James Taylor, B.B. King, Phil Collins, and Smokey Robinson. With more than 20 hit records, the group remains a major staple within the jazz community and the mainstream music community.  Hits many people know include “Boy From New York City”, “Route 66” and “Until I Met You.”

Tickets for the September 17 concert range from $18-$41.  Tickets are available online 24/7 at www.npacvw.org and at the NPAC box office at 10700 State Route 118 on the south edge of Van Wert, or by phone at 419.238.NPAC (6722) Tuesday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information about tickets and additional shows at the NPAC, visit its website or find it on Facebook.