UCF freshman Nick Drivas has been invited to perform with Grammy Award-nominated entertainer Michael Feinstein. The performance will be a part of the “Michael Feinstein: A Sinatra Centennial” concert at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on January 29, 2015.
A multi-platinum-selling performer, Feinstein is nicknamed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook”. He is one of today’s top interpreters of American standards with over 200 performances a year celebrating and preserving American popular song – particularly with tributes to Frank Sinatra such as the highly anticipated show in Orlando this month.
Under the instruction of Feinstein at The Songbook Academy in 2014, Drivas attained invaluable lessons as he visualized the ultimate goal to expose the golden age of American popular music of the 1920s-1960s to younger audiences today.
A national finalist in The Great American Songbook Academy and Competition that year, he received the opportunity of week-long master classes with Feinstein and to perform in his “Sinatra Centennial” tour – and most importantly, a priceless mentorship.
“Michael has given me incredible advice”, says Drivas. “He is very kind, very gracious and being such a prominent artist he is I take every word of guidance very seriously. It has been incredible working with him – I have been listening to his music since I was in third grade.”
With a stop in Orlando, FL for his “Sinatra Centennial” tour, Feinstein invited his mentee to join him on stage for this unique experience. For his performance, Drivas was given the opportunity to select the American standard “I Have Dreamed” as days of practice culminate to the big day.
Eighteen year old Drivas, with experience in numerous theatrical productions, outshines with his tenor vocal talent. He explored his passion for performing on stage as a high school student at the Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto, FL.
Drivas chose UCF to pursue his studies in Musical Theatre with full confidence as he says, “It just felt like it was where I should be.” In his first semester at UCF, he was chosen as the understudy for the lead role of Claude in the musical Hair.
The UCF School of Performing Arts applauds Drivas’ invitation as a great honor.
“Having one of our students selected for this event reinforces the quality of our training program and the level of talent our students in the BFA Musical Theatre program possess”, says Earl D. Weaver, the Coordinator of Musical Theatre and Artistic Director for Theatre UCF. “Nick is a new student in our program, and he has proven himself to be a wonderful addition to our department. We are very happy he has been selected for this once in a lifetime experience.”
“Michael Feinstein: A Sinatra Centennial” plays at the Dr. Phillips Center on Friday, January 29 at 8 pm. Tickets start at $45.00 and can be purchased here
For more information about the UCF School of Performing Arts, visit UCF Performing Arts
The School of Performing Arts at the University of Central Florida comprises the Music and Theatre departments. In addition to year-round performances and teaching on the UCF campus, the School presents performances and outreach in cooperation with our community partners, which include the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Repertory Theatre, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. For more information about attending performances visit UCF Performing Arts
America’s Partnership University: The University of Central Florida, the nation’s second-largest university with nearly 60,000 students, has grown in size, quality, diversity and reputation in its first 50 years. Today, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at its main campus in Orlando and more than a dozen other locations. UCF is an economic engine attracting and supporting industries vital to the region’s future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation.
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