By Erik Proveaux
Harry Connick, Jr. Brings the Good Times to Savannah
This past December found Harry Connick, Jr. bringing his big band sound to Savannah, GA for the holidays. His latest concert
tour, “A New Orleans Tricentennial Celebration…Holiday Edition,” embraces the 300th anniversary of Connick’s hometown of New
Orleans thru stories, special guests, dance, and of course music, including choice selections to bring in the holidays.
The Johnny Mercer Theater played host to the sold out show for the multiple Grammy and Emmy awards winner. And there
was no doubt why Connick is a multiple Tony award nominee. He commanded the stage and displayed wit and charisma as he
performed for and spoke with his audience.
As expected, Harry Connick, Jr. acknowledged his success coming from the movie “When Harry Met Sally” by performing such
hits as “Love Is Here to Stay” and “It Had to Be You.” I must admit that I have not seen the movie, and probably will not, but who
is not at least familiar with the “I will have what she is having” scene? But, this is about the music.
There was no doubt that New Orleans was at the crux of this concert, but it was with a true touch of class that Connick
acknowledged the theater’s namesake, Johnny Mercer. He talked about the man and his abilities to compose well thought out
work and followed it up by performing a moving rendition of “Moon River.”
The concert started in force with a trumpet and a trombone player setting the stage, where Connick soon took his place on
his signature piano. From there, accompanied by up to 10 other artists throughout the entire concert, he took the audience on a
journey from a New Orleans jazz club, to Mardi Gras, and wrapped up with a Jazz Funeral Parade.
Here on Tybee Island, we are lucky to have various styles of live music accessible to us on a given night. There is something to
be said about being able to walk down the street and to find a style to fit your liking. Me? Give me brass.
34 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | JAN 2019