It’s a safe bet that everyone in the country has heard a Johnny Mercer song, even if they don’t know anything about the man and his music. A legend among American composers, he won four Academy Awards for “Best Song” and was nominated 19 times, more than any other composer. A favorite son of Savannah and the Lowcountry, Mercer wrote lyrics for over 1,500 songs from the 1930’s through the 1960’s, including such hits as “That Old Black Magic,” “Moon River,” “Satin Doll,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” to name just a few.
The Savannah Jazz Orchestra will perform a variety of original scores and jazz interpretations of Mercer’s work on Friday, March 1, at USCB Center for the Arts. In existence over 20 years, the orchestra features the most talented swing and jazz musicians in the Lowcountry, including members of the Savannah Jazz All Stars Hall of Fame. Three outstanding jazz and blues singers will provide a night full of musical variety in their Johnny Mercer tribute. So if you are a Johnny Mercer fan, or a jazz or movie music fan, don’t miss this outstanding interpretation of some of the finest contemporary music ever composed. Reserve seats $20; General Admission $15; Students $10. Box office is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 843-521-4145. USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, SC 29902, www.uscbcenterforthearts.com.
