AMERICAN LADIES OF SONG is a collection of some of the greatest female singers in American history. Hosted by The Joel Zelnik Trio, featuring vocalist Francine Evans, this exciting collection features signature songs from iconic singers such as Judy Garland, Lady Gaga, Keely Smith, Billie Holiday, among others. Delve into the rich history of American music and experience the magic of these incredible vocalists with "American Ladies of Song."

Performers: Francine Evans (Vocalist); Joel Zelnik (Piano); Rick Crane (Bass); David Cox (Drums)

This concert is made possible with a grant from the Musicians Union Local 16-248 Music Performance Trust Fund, which brings Music to the public and supplements the income of Musicians. 

FRANCINE  EVANS -- Francine Evans is a singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter and theatrical producer with a lifetime of experience in all styles of music. Having taught herself piano in two hands at the age of 3, Francine has produced over 100 shows. Leonard Bernstein was a fan of her eclectic musical style as was Peter Schikele (PDQ Bach).  She has performed with her big band in just about every major hotel ballroom in NYC and has appeared in cabaret clubs and folk venues on both the east and west coasts. She holds an M.A. from Montclair State University, and has performed in New York, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Japan and Greece. 

JOEL ZELNIK - Jazz great Dr. Billy Taylor, was the first to give air play to Joel’s first jazz album, “MOVE”, which was reissued in Japan. A contemporary of Bill Evans, Joel has entertained 5 presidents, has been a pianist/bandleader for thousands of events for such dance orchestras including Lester Lanin, Bob Hardwick, Alex Donner, Cabot/Scott, and his own company Francine and Joel Music.  He has performed at concert venues in New York, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Japan and Greece.  NYC legendary venues include: Windows On The World and The Rainbow Room. He has recorded two CD’s and also holds a B.A. from New Jersey City University, and an M.A. from Rutgers University.  His latest recording, “Live At Steinway Piano Gallery” was performed on a Steinway Model D Concert Grand, and released in Japan.

The Joel Zelnik Trio appears regularly at Concert venues, Jazz Clubs, Libraries and more, with audience engaging programs dedicated to New Jersey’s musical treasure: 7 time Grammy Award  Winner Plainfield born Bill Evans.  We have played to “full houses” because I personalize my experiences with Bill, conveying them with the audience.

RICK CRANE — A lifelong NJ resident, Rick started playing guitar and electric bass at 11 years old, followed by acoustic bass and was performing professionally by age 17. While studying privately with bassist Michael Moore in NYC, Rick enrolled in William Paterson University’s Jazz Studies program, then headed by trumpeter Thad Jones and shortly after, bassist Rufus Reid. He played in rhythm sections backing visiting featured jazz greats such as Dave Liebman, Jackie Byard, Bucky Pizzarelli and Joanne Brackeen. He was selected to perform at the Music Educators National Conference in Miami Florida along with saxophonist Bill Evans.

Some of Rick’s performance venues include: London, Sweden, Japan, Moscow and from coast to coast in the USA. He held a five-year Monday night trio gig with long time friend, guitarist Vic Juris.

Rick has also been actively involved as an educator throughout his career; he taught at many jazz workshops and clinics on both the H.S. and collegiate level. He has been on the adjunct staff offering private instruction at WPU and PCCC, and also maintains an active roster of private students at his home studio.

DAVID COX -- Served as Assistant Conductor of the Brooklyn College Conservatory Orchestra (1994-97) while earning a Master’s Degree. He holds an Undergraduate degree from Manhattan School of Music (1966-69), doing graduate work at the Julliard School (1970-72).

Professional engagements include New York Theater productions of: Annie, My Fair Lady (with Rex Harrison), Dancin’, 42’nd Street (with Jerry Orbach), Cats, Pippin (with Ben Vereen), My One and Only (Tommy Tune and Twiggy), Me and My Girl, Chicago, Perfectly Frank, Evita, Oh Coward, and Bernstein’s 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Touring credits: Ben Vereen, Engelbert Humperdinck, Vic Damone, and two world tours including recording Live from Carnegie Hall with Liza Minelli.

Musical associations: Tommy James, John Dancer, Kay T Oslin, The Brothers Rosenfeld, Elly Stone, Elliot Lawrence, Ray Bloch, Gloria Gaynor, and Liza Minelli.

Principal Timpanist: The Westchester Chamber Orchestra, (22nd season) ; The Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra (25th season); Encompass New Opera; Bosch Opera Repertory Company, Mannheim Germany.