FOR MIKE

42 Dearborn Street,Newport RI 02840

28 April, 2023

Description

Russ Kassoff "You are the best." -- Frank SinatraRuss Kassoff is a jazz pianist, conductor, music director, composer, orchestrator and arranger. He played and toured with Frank Sinatra for many years, often by request. And then with Liza Minnelli for many more. He performed and recorded with guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli and has accompanied and recorded with Steve Allen, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Sammy Cahn, Vic Damone, Perry Como, Marilyn Maye, Carly Simon, Luciano Pavorotti, Rod Stewart, Carol Sloane, Sylvia Syms and so many more jazz greats. And he continues as music director for Rita Moreno as he has for 20 years. A good friend to MIke Renzi, they often played in each other's place when one was unavailable for concerts or gigs with those mentioned above, and more . Mike would be so pleased to have Russ here to perform for him and for us on his birthday. THE MIKE RENZI MUSICIANSHIP AWARDThis Award will be granted annually, in perpetuity, to a University of Rhode Island student, who is a Rhode Island resident, majoring in Music in any area of concentration. The Award will be used to assist with ancillary expenses for that student including, but not limited to: TuitionPurchase of musicPurchase and/or repair of musical instrument(s)Travel for educational purposes