“The Carpenters Connection: Happy 75th Karen”

**** Tonight was a very special night for Jane and I, plus our friends Alan and Vicki, as we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Libertad in Skokie, then walked across the street to the Skokie Theatre to see a special tribute to Karen Carpenter, as presented by Amy Yassinger with her group called The Carpenters Connection. What made the evening extra special is that I knew this performer back when she was a little girl and her sister played “Annie” to my FDR in Buffalo Grove, and then her mother played my fiancée in “The Sound of Music” when I played Captain Von Trapp, and later, when Buffalo Grove Players, did “How To Succeed in Business Without Even Trying”, Amy was an ensemble member to my J.B. Biggly. I guess besides our love of Karen Carpenter and her music, my connection to the Yassinger family made the evening extra special.

The Carpenters Connection pays a loving tribute to Karen and Richard Carpenter and other icons of the 70s. The band, led by Amy Yassinger features the talents of Stuart Seale on vocals and piano, Kenny Thompson on vocals and guitar, TJ Thompson on drums, Josh Shapiro on reeds and Aaron Mitter on bass. The songs are iconic with rich harmonies and orchestrations that bring back fond memories. Special guest vocalists include Brooke Zino and Deonte Baker as The Carpenters Connection not only plays songs of the Carpenters but also Carole King, Earth Wind & Fire, Randy Newman and more.

The saddest part about Karen Carpenter’s untimely passing is that she didn’t quite know how big of an impact her music made across generations. Both Karen and Richard Carpenter positively contributed to an era that was full of uncertainty and unrest starting in the late 60s and throughout the mid/late 70s. Their music comforted people around the world with vibrant harmonies and unique orchestrations. The Carpenters Connection pays tribute to the songs they performed with different horns, harmonies and unique takes on famous arrangements.

It was a wonderful experience and a great evening of  night of music, stories and love. The audience was truly into the music and the love that exuded from the stage at The Skokie Theatre. They can be reached at 847-677-7761. Yes, they do theater productions, but on off nights and between, they do find that concerts work- check out www.skokietheatre.org

Amy also does parties, functions and events- contact her at www.yazzevents.com