At Last, The Manhattan Transfer Stops in Palo Alto May 31

The Oshman Family JCC presents the ten time Grammy-winning vocal quartet The Manhattan Transfer in a special benefit concert. With both critical and commercial success since it was founded in 1972, The Manhattan Transfer has wowed sold-out audiences around the world with its jazzy treatment of a wide spectrum of musical styles, from swing to doo-wop, pop, and rhythm and blues. Praised for its stylish and sophisticated arrangements and a razzle-dazzle stage presence, The Manhattan Transfer will perform at 7:30pm, Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the Oshman Family JCC- Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Proceeds raised will benefit Arts Bravura, which enables the OFJCC to continue presenting exceptional performing arts events on the Peninsula.

The Manhattan Transfer has remained an important part of musical history for over forty years. The legendary quartet has won 10 Grammy Awards of 20 nominations, has been inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and continues to wow audiences with live performances throughout the country and the world. The Manhattan Transfer is comprised of Cheryl Bentyne, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, and Trist Curless, who recently stepped into the shoes of the group’s founder, Tim Hauser, after his passing last year. With worldwide record sales in the millions, the extraordinary group topped the charts consistently for decades with their melodic and jazz infused vocals that brings audiences back year after year.

The group was founded by Tim Hauser when he was paying his bills by driving a New York City cab and aspiring to form a harmony vocal quartet that could authentically embrace varied musical styles and still create something wholly unique in the field of American popular song. While driving, he met the first members of the legendary group -- Laurel Massé and Janis Siegel. Alan Paul, who was appearing in the Broadway cast of “Grease” at the time, was recommended as the additional male voice and the four became The Manhattan Transfer on October 1, 1972. Cheryl Bentyne joined The Manhattan Transfer in 1979, replacing Laurel.

In 1974 the group began performing regularly throughout New York City at Trude Heller’s, Mercer Arts Center, Max’s Kansas City, Club 82, and other cabaret venues, and by the end of the year they were the number one live attraction in New York City. They were signed to Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1975. The second single, a remake of the gospel classic “Operator,” gave the group their first national hit. They went on to release 27 more albums that produced top 10 singles in the US and abroad.

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC’s registered trademark is Live Fully®.

For tickets and more information visit http://paloaltojcc.org/artsbravura or call (650) 223-8664.

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