After Sept. Sell-Out, Manhattan Transfer Returns to Park Theatre

As a band that enjoys nothing more than touring and playing to sold-out crowds of adoring fans, The Manhattan Transfer is returning to Rhode Island to give local music lovers an encore performance—with a twist—of their September 2012 sell-out that people are still talking about.

On Saturday, April 5, the historic Park Theatre in Cranston will welcome back The Manhattan Transfer to present a special performance—The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic retrospective on their record-setting 40 years of stellar vocalese performances highlighting their spellbinding harmonies. 

Considered one of the greatest vocal groups in history for broadening the musical landscape with their innovative jazz/pop sound, The Manhattan Transfer’s presentation of The Living Room Sessions will take the audience on a journey from their early days, through their long and successful career to the present. 

Featuring an array of on-stage visuals against a historic slideshow backdrop, the group will share some of the stories behind the music—their inspirations, collaborations, and tales from the studio and the road. Accompanied by piano and bass, The Manhattan Transfer will perform some of their biggest hits, as well as some lesser known and never released tunes—they may even deconstruct a song to illustrate the intricate harmonies that have made them famous.

“Since their performance at the Park nearly two years ago, many of our patrons have been asking for their return—we couldn’t be happier to welcome them back for a special performance that promises to be an incredible night of music,” said Yusuf Gandhi, Executive Director of the Park Theatre.

Long known as musical pioneers and responsible for introducing Bob Marley and The Wailers to American television audiences, the platinum-selling super group made Grammy history by becoming the first to simultaneously win a Grammy in both the jazz and pop categories. Their album, Vocalese, is the second most honored album in pop history with 12 Grammy nominations, surpassed only by Michael Jackson’s Thriller. In total, the group, which is a member of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, has won 10 Grammys and been nominated for 17.

A major staple within the jazz, pop and mainstream music communities, The Manhattan Transfer is Cheryl Bentyne, vocals; Tim Hauser, vocals; Alan Paul, vocals; and Janis Siegel, vocals. 

The Manhattan Transfer will present The Living Room Sessions at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Tickets are $35, $45 and $55 and available by calling the Park Theatre Box Office at (401) 467-7275 or online. The Park Theatre is located at 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910. Free parking is available for all shows.