UCF Freshman Nick Drivas has been invited to perform with Grammy Award-nominated entertainer Michael Feinstein as part of the “Michael Feinstein: A Sinatra Centennial” concert Jan. 29 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
A multi-platinum-selling performer, Feinstein is nicknamed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.” He is one of today’s top interpreters of American standards with more than 200 performances a year celebrating and preserving American popular song – particularly with tributes to Frank Sinatra.
Under the instruction of Feinstein at The Songbook Academy in 2014, Drivas attained invaluable lessons as he visualized the goal to expose the golden age of American popular music of the 1920s-60s to younger audiences.
A national finalist in The Great American Songbook Academy and Competition that year, he received the opportunity of week-long master classes with Feinstein and to perform in his “Sinatra Centennial” tour.
“Michael has given me incredible advice,”said Drivas. “He is very kind, very gracious and being such a prominent artist he is I take every word of guidance very seriously. It has been incredible working with him.
With a stop in Orlando for his “Sinatra Centennial” tour, Feinstein invited Drivas to join him on stage. Drivas will sing “I Have Dreamed” at the concert.
The 18-year-old had experience in numerous theatrical productions as a high school student at the Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto.
Drivas chose UCF to pursue his studies in musical theatre because “it just felt like it was where I should be.” In his first semester at UCF, he was chosen as the understudy for the lead role of Claude in the musical Hair.
“Having one of our students selected for this event reinforces the quality of our training program and the level of talent our students in the BFA musical theatre program possess,” said Earl D. Weaver, coordinator of musical theatre and artistic director for Theatre UCF. “Nick is a new student in our program, and he has proven himself to be a wonderful addition to our department. We are very happy he has been selected for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“Michael Feinstein: A Sinatra Centennial” will be at the Dr. Phillips Center on Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.drphillipscenter.org.