Palace Theatre's Season Kicks Off with Doc Severinsen

Former Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinsen kicks off the Palace’s new season Sunday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m.

For 30 years, Johnny Carson’s humor and charm was accompanied by Doc’s trumpet playing. When Carson’s late night reign ended in 1992, Doc and his band continued playing across the country. It was obvious then that retirement was not in Severinsen’s nature.

A move to Mexico in 2006 brought Doc together with guitarist Gil Gutiérrez and violinist Pedro Cartas. The duo was playing at an Italian bistro when Doc first heard and approached them about joining musical forces. The result of their collaboration has the ‘retiree’ busy as ever.

Doc now tours the country performing with El Ritmo de la Vida (The Rhythm of Life).  Severinsen and his new colleagues (along with percussionist Miguel Favero and bassist Gilberto Gonzales) serve up a lively, sophisticated sound without a specific genre name.

“People ask us what kind of music we play,” Severinsen says. “I have no idea.”

The quintet fuses jazz, flamenco, mariachi and a number of Spanish styles. Gutiérrez is a guitar virtuoso who consistently delivers energetic, electric performances. Add Doc’s soaring trumpet and the experience is indescribably brilliant.

At 83 years of age, the trumpeter still plays with unbridled passion and emotion.  His wit and outlandish wardrobe are on full display for each performance.

The Grammy-award winning musician began his musical journey at the age of seven in his hometown of Arlington, Oregon. Adamant about playing trombone, “Little Doc” (as he was nicknamed) had to settle for the only horn available in the town’s small music store – a trumpet.  After only a week or practice, Doc was invited to join the high school band. His advanced musicianship brought him a national award at twelve years old. Once in high school he was hired to go on the road with the Ted Fio Rito Orchestra. 

After serving in the Army during World War II, Doc played in many of the great bands of the late 1940s. His relationship with NBC began in 1949 as a member of their studio bands. He joined the Tonight Show Band as first trumpet in 1962 and took over as Music Director just five years later.

Doc’s appreciation for many genres is quite evident having released over 30 albums to date from big band to jazz-fusion to classical. The energy and musicianship he brings to every performance is what makes him one of the all-time greats.

Tickets for Doc Severinsen are on sale now at a cost of $28 or $23 with a $2 discount for seniors and full-time students. They may be purchased at the Palace box office, 276 W. Center St. in downtown Marion or by phone at 740/383-2101. Box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday, 9:00am-noon Saturday, and closed Sunday.

Information and tickets for all shows this season are also online at www.marionpalace.org.