Celebrating a Musical Legend: Ervin Drake at 95

Legendary songwriter Ervin Drake is celebrating his 95th birthday in April. 

An inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame,  Drake has written such American classics as "It Was a Very Good Year," "I Believe," "Tico Tico," "Quando Quando Quando," “Perdito” and “Good Morning, Heartache.” 

The year 2014 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Broadway production of Drake’s "What Makes Sammy Run" (starring Steve Lawrence) which featured songs "A Room Without Windows" and "The Friendliest Thing."  

On Friday, April 25, 2014 at 8 p.m. Musical Director Jon Weber will lead the tribute to Ervin’s illustrious career with host Charles Grodin and a star-studded cast. Slated to appear are Dee Dee Bridgewater,  Carole J. Bufford, John Gabriel, Eric Yves Garcia, Anita Gillette, Jeff Harnar, Christine Lavin, Sidney Myer,  T. Oliver Reid, Steve Ross, KT Sullivan, Stacy Sullivan, Leslie Uggams, and Sal Viviano

This event will benefit the Gold Coast Arts Center and Landmark on Main Street, two non-profit arts organizations in the Town of North Hempstead, where Drake has lived for many years.  

Organizer say The Gold Coast Arts Center and Landmark on Main Street are committed to promoting and supporting the arts in our region and helping foster a deep appreciation for the Great American Songbook to ensure its preservation for generations to come. This special event is produced by Sandi Durell.

If you go: Tickets are Premium $57; Friends & Gold Coast Arts Center Members $52; standard $52. Friends & Gold Coast Arts Center Members $47and can be ordered through Landmark on Main Street’s box office 516-767-6444 or online at www.landmarkonmainstreet.org.