Last night, Vegas PBS aired a vastly entertaining outstanding live! special of an Andrea Bocelli concert filmed in Tuscany for posterity a few months ago.
But, there was a surprise treat, too.
In conjunction with their fundraiser efforts, PBS offered up 2 VIP tickets for Bocelli's upcoming December 12th concert in Las Vegas (@ MGM) for a paltry donation in the sum of $400.00.
As you can well imagine, within one hour, all the prestigious Bocelli seats were snapped up!
In addition, there were a few $500.00 packages, which included 2 VIP tickets (Gold Circle), a DVD set, and Bocelli memorabilia.
Check with PBS, there may be a handful of the precious collector keepsakes left.
The concert (though interrupted ad nauseam by volunteer staff in a bold-faced effort to raise funds for PBS) was a stellar high-quality "outdoor" presentation.
During the course of the evening, Mr. Bocelli delighted fans with a far-reaching set of half-a-dozen-or so of his best-known hits.
In addition, the "rock star" of the classical arena, introduced a couple of spanking-new compositions, unveiled for the first time to a live audience.
There were a number of surprise musical guests, as well.
For instance, ever-popular musician - Kenny G - played a few of the opening notes for one piece.
Unfortunately, that tune was a bit beyond Mr. Bocelli's range.
Actually, on occasion, the celebrated crooner struggled through musical transitions that once were a breeze for him.
In some instances, musical arrangements were not suited to his unique voice, either.
The audience looked the other way, nonetheless.
The camera-work just about drove me to distraction, though.
The erratic lens was inclined to pan wide, flow in, zoom across a great vista sideways, then sweep out again.
I felt like I was viewing an Italian real estate commercial for Tuscany!
At times, the production was also a bit over-the-top.
Bocelli made a dramatic entrance in a chic black tuxedo with scarf wrapped elegantly around his neck (with two handsome male escorts in tow).
At another serene moment during the performance, a posse of young children wafted in gracefully with lit candles, causing my inerds to all mush-up inside.
I expect a few middle-aged housewives in the audience - munching on bon bons - were dabbing their eyes wiith perfumed lace hankerchiefs, too.
Truth of the matter is, Bocelli doesn't need the props or the gimmicks to buttress his remarkable talent.
The distractions only take away from the purity of his voice!
