A big band tribute to Frank Sinatra at YLT

Frank Sinatra would have turned 100 on Dec. 12.

The most famous person to come out of Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra's silky voice was the soundtrack for much of the 20th century, etched on enduring tracks like "My Way," "The Best is Yet to Come," and "That's Life."

From boy crooner to Vegas Rat Pack ringleader to musical statesman, many consider Sinatra the gold standard when it comes to American popular music.

What would have been 'Ol Blue Eyes 100th birthday won't go uncelebrated here in York County. The Unforgettable Big Band, with vocalist Jim Scofield, will hold two concerts of Sinatra's standards on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 at York Little Theatre in Spring Garden Township.

San Francisco-based Internet radio station KSAV.org will webcast the Dec. 12 concert live.

While at least a Sinatra song or two are part of the Unforgettable Big Band's usual set list, this will be the band's first all-Sinatra program.

It wasn't easy winnowing Sinatra's voluminous songbook to an evening's worth of 20 songs, said Tom McLaughlin, the band's music director.

"I think we've put together a show that puts together all the years and all the seasons of his life, his 60-plus years as an active performer," he said.

McLaughlin didn't want to tip his hand about the entire playlist, but he did reveal that the evening will include such Sinatra standards as "All or Nothing At All" and "Come Fly With Me."

And "Of course, you can't do a tribute to Sinatra without 'New York, New York' and 'My Way,'" he added.

McLaughlin, who plays clarinet and saxophone with the band, said Sinatra was notable for many things, not the least of which was the respect he showed for his musicians, the talent to recognize a good song and the ability to reinvent his career numerous times over the years.

"Whenever he was counted out, he came back," McLaughlin said.

If you go:

What: The Unforgettable Big Band's Sinatra Centennial -- a tribute to the man and his music

Where: York Little Theatre, 27 S. Belmont St., Spring Garden Township

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12

Cost: $25

Tickets: York Little Theatre (717) 854-5715 or online at www.ylt.org