By: Airin Virgilio '16
The Bradley University Jazz Ensemble presents Come Fly with Me: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, a finger-snapping night of music featuring Broadway star and Bradley alumnus Eric Petersen ‘03.
The jazz ensemble performs a tribute concert every year. This year, the tribute celebrates the iconic musician as a centennial birthday tribute.
After graduation, Petersen established himself as a Broadway and television star. He starred in Shrek: The Musical and will appear in December as Buddy in the Radio City Music Hall Holiday show Elf. On screen, has been in network TV shows such as Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, and CSI.
Eric says he is “overjoyed” to be back on the Hilltop and have the opportunity to perform a tribute of one of favorite artists.
“I am a huge Sinatra fan,” Petersen said. “I got my initial idea being an actor watching Sinatra in musicals.”
Standing alongside Petersen will be music performance major Maggie Sloter ’16. She relished the opportunity to perform jazz with Petersen.
“I can’t wait to sing with him,” she said. “It’s going to be the best learning experience. I’ll get to step in the role and play all of this awesome music.”
The Bradley Jazz Band under the direction of Dr. Todd Kelly performed to sold-out audiences. Performing with the band in addition to Eric Petersen were Dr. Stan Liberty, interim President of Bradley University and Doug Frank, former President of Music Operations for Warner Pictures.
