Internationally renowned entertainer, singer and songwriter, Michael Feinstein co-wrote and recorded an original song, “Get the Rush”, for the IPL 500 Festival Parade. The song was co-written with Amanda Green and will be performed at the Parade by Feinstein on May 24, 2014.
Michael Feinstein, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer is known as “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.” He also serves as the Artistic Director at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Ind. Feinstein founded the Great American Songbook Foundation and is dedicated to celebrating the music and preserving it through education programs such as the High School Vocal Academy and Competition. For the IPL 500 Festival Parade, he will be joined on a float by competition winners and Great American Songbook Youth Ambassadors, Julia Goodwin and Nick Ziobro.
Amanda Green, an American singer songwriter, has written lyrics for High Fidelity, Debbie Does Dallas, along with additional lyrics for Hallelujah Baby. As an actress, Green appeared on Broadway in the musicals Wonderful Town and The Sheik of Avenue B.
In April 1963, the 500 Festival commissioned Hoosier Hoagy Carmichael to write and record a song entitled, “It’s a Grand Old Day (Out At The Old Speedway).” “Get the Rush” marks the second 500 Festival-commissioned song in the organization’s 57 year history.
“We are so excited to have Michael’s participation in the Parade, the event which started it all for the 500 Festival some 57 years ago,” said Bob Bryant, 500 Festival President and CEO. “The IPL 500 Festival Parade is a joyous celebration of community pride and excitement around the month of May’s racing activities. Signifying that celebration with an original song by such a world-class performer as Michael Feinstein, who has a deep interest in the history of American music and happens to be a Hoosier resident, is like icing on a giant cake float. We are looking forward to getting the rush of May.”
“The Great American Songbook Foundation is dedicated to providing young singers with the life-changing opportunity to work with music industry professionals. With our archives and competition hosted at the Palladium in Carmel, we were thrilled at the opportunity to showcase our organization and our two great High School Vocal Competition winners and Great American Songbook Youth Ambassadors, Julia and Nick,” said Feinstein. “The song is intended to spark fun and energy for celebrating the traditions of May. I can’t wait to be a part of the IPL 500 Festival Parade and get everyone revved up.”
The mission of the Great American Songbook Foundation is to inspire and educate by celebrating the Great American Songbook. In addition to the High School Vocal Academy and Competition, the Foundation is home to a Library, Archive and Gallery and offers educational programming. Additionally, they host the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame to honor the musical contributions of composers and performers responsible for creating America’s Songtrack. This year’s ceremony on June 22nd will include inductees Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt and Johnny Mathis.