16-Year-Old Musician Ethan Bortnick Presents Third National PBS Television Concert, "Generations of Music," Supporting Critical Funding for PBS Stations and the Arts

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ethan Bortnick's new concert special, "Generations of Music," is the latest example of the songwriter and pianist's efforts to rally public support for music and the arts. With funding for public broadcasting in limbo, the need for that support is greater than ever. Out of the public eye, Ethan is no less committed to this noble cause, traveling to area schools during concert tours and encouraging children to embrace music and the arts. To date, he has raised over $50 million for global charities, including millions for public broadcasting in the U.S. "Generations of Music" will air nationwide this month on PBS stations as part of pledge drive programming — check local listings here.

"Generations of Music" includes special guest appearances by Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), Bethany Yarrow and renowned cellist Rufus Cappadocia. Peter Yarrow's presence is especially significant — the elder statesman of folk music has always stood on the side of justice, dignity, self-expression and empowerment. Yarrow and his bandmates performed and marched with the Reverend Martin Luther King in Selma and in Washington, D.C. "When I met Ethan," he says, "I recognized that the baton was being passed to a person who was very involved in using his music to make a better world."

Conceived by Ethan, "Generations of Music" introduces viewers to the musician's new original songs, which are certain to be enjoyed for many generations to come, alongside a spectacular selection of music from various genres and generations. Guided by Musical Director David Rosenthal (who is also Billy Joel's Musical Director) and directed by the Emmy®-nominated Leon Knoles, the concert showcases Ethan's piano virtuosity, vocal variety and powerful presence, while highlighting his boy-next-door charm and appeal. Also joining Ethan on the stage and lending gravity to the performance are his band, a full orchestra, youth choir and background vocalists. 

Ethan has earned various distinct honors for using his music to help others, such as the USO's "Next Generation of Hope Award" and an Emmy nomination for his PBS TV show, "Ethan's Music Room," which teaches kids about music and the performing arts. He has graced the cover of Esquire's 80th anniversary issue and earned the title of "The World's Youngest Solo Musician to Headline His Own Concert Tour" from Guinness World Records.

Ethan has performed alongside some of the biggest names in the business, including Elton John, Barbara Streisand, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Justin Bieber, Tony Bennet, Miley Cyrus and Josh Groban among many others. He's also made memorable TV appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. None other than 28-time Grammy Award winner Quincy Jones remarked that "Ethan's imagination and ability to create music from stories is unbelievable."

"Generations of Music" is the third live concert Ethan has produced exclusively for Public Television. In 2014/15, his previous show, "The Power of Music," was the number one concert pledge show on public television, picking up prestigious awards, and the concert is still broadcast frequently by stations across the country.

Ethan and his band's upcoming concert tour directly benefits PBS stations across the country. The 50-city tour kicks off in September and runs through 2018 with new dates added monthly. A complete concert schedule is available here. In the meantime, Ethan is available for interviews — see below for media contact information.

Contact:

Irene Vaserstein
Sun and Sky Entertainment, Inc.
[email protected] 
954-363-2333

SOURCE Ethan Bortnick

Related Links

https://ethanbortnick.com