Celebrating the Legacy of “Over the Rainbow” Composer and Buffalo Native
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Buffalo will pay tribute to one of its most legendary musical icons, Harold Arlen, with a special 120th birthday celebration at Kleinhans Music Hall. Arlen was born on February 15, 1905, and passed away on April 23, 1986. Presented by JazzBuffalo in collaboration with Kleinhans Music Hall, this event will honor the composer behind some of the most beloved songs in the Great American Songbook, including the timeless classic, “Over the Rainbow.” Arlen’s compositions have left an indelible mark on American music, shaping the landscape of jazz and popular music for generations.
Headlining the concert will be acclaimed jazz pianist and Western New York native Pete Malinverni, who has made a name for himself as a composer, arranger, and educator based in New York City. Joining Malinverni will be internationally renowned violinist Julie Kurtzman and rising star jazz vocalist Anaïs Reno. Together, they will bring new life to Arlen’s cherished songs through fresh arrangements and heartfelt performances, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the music of this Buffalo-born legend.
Harold Arlen is responsible for penning some of the greatest standards in American music, including “Stormy Weather,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Get Happy,” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow”—the iconic song from The Wizard of Oz that earned him an Academy Award and is frequently hailed as the greatest song of the 20th century.
Though Arlen’s music is celebrated worldwide, his legacy in his hometown of Buffalo is often overlooked. This concert aims to change that by shining a spotlight on Arlen’s roots in Buffalo, where he grew up, performed, and began his illustrious career. From his early days playing piano on the S.S. Canadiana to his rise as a Broadway and Hollywood composer, Arlen’s Buffalo upbringing was integral to his success, and this event will honor the city’s role in shaping his career.
Mark your calendars for this extraordinary celebration of Harold Arlen’s 120th birthday—an event of unforgettable music in Buffalo’s historic Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall.
Tickets go on sale on Thursday, October 3rd at 10 AM. Early Bird Ticket Pricing will be available for this event. Reserved seating for this special event will be available at an Early Bird price of $35 throughout October, with tickets priced at $40 thereafter. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime tribute to one of Buffalo’s greatest musical talents.
Tickets will be available at this link: https://kleinhansbuffalo.org/event/harold-arlen/
For more information on Harold Arlen’s legacy, visit the online exhibition curated by Chana Revell Kotzin at https://jewishbuffalohistory.org/arlen/. You can also read an insightful article by Ed Healy, former Vice President of Marketing at Visit Buffalo Niagara, about Arlen’s Buffalo roots at Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Join us for a memorable occasion as Buffalo honors one of its finest sons and the music that has touched generations.
