The Exciting Harold Arlen 120th Birthday Celebration

Honoring a Buffalo Legend: An Afternoon of Music, Emotion, and Unforgettable Performances

Buffalo’s rich musical heritage was celebrated in extraordinary fashion this past Sunday at Kleinhans Music Hall as an attentive audience gathered to honor one of its most legendary figures, Harold Arlen. The 120th Birthday Celebration, produced by JazzBuffalo in collaboration with Kleinhans, became a truly unforgettable tribute that will be remembered as a defining moment in Buffalo’s music history.

Through the lens of Jack Zuff’s stunning photography, we are thrilled to share a spectacular gallery of images that capture the emotion, artistry, and magic of the event. The gallery is at the end of this article.

A Performance to Remember

The afternoon was filled with breathtaking performances that showcased the depth and brilliance of Arlen’s music, performed in a unique trio instrumentation that brought purity, soul, and intimacy to his timeless melodies. Pete Malinverni regaled the audience with storytelling that brought the person, Harold Arlen, to life.

Anaïs Reno delivered a show-stopping and emotional rendition of “The Man That Got Away”, drawing audiences into the song’s raw heartbreak. Producing an impromptu standing ovation. She later brought many to tears with a deeply moving and heartfelt performance of “Over the Rainbow”, closing out the afternoon with the kind of magic only Harold Arlen’s music can create.

Julie Kurtzman’s stunning interpretation of “Stormy Weather” was filled with nuance and depth, a hauntingly beautiful tribute to one of Arlen’s most iconic compositions.

Pete Malinverni’s soulful performance of “One More for My Baby” transported the audience to a late-night jazz club setting, where storytelling and melody intertwined in a way that only great jazz pianists can achieve.

A Community United in Celebration

Adding to the significance of the occasion, we were honored to welcome Harold Arlen’s first cousin in attendance—a touching reminder of the personal connections that keep this incredible legacy alive.

We extend our deepest gratitude to:
* Ed Healy, whose passion and vision inspired this tribute
* Dan Hart & Jess Basil, for ensuring the best of Kleinhans Music Hall was brought to the concert
* The sound crew & volunteers, who worked behind the scenes to make everything seamless
* And most importantly, YOU—the audience!

With over 400 ticket holders, we know the winter weather made it difficult for some to attend. For those who couldn’t make it, we invite you to experience a glimpse of the magic through this video of Anaïs Reno’s powerful “Over the Rainbow.”

Join the Conversation!

This was more than just a concert—it was a historic celebration of Buffalo’s unique contribution to the Great American Songbook. If you were in attendance, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.

Here are a few comments we have received – please add yours in the comment section:

“What a great show! Thank you”

“I was there!! Great show! Amazing performance! Amazing talent! Thank you for your dialogue and showmanship throughout the performance. And making Harold Arlen’s spirit present with us! I am sure he was looking down on you with pride!!”

“Great concert!!”

“Such an incredible performance – we were so lucky to be there!”

“Amazing!”

“It was magical!”

“Wow! Took my breath away. The Magnificent three.. bravo”

“A stirring interpretation—a new bar has been set!”

“Amazing! Simply beautiful! Congratulations!”

“Fantastic performances- true honor to Harold Arlen’s talent! Loved every minute of this wonderful concert!”

“a spectacular performance on a snowy afternoon”

“It was wonderful!”

“What a wonderful show. What talented performers!”

“True pros doing what pros do. ” Deliver a great and memorable performance” Pete, Julie, and Anais ” Outstanding ” !!!

“Was AMAZING! Such talented performers to honor Halrod Arlen’s music! So glad we went! Snow and all!”

“What a great show! Thank you”!”

“This tribute to Harold Arlen was sensational!”

“Excellent in so many ways. A wonderful tribute to Buffalo’s Harold Arlen.“

“What a wonderful concept and event, thank you all. Anais’s voice and delivery truly are exceptional gifts even with how much she has cultivated those gifts thus far. Mr. Malinverni’s multiple piano accompaniment stylings were marvelous…but if Mr. Arlen were to have heard “Get Happy”, he may have retitled it “Get Mesmerized Beyond Belief”

“So nice to hear and see Ms. Reno’s progress as a vocalist and stylist. An absolutely magnificent afternoon. Only a truly collaborative effort by one and all makes the event unforgettable. Congratulations! “Build it and they will come!”

And, this appreciative comment from Ed Healy:

“The memory, legacy and birthday of Buffalo-born composer Harold Arlen was celebrated this afternoon at the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhan’s Music Hall. His music—including standards such as Stormy Weather, One for My Baby (and One More for the Road) and Over the Rainbow, among many others—was beautifully performed by pianist Pete Malinverni, violinist Julie Kurtzman and vocalist Anais Reno. Great thanks to Tony Zambito and JazzBuffalo for making this long overdue tribute happen. And to Visit Buffalo Niagara for planting the seed for the concert as part of its Music Tourism Initiative.”

Please add yours in the comment section!

Thank you to all for being a part of this extraordinary tribute to a true musical legend!

Enjoy this remarkable photo gallery by the extraordinary JazzBuffalo Contributor and photographer, Jack Zuff: