Buffalo Honors Its Greatest Songwriter: Harold Arlen at 121

A reverent afternoon at Kleinhans Music Hall featuring Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman affirms a growing February tradition — celebrating Arlen’s enduring genius with artistry of the highest order.

On a rare sunny February afternoon, beneath the soaring curves and luminous acoustics of Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo gathered not merely for a concert, but for a moment of cultural affirmation.

The Harold Arlen 121st Birthday Celebration was more than a date on the calendar. It was another decisive step forward in honoring Buffalo’s most important son in American music history — the incomparable Harold Arlen. Composer of over 500 songs, architect of emotional landscapes that shaped the Great American Songbook, and the genius behind melodies that continue to define the American spirit, Arlen belongs to the world. But first, he belongs to Buffalo.

And on this day, Buffalo rose to meet that responsibility.

Reverence in the Hall

There was a palpable reverence in the room. The audience understood the significance. They listened with an attentiveness that felt almost sacred — leaning into every lyric, every harmonic turn, every nuanced phrase. This is what Jazz at Kleinhans is meant to be: a space where artistry is not background, but center stage; where the magnificence of the hall meets the magnificence of the music.

The afternoon’s master interpreters, Tierney Sutton and Tamir Hendelman, delivered a performance of rare depth and artistry. Together, they honored Arlen not through imitation, but through illumination.

Masterful Interpretations

“Let’s Fall in Love” opened with buoyant sophistication — Sutton’s crystalline phrasing floating effortlessly atop Hendelman’s harmonically rich touch. “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” carried both wit and urgency, reminding us of Arlen’s gift for marrying rhythmic vitality with emotional complexity.

Then came a delightfully inventive “If I Only Had a Brain,” transformed into a vocalese tour de force. Sutton navigated intricate lines with dazzling precision while preserving the song’s playful heart — a reminder that Arlen’s work, even at its most whimsical, carries structural brilliance.

But it was in the ballads where the hall seemed to hold its breath.

“Over the Rainbow” was delivered not as cliché, but as confession. Sutton resisted sentimentality, allowing the melody to unfold with quiet inevitability. In that moment, Arlen’s harmonic genius — those yearning intervals, those unexpected modulations — felt as fresh as ever.

And when Sutton gave voice to “The Man That Got Away,” the emotional gravity in the room deepened. Hendelman’s accompaniment swelled and receded with orchestral sensitivity, and Sutton inhabited the lyric with restrained power. It was not theatrical excess. It was lived truth.

This is the level of artistry Jazz at Kleinhans exists to bring to our city — the highest caliber of interpretation, presented in a hall worthy of such music.

A Community United in Legacy

The celebration extended beyond the music.

We are deeply grateful to the entire staff at Kleinhans Music Hall for their professionalism, partnership, and belief in this growing tradition. Special thanks to Ed Healy for setting up the beautiful historic panels that framed Arlen’s life and legacy so elegantly in the lobby — grounding the afternoon in civic pride.

A special opening moment came as Tom Lorentz presented a Lifetime Achievement recognition from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame to the Arlen family. It was a gesture of gratitude — from a city to the family of the man whose melodies have traveled the globe.

This was not nostalgia. This was reclamation.

Every February, Buffalo will honor Harold Arlen on or near his birthday. Not as a footnote. Not as a passing mention. But as a foundational figure in American music — a composer whose work continues to shape our cultural identity.

Looking Ahead

And as we continue this annual tradition, we are already looking toward next February, when we will be graced by the supreme talent of Ann Hampton Callaway — Tony Award nominee and one of the most gifted singer-songwriters of the past several decades — to carry this torch forward. (SAVE THE DATE – Sunday, February 7, 2027! Stay tuned for more details!)

If this year was any indication, Buffalo is ready.

It was a great day for our city — a day that affirmed who we are and what we value. A day when music history felt personal. A day when excellence was not aspirational, but realized.

Thank you to the audience whose reverent attention made the hall glow with shared purpose. Thank you to our partners. Thank you to the Arlen family. And thank you to a community that understands that honoring greatness elevates us all.

Enjoy the wonderful comments from our community and the fabulous photo gallery by Jack Zuff.

Until next February — we continue to honor the greatness of Harold Arlen.

Comments From You – Our Community

Here are a few select comments from you – the audience – and our valued members of the community. If you haven’t yet – add yours!

The show was unbelievable -Such talented artists! I am so lucky to live in the Buffalo area and get to see such an amazing performance!

Excellent concert. 2 amazing musicians. Tamir was incredible on piano. I really loved his playing. Tierney’s vocal style just flowed out of her whole being. A natural talent.

Amazing!!

It was an excellent concert! Thank you all!

Bravo!

Amazing concert!

It was yet another spectacular concert!

Fantastic concert!! Loved it!

What an afternoon of the highest artistry!

Unforgettable performance…

A Superb Concert!

Great duo! Very entertaining!

Great show last night I had a good time..

An incredible show! Thank you, Tierney, Tamir, and Tony!

Fabulous!

NEVER planned on going to church today, Tony! So spiritual, cathartic, and nourishing! Will resonate with us for a very long time …

Greatness all the way around.

Loved it!

Photo Gallery by Jack Zuff