'Songs of Sinatra' at the Community Center to help benefit charities

Performing a great tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra is no roll of the dice - It is an act of contortion and balance that involves mastering the crooner's legendary vocal phrasings without larding in the cheaper trappings of his inimitable persona.

It is an art in itself.

That said, even the best-intentioned "Chairman-of-the Board" is faced with the constant reality that he's still going to be going on stage after the man, himself.

As hard as it is to pull off the role of the cantankerous, Jack Daniel's-swigging, mobbed-up hedonist, while still coming off as the inherently affable American icon, Frank Sinatra, one thing few people outside of Frank's world realize is the extent of his good work and the literal billions of dollars he raised for charities during his 82 years on the planet.

In the Sinatra-esque spirit of putting on charity gigs, actor and musician Frank Carabetta is doing it his way, which is to say, Frank Sinatra's way, as he performs "The Songs of Sinatra" with his combo at the Carson City Community Center tonight and Sunday.

The concert is a benefit for the Carson City Meals on Wheels program and the Community Counseling Center.

Carabetta, known for his work with Tahoe Arts, where he's played leads in productions of "Man of La Mancha," "Camelot," "Into the Woods" and "The Sound of Music," also toured as lead singer and guitarist for the band, The New Indifferents.

Included will be special guest performances by Saundra Choan, Cathy Hearn, Cindy Sabatini and Mark D. Williams.

- Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.

Old Blue Eyes

What: Songs of Sinatra performed by Frank Carabetta and his combo

When: 7:30 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: The Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Tickets: $12 general; $10 seniors and children 11 & under

Call: 887-2290, ext. 101 for tickets and more information