Dear Music Fans-

Here is a night of music not to miss. It will be in the intimate, cozy and artistic setting of the Providence Art Club's Dodge House at 8 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2006, and will feature romantic songs to put you in the mood for Valentine's Day, which occurs a few days later.

The songs will be sung by Lynn Roberts, who is coming up from North Carolina. Lynn is a fabulous singer. Doc Severinsen, the former leader of Johnny Carson's Tonight Show Band, calls her a "great singer." (See Doc's note below.) Lynn travels around the world with Severinsen now, but she used to travel with the bands of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Harry James. Yes, she is a great singer.

And she's a vital person: attractive, energetic, and great to talk with. Read about her in the notices below, and also visit her website. Look at the pictures, read the write-ups, and make sure to listen to samples of her CDs. That's how she sings NOW!!!

She'll be accompanied by Gene Bertoncini, a world-renowned guitarist. Gene is a great guy. He's a little on the quiet side, but he has a great sense of humor, and a caring attitude. And play guitar? Wow. Listen to his harmonies, and ideas. No wonder Goodman, and Tony Bennett, and so many others have been overwhelmed by him.

And another great guy - trombonist George Masso. Rhode Island's own. He's a little on the quiet side too. But an affable fellow, and a marvelous player. I remember when he travelled to Russia with Goodman, played on the Cape with Stan Getz, and brought the band he was in, Yank Lawson and Bob Haggert's World Famous Jazz Band (we used to kiddingly call it the "Most Modest Jazz Band") to the Providence Marriott in my jazz series there.

One other: bassist John Repucci, an advanced harmonics player who is co-chair of the bass department at Berklee's famed College of Music in Boston. If you talk to him, ask him about his horses and his horse back riding.

Ok. I've got to get $25 per ticket. I couldn't afford to get all this talent, and this wonderful space for less. As it is, I know I'll take a small loss. But you know how I feel: this is a labor of love.

Come in early, at 7 pm. We'll have hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar. Then enjoy a great show. Two sets, with an intermission, and then stay for the postconcert reception, talk to the artists, buy their CDs, get an autograph, enjoy the camaraderie.

Oh, I know we have a few musical surprises, too. But I'm saying nothing in advance about those.

You can make a reservation with a credit card on this website, or call me at 1-401-728-7707 with your credit card number. I'd do this early because the seating is very limited. It will be an intimate setting. If you come to the door that night - and if I have any spots left, which I doubt - I'll have to get $35 a seat from you. But don't leave it to then, my friends. I don't want to disappoint you.

Ok. Look up Lynn (www.lynnroberts-sings.com) and Gene (www.genebertoncini.com) on their websites. See you on Feb. 11, when I'll have some announcements about other wonderful events.

John Worsley