Tenor Dennis McNeil filled American Martyrs Church for a Christmas concert of popular and religious music Sunday evening. The concert culminated in a performance of “Oh Holy Night” that swelled the church with all of the hope and joy of the season. The American Martyrs parishioner and former New York City Opera star was accompanied by keyboard player John Dickson, composer of the theme song for the cable hit “Burn Notice,” bass player Carlos Rivera and drummer Jamey Tate from the David Benoit trio. The parish choir and the dozens of kids who attended also joined in on several songs.
Complementing the memory making performance was the high ceiling church’s new digital sound system. During some of McNeil’s more exuberant moments, Monsignor Barry could be seen nervously eying the rattling stained glass windows. Parishioner Mark Drake managed the powerful sound system, which was designed by parishioner David Covelli, the chief sound engineer at Staples Center until his retirement last year.
“If you like the concert, thank me. If not, blame them,” McNeil joked at the start of the evening. At the end of the concert, he graciously called them out to share in the heartfelt, standing ovation.
Proceeds will benefit American Martyrs School. McNeil’s “Center Stage,” his new CD of Broadway songs, as well as his opera, Christmas and Irish CDs, are available at DennisMcNeil.com. ER
