CONVOCATION CENTER SHOW Artist-singer Tony Bennett masters canvas and concert

He doesn't have a big head, but he does have big talent.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- When Tony Bennett exhibited his paintings at the Butler Institute of American Art 10 years ago, it was the first time his work was shown in a museum.
On Sunday, Bennett will be linked to this city in another first. The legendary song stylist will perform in one of the opening weekend concerts at the new Convocation Center.
True to form, Bennett was humble when informed of the honor.
"I always love to be part of the opening of a new arts center," he said. "It adds so much to the community and will provide so many years of entertainment and culture for people to enjoy."
He might visit
If time permits, Bennett plans to visit the Butler during his stopover in Youngstown.
"I am certainly going to try," he said. "It is a wonderful museum, and they have a painting I did as a tribute to David Hockney, who is a painter I admire so much and who has become a friend over the years. It's called 'Homage To Hockney.'"
Those who know Bennett in both the music and painting worlds invariably cite his intense passion for both art forms. Bennett himself points to his dual focus as the reason he's been on top of his game for five decades.
"I always say that by doing music and painting I can keep in a creative zone all the time and never get burned out," he said. "With my music, I am in front of a large group of people and it is very gregarious, and then the painting is done in solitude with just me and the canvas. The two balance each other out in a yin-yang relationship, so I always feel energized."
Regular guy
The singer-artist is known for being an everyday guy, who enjoys his good fortune and who never developed a "superstar ego" problem.
"I feel I have been blessed to be able to spend my life doing the two things I love most and make a living at it," Bennett said. "It is very humbling and gratifying at the same time."
For a man who turned 79 in August, the native New Yorker maintains a heavy touring schedule, and apparently he hasn't grown weary of it. He was in Brazil last week, performing in Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil, he said, is a very exciting country to perform in.
"I discovered bossa nova early on, before most people outside of South America knew what it was, and loved the music and the people, so I have toured here often," he said.
The timeless entertainer wouldn't say in what direction his career will head next.
Going strong
But one thing is certain: He has no plans to slow down.
"It's hard to believe, but I am going to celebrate my 80th birthday next August," he said. "There are a lot of plans going on for that, but I can't reveal anything right now ... stay tuned!"