By Kelly Johnson
Staff writer

For more than a year, Bob Pontious poured himself into the life, music and legacy of Nat King Cole.

He researched the music legend’s life and wrote music charts of his beloved hits.

Then the Coon Rapids resident and a group of talented musicians began rehearsals and took their show on the road.

“Straighten Up and Fly Right! An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole” incorporates music and theatrical presentation in a unique combination that has resulted in a growing and evolving production.

What started as a handful of performers has grown into a group of 12 that recreates the classics musically.

“Straighten Up and Fly Right!” takes to the stage Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Main St., Hopkins.

The creation of the show was a labor of love for Pontious, who serves as musical director and also plays piano and keyboard in the production.

He decided to do a tribute project to bring the music back to audiences about four years ago.

“I wanted to select somebody I really, really respected,” Pontious said. “I wanted to pick somebody that stood out in the crowd.”

Pontious found himself drawn to Nat King Cole, whose music Pontious’ parents had listened to while he was growing up.

“I never got tired of his music,” Pontious said. “It always made me feel really good.”

Pontious knew bringing the music “out to people who would appreciate it” would be quite a task.

“I knew it would be a really daunting challenge,” he said.

But it was a challenge Pontious was willing to undertake to share Cole’s music with others.

He went about picking songs that were relevant to Cole’s career and built the show around not only Cole the singer, but Cole the piano player as well.

Besides Pontious’ research, Maurice Jacox, who stars in the show, researched video clips of Cole and studied his music and presentation.

Pontious said Jacox, an award winning vocalist in his own right, does not do a full impersonation of Cole.

Rather, Jacox gives a performance “reminiscent of what it was,” he said.

“We make it our own,” Pontious said.

Besides Jacox and Pontious, the performance includes other Twin Cities area musicians: Carolyn Boulet on violin, Keith Boyles on bass, Liz Cummings on vocals, Christy Libbus on cello, Arlys Marie on vocals, Maria Mimmick on violin, Rueben Ristrom on guitar, Rey Rivera on drums and percussion, Steve Sommore on saxophone and Nancy Svendahl on violin.

Pontious continues to make improvements to the show, including adding a string quartet and is currently working on adding new music.

“Straighten Up and Fly Right!” currently plays to audiences in the Twin Cities, Duluth and Milwaukee, Wis.

The first show was performed at Lyric Arts Main Street Stage in Anoka.

“That really gave us encouragement to keep going with it,” Pontious said. “It was a chance for use to see how the show would play to people.”

For tickets to Saturday’s show, call the box office at 952-979-1111. Tickets are $24 for adults, $21 for seniors ages 60 and older and $12 for students. Hopkins Center for the Arts members are admitted for $19.

Further information about “Straighten Up and Fly Right!” is available at www.straighten-up-and-fly-right.com.

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