Dave Bennett’s Winter Brunch Series
Olivia Van Goor featuring Randy Napoleon
Sunday Brunch. Fueled by Jazz.
Join us on Sunday January 19, 2025 as we kick off the Dave Bennett Winter Brunch and Concert Series with a performance by jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor featuring guitarist Randy Napoleon.
All performances are curated by Detroit Jazz Musician and War Memorial favorite Dave Bennett. Relax and enjoy a spectacular brunch from The War Memorial's executive chef team, your choice of mimosa or bloody mary, and performance guaranteed to melt winter’s chill. Olivia & Randy will be joined by Bassist Samuel Chase Harris and Drummer Dave Zwolinski.
Complete Series Lineup
Sunday, January 19: Olivia Van Goor featuring Randy Napoleon
Saturday, February 22: Sean Dobbins, jazz drums with special guest Dave Bennett
Sunday, March 30: Dave Bennett, jazz clarinet
Your Morning
10:45am: Doors open
11:00am: Gourmet brunch is served upon your arrival
Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar
Custom Omelet Station
Curated brunch offerings prepared by The War Memorial’s Executive Chef
12:00pm: Performance from Olivia Van Goor featuring Randy Napoleon
Ticket Options
VIP Tickets—Includes Bottomless Mimosa or Bloody Mary
VIP brunch and concert: $95
VIP Reserved table of eight: $720
General Admission Tickets—Cash Mimosa Bar
Brunch and concert: $80
Concert Only Tickets
Concert Only (Entry at 11:45am): $35
*Your ticket price includes a 24% gratuity and 6% Michigan sales tax and open seating at tables for eight, except for reserved VIP tables of eight.
About Olivia Van Goor
Olivia Van Goor’s love of jazz music led her to Southeast Michigan where she blossomed into a one-of-a kind performer. Her voice is clearly influenced by the greats like Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day, and Mel Tormé. She walks a fine line between preserving the essence of jazz and infusing it with her personal artistry. Olivia takes command of every stage because of the trusting relationships she has built with instrumentalists far and wide. Recently, she sang with the Ann Arbor Symphony for their Holiday pops concert, adding to her history making music on many venue stages and concert halls. Her long list of collaborators include accomplished musicians such as pianist Scott Gwinnell, bassist Paul Keller, and guitarist Randy Napoleon. She has independently produced many recordings including an arrangement of Burt Bacharach’s “Close To You” that has recently reached 20K views on Youtube.
About Randy Napoleon
Currently an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and Associate Director of Jazz Studies, guitarist Randy Napoleon cut his teeth touring with pianist Benny Green, The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Michael Bublé, and a thirteen year tenure with Freddy Cole. Napoleon has performed or arranged on over seventy records including the Grammy-nominated releases, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B and My Mood Is You. He performed on The Clayton Hamilton Orchestra: Live at MCG. Napoleon is featured on Buble’s Grammy-nominated CD/DVD Caught in the Act. Television credits include The Tonight Show, Late Night With David Letterman, The View, and the Today Show and live performances span the globe including Royal Albert Hall, The Sydney Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, and Lincoln Center. Guitarist George Benson calls Napoleon “sensational.” Detroit Free Press critic Mark Stryker says Napoleon “plays with a gentle, purring tone that makes you lean in close to hear its range of color and articulation.” Napoleon’s tenth record as a leader will be released this year.