Tony Bennett to Storm MET Opera House With Famous Pals

"When Tony Bennett makes his debut at his sold out performance at the Metropolitan Opera House on Sunday, September 18, he will be joined by Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John and Alejandro Sanz for special duet appearances. Franklin, John and Sanz all recorded with Bennett for his Duets CD projects: Elton John appeared on the first CD, DUETS in 2006; and Aretha Franklin and Alejandro Sanz recorded with the singer for the forthcoming follow up CD, DUETS II, set for release on Tuesday, September 20. The evening at the Metropolitan Opera will also mark the official celebration of Tony's 85th birthday where he will be honored at a post-concert gala hosted by Alec Baldwin. The gala is a benefit for Exploring the Arts, the non-profit organization started by Bennett and his wife Susan, to support arts education in public schools. Over $2.5M has been raised for the evening thus far. Among the celebrated guests expected to attend the concert and gala are: Richard Gere, Bruce Willis, Katie Couric, Aretha Franklin, Matthew Broderick, Martha Stewart, Joy and Regis Philbin, Jane and Mitch Winehouse, among others. Through underwriting from HBO, the SRO seating at the Met Opera will be

The Evening's Host: Alec Baldwin

distributed to students from around area schools, including the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a NYC public arts high school founded by Tony Bennett. Charity Buzz will close their bidding tomorrow on their auction of a unique "Breakfast At Tiffany with Tony Bennett" in-store event that also includes tickets to Tony's Metropolitan Opera concert and birthday gala, a personalized Tony Bennett giclee art print, as well as a $10,000 Tiffany private shopping experience and tour of the famed store. The "Breakfast at Tiffany" package was donated by Tiffany & Co. in support of Exploring the Arts, and is available exclusively on charity buzz at www.charitybuzz.com/tonybennett." [Source]

Stars Film Commercial For Metropolitan Opera

The slogan for the 2011-12 season at the Metropolitan Opera is "At any moment, a great moment." A great credit to the marketing department that gathered big names like Katie Couric, Samantha Bee, Patti Smith and Christine Baranski, to talk about their experiences at the opera. "With seven new productions, 19 repertory classics, and a new Ring cycle—anything can happen on the stage of the Met. Don't miss the 2011--12 season!"

Tank Top Tuesday: Evening News Edition

I know these photos of Katie Couric getting down with her bad self are going to get a lot of negative press. I know that people will scoff and tsk-tsk and use them as yet another way to trivialize her accomplishments. But all I want to say about them is, hot damn, Katie Couric is awesome. This woman can interview world leaders. She can dismantle a vice presidential candidate. And she can also do a little dance, make a little love and get down tonight. And there ain’t nothing wrong with that. You can’t tell me Brian Williams doesn’t let loose to a little Bee Gees whenever he gets the chance. I betcha he even points when he dances. Katie, on the other hand, is more of a rumpshaker. Who knew?

These shots, apparently taken at the afterparty the night of her debut as CBS Evening News anchor, were posted by her daughter on Facebook. And the rest is, well, history. (Note to Self: Never have kids – or at the very least ban them from Facebook.)

Considering her choice of tops, I felt it only appropriate that Katie get a place of glory in the pantheon of Tank Top Tuesday. Get your boogie on all you want, girl. You deserve it.