LADY GAGA Jazz and Piano in Las Vegas at Park MGM

Lady Gaga was born to be a star. Her singing voice, songwriting, piano playing, acting and stage presence put her in a class with the elite, echelons of performers of any era. I was fortunate enough to catch one of her remaining jazz and piano performances in Las Vegas. Gaga sings from a selection of some of the greatest jazz compositions written or performed by legendary artists including Ellington, Porter, Etta James, Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Piaf and Tony Bennett. Bennett is quoted in her program. "I'm amazed at jazz. I think it's the greatest art form of music that has ever been invented." Gaga gave special recognition not only to her great friend and recording collaborator, the late, great crooner, Tony Bennett, but several shout outs in the audience to his widow Susan Bennett, and also to her mom. Gaga's sold-out Dolby Live Park MGM in Las Vegas seats a little over 5,000. The concert was performed with a full-sized orchestra with an 11 member string section, 13 winds and percussion. Featured performers included her longtime trumpet player, Brian Newman, saxophone player Steve Kortyka and conductor, Michael Bearden. Both Newman and Kortyka entertained with blaring virtuoso solos that were huge crowd pleasers. Pianist, Alex Smith, was featured on keys except when Gaga stepped in and accompanied herself on the keys. I'd be happy to hear Gaga sing acapella or with her own tinkling of the ivories. This full-scale production replete with jazz orchestra, five costume changes still had an intimate feel. The show's introduction was a video of Gaga's friendly, pre-concert convening with her featured artists. During her five costume changes, short videos featuring Gaga in glamorous showbiz costumes moving throughout Las Vegas at night and backstage were played. I liked the video vignettes and her costuming with elaborate headdresses, glitzy long dresses and Broadway fashions. I wonder what havoc the heavy make-up on her face may ensue upon her complexion. The thickly drawn eyeliner and lashes was more bewildering than bewitching. This petty perturbation aside, the major irritation came from two men sitting behind us. They were obnoxious in their obsequious, non-stop catcalling which was majorly disruptive and rude. Nonetheless,  this was an evening of first rate entertainment from a multi-talented artist. Gaga performed jazz classics that she brought her own ingenious interpretation. I agree with Tony B. about jazz being the greatest art form of music. I contend Lady Gaga is one of the greatest singers/entertainers to perform with her innovative style, outstanding three octave range, mezzo-soprano vocals and dazzling stage presence. Hurry before she closes out her Vegas run on July 6.