Severinsen plays Pops series with CSO

Some musicians tour to become better known, some tour to promote their new album, some tour because their record companies tell them they must. Then there are those who tour because they like it. Doc Severinsen is one of these musicians.Severinsen, best known for his 25 years as the flamboyant musical director of “The Tonight Show,” said he would tour constantly if his wife wasn’t there to take care of him.As it is, Severinsen still tours a good percentage of the year. For Severinsen, touring is much more than jumping from concert hall to concert hall.”It’s the joy of being with good friends,” Severinsen said , who first toured while still in high school.This is especially true of Severinsen’s upcoming visit to Columbus.”My wife was born in Columbus,” Severinsen said . “I’m used to being around Buckeyes.”Severinsen has performed throughout the Columbus area, including the Ohio State campus.”I played with the Ohio State band. Oo-wee, quite a band,” said Severinsen, though he couldn’t recall whether it was OSU’s symphonic or concert band.Severinsen will return to Columbus on Friday and Saturday to perform at the Ohio Theatre as part of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) Pops series. The last time Severinsen performed with the CSO was at a July 1994 “Picnic with the Pops” performance.Severinsen should see the orchestra vastly improved, said Gail Geshwilm, spokeswoman for CSO.Severinsen was a natural choice for the Pops series.”His exuberance and his personality speak for themselves,” Geshwilm said.The program for the night will consist loosely of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Johann Strauss Jr and others. Severinsen’s performance will not be typical. Most artists perform on only one half of the program. Severinsen will conduct most of the program, only stepping down to play “Napoli.”For that evening, at least, “Napoli” will be Severinsen’s favorite piece.”As I’m playing each one, that’s my favorite piece in the whole world,” Severinsen said.Whether playing or conducting, Severinsen will be enjoying himself.”It’s all making music,” Severinsen said, and making music is what he loves to do.Doc Severinsen will appear at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Ohio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling 228-8600. The remaining seats will be sold at the Ohio Theatre beginning two hours before the show. These tickets are half-price for students.