Josh Leggett and Rick Silanskas have joined forces to create a virtual orchestra and musical adventure.
The instrumental sounds may be generated by a computer, but the human heart and soul dominates the music of these two artists.
They hope to connect the past to the present, blending Silanskas’ mastery of technology and Leggett’s vocal talent.
It’s called “The Magic of the Night: A Musical Journey.” They will debut the concept on Sunday at 1:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. at Katie Belle’s in Spanish Springs Town Square. The duo will return there for two more dinner shows on May 24.
Silanskas, an award-winning film and theatrical composer, provides a myriad of instruments and sounds from his hi-tech, computer-generated magic music box and keyboard. He says he can make it sound like a 100-piece orchestra.
Leggett is the voice of the operation. The popular Villages performer can sing any style from big band to opera; and country to rock. The list of Leggett’s artistic influences include: Glenn Miller, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Billy Joel and Journey.
Leggett believes he’s now ready to take the next step in his career with an old friend named Rick Silanskas.
“This time we’re ready for the big ride,” Leggett said. The two first met in church. Leggett sang in the choir as a child, while Silanskas was the choir master.
“I’ve always admired Josh’s singing,” Silanskas said. “He sings from the heart, and he feels the music.” The IMBD Web site lists Silanskas as composer for short films, “The Touch” and “Nadia’s Story.” He also composed the music for “Hoover,” starring actor Ernest Borgnine as FBI founder J. Edgar Hoover.
Silanskas said he composed “an original symphony of hope” following the 9/11 attacks. “American Freedom Suite,” which he said was first performed by a live symphony and televised from the Savannah Center. He said he has performed in 23 countries around the globe.
Now, Silanskas is back with Leggett, trying to break new musical ground.
“Music has always been the core of my life,” Silanskas said. “We’re trying to do something original and different, and we want to begin in The Villages.”
Silanskas’ first had inspiration for the project a couple of decades ago when he saw Michael Iceberg perform at Walt Disney World. Iceberg was a pioneer in using electronic keyboard and synthesizer technology. He is the “grandfather” of creating electronic sound on keyboards, Silanskas said.
“He could do an entire symphony that sounded like an orchestra playing live,” Silanskas added. “It impressed me so much, I never stopped thinking about it.”
In their show, you might hear Silanskas play the sounds of the Glenn Miller Orchestra as Leggett belts out a tune from the 1940s. They cover a wide time span and feature such artists as Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, Chicago, and Kansas. The set list may also include Broadway standards, and also such contemporary artists as Seal and Michael Buble.
“It’s just the two of us but we’re trying to create something bigger,” Leggett said. “We want to put our spin on these songs.”
Leggett added that the two have been trying out the project at various venues and he said the response has been strong.
“So far, people love it, but the show in The Villages will be the first big test,” Leggett said.
In a way, Leggett and Silanskas have come full circle: from the church choir to artistic, technological musical innovators in The Villages.
They are not surprised.
“We both feel it was just meant to be,” Leggett said.
