Michael Amante is coming back to Lawrence.
This is his third trip to Lawrence — his fourth to the area — since he first sang at the Feast of the Three Saints in 2006. He's come here with a frequency that hasn't escaped the notice of the tenor from Syracuse, N.Y.
"I may have to buy a house there," joked Amante, who also regularly performs in a few other places — like Las Vegas, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.
Amante brings his act — a mixture of Italian classics, Broadway show tunes and other fan favorites — to Lawrence High on Nov. 21.
The show is a benefit for the St. Alfio Society in Lawrence, organizers of the Feast. The group recently renovated its Common Street headquarters, and this concert will help defray some of the costs.
"We have had tremendous support in the past year from the general community," St. Alfio Society spokesman Tony Palmisano said. "But there is still remaining debt. The fundraiser with Michael is one way we hope to pay off that remaining debt. Michael is so popular and so well received, we thought it was a natural to bring him back and do a concert."
Amante's self-titled debut album reached No. 5 on Billboard's Classical Album chart, and he earned an Emmy nomination for his PBS special a few years ago.
Locally, his legions of fans have grown with each appearance. Palmisano said members of the society are often asked when they'll bring Amante back.
"It's always nice to know people care about you and support you," Amante said.
Singing since the age of 5, Amante has a greater than four octave range. He's used that voice to perform all over the world and for countless dignitaries, including former U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, the late Pope John Paul II, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and other ambassadors.
His latest project is "Amante Salutes America," a patriotic album that will provide financial support to organizations benefiting Disabled American Veterans. He also recently released "Decompress" — featuring live performances of some of his regular set list.
When Amante isn't crooning to the masses, he is taking care of his three children and cooking for his family (his wife, a surgeon, appreciates it).
This Thanksgiving, he will be the one making the family turkey — and also roasted venison with a wild blueberry sauce.
"If I wasn't a singer, I would have my own restaurant," Amante said.
If you go
What: Michael Amante in concert.
When: Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lawrence High, Performing Arts Center, 71 North Parish Road.
How: Tickets are $30 and $40, available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
