AllMovie

Originally titled Rhapsody and Song, Gershwin Festival was first televised on the PBS series Kennedy Center Tonight. Sarah Vaughan is the featured artist in this two-hour tribute to George Gershwin. Ms. Vaughan is backed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, which takes ample opportunity to highlight such Gershwin masterpieces as "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris." Ms. Vaughan's particular highlight is "Summertime"--a truly thrilling theatrical moment. Gershwin Festival premiered on May 9, 1981.