Tom Stevens brings Tony Bennett’s golden era back to life with a free 90-minute concert at Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre on September 26. The show recreates Bennett’s signature sound and style for Las Vegas.
Tom Stevens isn’t just singing Tony Bennett’s songs. He’s bringing back the feel of a whole jazz era for Las Vegas, right down to every breath and gesture. After three years of work, Stevens will headline a free 90-minute tribute concert, “Bennett: The Good Life — A Tribute to Tony,” at Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The show is part of the city’s annual free fall outdoor concert series. The Bennett tribute is a main event in this year’s lineup, according to Fox 5 Vegas event coverage. Stevens promises more than a trip down memory lane. He aims to capture the artistry and character of Bennett at his jazz peak.
Stevens, now 68, built his tribute around the time when Bennett was also 68. He focuses on 1994, when Bennett’s jazz quartet was in top form and his improvisation was sharp. This isn’t a greatest-hits show with Lady Gaga or Amy Winehouse duets. It’s a focused look at the years when Bennett’s jazz style led the way. Official city listings and local media say the program will feature 27 songs from Bennett’s classic catalog, not his later pop work. For the show, Stevens prepared 30 arrangements. He transcribed each one from Bennett’s live performances and YouTube videos, making sure the music matches the original jazz feel. Bennett’s musicians rarely played from written charts, so Stevens worked to keep that same energy.
Inside the tribute performance
What makes Stevens different from other tribute acts is his drive for authenticity. He spent years perfecting not just Bennett’s singing, but his way of speaking and moving on stage. Stevens says getting Bennett’s lower jaw movement and breath control right was key. He believes these details are what make the tribute real. Stevens also weaves in stories and introductions taken straight from Bennett’s own concerts and interviews. This helps him reflect Bennett’s quiet, inward style.
Stevens goes deeper than just copying the surface. He studied Bennett’s interviews and live shows, memorizing the singer’s subtle, internal character. On stage, Stevens stays in character the whole time. He delivers not just the music, but the personality and storytelling that made Bennett’s shows special. The audience will hear the same anecdotes and banter that Bennett used, including the moment when Frank Sinatra’s praise in Life magazine changed Bennett’s career and filled his venues.
From Long Island to Las Vegas stages
Stevens started his journey in Long Island, New York. As a kid, he entertained family and friends with impressions inspired by “The Jackie Gleason Show.” By 17, he was performing at Dangerfield’s comedy club in New York City, working late-night crowds. His career grew from open mics to headlining Las Vegas venues like The Orleans and the Suncoast. His act covers Dean Martin, Cher, Archie Bunker, and more. Stevens had sung Bennett’s songs before, but it was Bennett’s death in 2023 that pushed him to create a full tribute to the jazz legend.
Unlike the many Elvis impersonators, Stevens saw few artists doing a full Tony Bennett tribute. That gap drove him to build a show that truly honors Bennett’s artistry and influence. Las Vegas audiences, who love live jazz and classic standards, get something rare. Local Las Vegas news outlets report that the concert is a highlight of the city’s fall outdoor series. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to see a tribute built with care and respect.
What to expect at Centennial Hills Park
The free concert at Centennial Hills Park Amphitheatre, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive, starts at 7 p.m. on September 26. Attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time through the City of Las Vegas website. The 90-minute show will feature 27 songs from Bennett’s jazz quartet era. Stevens will deliver both the music and the stories that shaped Bennett’s career. The event gives Las Vegas a rare chance to see a tribute crafted with the detail and respect that Bennett’s legacy deserves.
Stevens’ focus on capturing Bennett’s character—down to every vocal nuance and stage move—raises the bar for tribute shows in Las Vegas. As the city celebrates its entertainment history, this show proves that real tribute takes more than imitation. It takes research, immersion, and a true connection to the artist’s spirit. For anyone looking for an authentic jazz night, Stevens’ tribute brings both the sound and soul of Tony Bennett to the Las Vegas stage.
