Tony Bennett tribute show at Spotlight 29 on Aug. 3 now a celebration of singer's life

A previously announced celebration for Tony Bennett's 97th birthday at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella is now a celebration of the late singer's life following news of his death Friday.

"We are all saddened by the loss of one of the world’s most iconic performers who will always live through his recordings and those who honor him by singing his music moving forward," Keirston Lewis, director of entertainment at Spotlight 29 Casino’s Showroom and Tortoise Rock Casino, said in an email.

The free concert on Aug. 3 will feature tribute artist Carmen Romano as Tony Bennett and Erika Moul as Lady Gaga, and restaurants in the casino will offer meal specials honoring Bennett's favorite dishes.

Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett's death on Friday at 96, just two weeks short of his birthday, and said he died in New York, his hometown. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

“It feels different. Celebrating a birthday into someone’s 90s is a gift, celebrating their passage with this special concert that was planned on his birthday becomes a gift to fans, to celebrate his music and the community who adored him. We want to honor his life and legacy on August 3rd. May he rest in peace," Lewis added.

More: Tony Bennett, 92, riding into Fantasy Springs Casino on crest of a Diana Krall duet album

Bennett performed several concerts in the local area at venues such as the McCallum Theatre, Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

McCallum Theatre President CEO and Artistic Director Mitch Gershenfeld said in an email that it was an "honor" to have Bennett perform on the venue's stage.

"Tony Bennett was an icon," Gershenfeld wrote. "We first presented him in 1989, our second season, and had him back numerous times, including our 2006 McCallum Theatre Annual Gala. Audiences just loved him. He will be missed."

"Tony thrilled our audience at the McCallum," said former chairman Harold Matzner. "He was already in his mid-80s when he performed at our gala, and he was wonderful that night."

In a 2017 interview with The Desert Sun, Bennett named some of his favorite singing partners of all time. His list of names included Frank Sinatra, k.d. Lang, Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and Judy Garland, but also one he didn't get to record with: Louis Armstrong.

“Louis really taught us all how to sing – and how to perform," said Bennett. "He was completely focused on entertaining the audience and, although I got to share a stage with him from time to time, I never got to record with him, which is something that I wish could have happened.”

More: Tony Bennett shares five favorite duet partners, and the dream artist that got away

Desert Sun reporter Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com or on Twitter at @bblueskye.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Tony Bennett tribute at Spotlight 29 Casino now a celebration of life