Doc Severinsen is back in Buffalo. The former bandleader of The Tonight Show is performing with his big band at Kleinhans Music Hall.
It's a homecoming of sorts for the 86 year old Severinsen, who served as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's Principal Pops Conductor in the 1990's.
"That was quite a thrill because I've been aware of that orchestra for many, many years and the great conductors that came out of there. I took the job and it was like finding another home," Severinsen said.
Severinsen ended his tenure with the BPO in 1999, but he has fond memories of Buffalo.
"Buffalo is one of those towns, either you get it or you don't. Some people, all they know is 'wow, how do you put up with all that snow.' That's all they know about Buffalo. I was blown away...by the great architecture in that town and the friendliness of the people," Severinsen said.
Severinsen says his concerts, which the BPO is calling Solid Gold Doc, will pay tribute to the music and the people that have impacted him personally, including longtime Tonight Show host Johnny Carson.
Severinsen and his band perform at 10:30 a.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday.