Grammy Winner Brings Classic Cool to Atlantic City

Grammy Award-winning baritone John Brancy and acclaimed pianist Peter Dugan will transport audiences to Atlantic City’s golden era with their performance at The Celebrity Theater in The Claridge Hotel on August 23, 2025. The dynamic duo, fresh from their triumph at New York’s Café Carlyle, brings a sophisticated blend of classical virtuosity and vintage cool to Atlantic City as part of the North 2 Shore Festival’s extended summer programming.

This unique collaboration between two Juilliard graduates promises an evening where rigorous classical training meets the swinging sensibility of the Rat Pack era, creating a musical experience that bridges traditional genre boundaries while celebrating Atlantic City’s rich entertainment heritage.

Classical Stars Reimagine Vintage Songbook

John Brancy has established himself as one of the most compelling baritones of his generation, with a Grammy Award testament to his exceptional artistry. His versatile voice navigates between operatic power and intimate expressiveness, making him equally at home in concert halls and cabaret settings. Partner Peter Dugan, host of NPR’s “From the Top,” brings masterful piano technique and deep musical insight to the collaboration.

“What makes Brancy and Dugan so special is their ability to honor musical traditions while completely reinventing them,” said festival artistic director Thomas Klein. “They approach these vintage songs with both classical precision and jazz-inspired spontaneity, creating something that feels simultaneously timeless and completely fresh.”

According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, the chemistry between these longtime collaborators “creates moments of both breathtaking beauty and delightful surprise as they weave between classical precision and jazz-inspired improvisation.” This seamless integration of different musical approaches has become their signature as they’ve performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

Historic Claridge Hotel Evokes Golden Age

The Celebrity Theater at The Claridge Hotel provides the perfect setting for this musical time machine experience. The historic hotel, once known as the “Skyscraper by the Sea,” opened in 1930 and exemplifies the Art Deco elegance that defined Atlantic City’s golden era. The venue’s intimate atmosphere and vintage ambiance enhance the performance’s nostalgic elements while providing exceptional acoustics.

“The Claridge itself is like a living museum of Atlantic City’s glamorous past,” explained Maria Sanchez, festival director. “When you pair that historical setting with musicians who understand how to channel that vintage energy through contemporary artistry, you create this magical portal where past and present coexist beautifully.”

The Claridge’s history as a hub for entertainment during Atlantic City’s heyday makes it particularly appropriate for a performance celebrating the musical traditions that once filled the city’s legendary venues. The hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries throughout its storied history, creating a legacy that resonates with Brancy and Dugan’s artistic approach.

Atlantic City Programming Extends Beyond Festival

This August performance exemplifies the North 2 Shore Festival’s expanded approach to Atlantic City programming, which extends beyond the main festival dates to include events throughout the summer season. This extended timeline allows for programming that serves both peak tourist season and provides cultural offerings for year-round residents.

“Atlantic City has this dual identity as both a tourist destination and a community where people live and work year-round,” noted Rodriguez. “Our extended programming calendar recognizes that reality by providing cultural experiences that serve both visitors and residents throughout the summer months.”

According to New Jersey Stage, the festival’s Atlantic City events will “extend throughout the coming year,” creating a continuous cultural presence that complements the city’s traditional entertainment offerings. This approach aims to strengthen Atlantic City’s identity as a destination for sophisticated arts experiences alongside its well-established gaming and hospitality attractions.

Juilliard Graduates Bridge Musical Worlds

Both Brancy and Dugan represent a new generation of classical musicians who move fluidly between traditional repertoire and more experimental approaches. Their Juilliard training provides the technical foundation for their performances, while their innovative programming demonstrates a commitment to exploring music’s boundaries.

“These artists exemplify what makes today’s classical music scene so exciting,” said Sarah Thompson, programming director. “They have this impeccable technique and deep respect for tradition, but they’re constantly looking for fresh ways to make these musical traditions speak to contemporary audiences.”

Their performance in Atlantic City follows successful appearances across major venues worldwide and represents an opportunity for regional audiences to experience their acclaimed collaboration in an intimate setting. The program will likely feature selections from the Great American Songbook alongside classical art songs and original arrangements that showcase the duo’s versatility and artistic vision.

Ticket Information and Performance Details

The John Brancy and Peter Dugan performance begins at 8:30 PM on Saturday, August 23, at The Celebrity Theater in The Claridge Hotel, located at 123 S Indiana Avenue in Atlantic City. Tickets are available through the North 2 Shore Festival website and The Claridge Hotel box office, with prices ranging from $35 to $55.

The venue offers convenient self-parking in The Claridge Hotel garage, with valet parking also available. The central Boardwalk location provides easy access to Atlantic City’s dining and entertainment options before and after the performance.

Additional information about this and other extended North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which includes comprehensive details about performances throughout Atlantic City during the summer season and beyond.