David Foster, Chris Botti & Katharine McPhee Dazzle at Rose Music Cente -

June 19, 2025 | Huber Heights, OH

A Musical Power Trio Brings Magic to the Midwest

What happens when a legendary producer, a world-class jazz trumpeter, and a vocal powerhouse walk onto a stage together? If you were lucky enough to be at the Rose Music Center on June 19, 2025, you already know the answer: pure musical magic.

David Foster, Chris Botti, and Katharine McPhee delivered a night that was part concert, part comedy show, and completely unforgettable. The chemistry between Foster and McPhee—equal parts affection and sass—kept the crowd laughing and leaning in all night.

David Foster and Katharine McPhee on Tour 2025

Foster and McPhee: The Real-Life Duet

Watching David Foster and Katharine McPhee share the stage is like eavesdropping on a private jam session between two people who know each other inside out. Their musical shorthand was effortless, their humor totally unrehearsed (at least it felt that way), and the love? Unmistakable.

McPhee’s vocals were sharp and versatile, swinging from Broadway glam to pop soul in a heartbeat. At one point, she jokingly accused Foster of trying to “upstage her” with his piano solos, only to absolutely bring the house down moments later with a soaring rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

If you’ve followed McPhee since her American Idol days, this show was a revelation. She’s grown into a confident, fearless performer—someone who not only sings the notes but tells the story behind them. The way she teased Foster while nailing every song made it clear: she’s no longer the student. She’s an equal partner on that stage.

David Foster Concert Review

David Foster: The Hitmaker Still Hits

Foster might not be a household name to every casual listener, but his catalog certainly is: Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Chicago, Josh Groban—if you’ve cried to it, he probably wrote it.

Between performances, Foster shared stories behind some of his biggest hits, offering a mini-masterclass in songwriting and production. His piano accompaniment was emotional, thoughtful, and precise—just like the man himself.

Chris Botti Live at The Rose Music Center

Chris Botti: Smooth, Soulful, and Unforgettable

Full disclosure: I didn’t know what to expect from Chris Botti. What I got was one of the most expressive and stylish trumpet performances I’ve seen live.

Botti’s set was moody, cinematic, and surprisingly moving. Whether trading phrases with Foster or taking center stage for a haunting solo, Botti brought something deeply soulful to the night.

Foster Botti - 13

John Splithoff and Anastasiia Mazurok: Secret Weapons

John Splithoff — Vocalist & Guitarist Extraordinaire

Emerging from Chicago’s vibrant indie-pop scene, John Splithoff brought a laid-back charisma to the evening that grounded the show in warmth and soul. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Splithoff first caught attention with early EPs like The Move (2013) and singles “Sing to You” and “Show Me,” both streaming in the tens of millions.

Anastasiia Mazurok Live with David Foster and Chris Botti

Anastasiia Mazurok — Violin Virtuoso on Demand

A true rising star, International violinist Anastasiia Mazurok is a Saint Petersburg-born, Juilliard-trained performer whose technique and emotional expression have stunned audiences globally. Making her concerto debut at thirteen, she moved to the U.S. in 2014 and quickly gained recognition as an award-winning artist, TEDx speaker, and D’Addario ambassador.

She’s appeared alongside Chris Botti on world tours, performing with symphonies like Atlanta and Buffalo, and at iconic venues including Singapore’s Esplanade and Vienna’s Konzerthaus. Her versatility allows her to swing between classical and jazz-pop settings—a perfect fit next to Botti and Foster. At the show, Mazurok’s violin soared through instrumental interludes with elegance and dialogue, weaving her lyrical lines around Botti’s trumpet and spotlighting her unique voice.

Final Thoughts: A Masterclass in Collaboration

This wasn’t just a concert—it was a masterclass in collaboration and mutual respect. Foster, McPhee, and Botti didn’t just share songs—they shared stories, humor, and a sense of creative family. Adding in the exceptional artistry of Splithoff and Mazurok elevated the night into a layered tapestry of genre and emotion.

For anyone who values the artistry of spontaneous interplay—be it pop, jazz, classical, or indie—the Rose Music Center offered proof that diverse musical worlds can come together in harmony. I walked out already planning to relive it again.

Katharine McPhee in Dayton, OH

Setlist

David Foster & Chris Botti (Instrumental / Jazz-Piano + Trumpet Duets)

Opening Montage & Instrumental Overture
Flight of the Snowbirds
Winter Games (1988 Winter Olympics theme)
Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire
Cry Me a River
Singin’ in the Rain

Katharine McPhee Takeover (Vocals Supported by David Foster)

Over the Rainbow
Man in Motion (from St. Elmo’s Fire)
You Raise Me Up
She Used to Be Mine (from Waitress)
Pop/Jazz medley: The Power of Love, Rock With You/ Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough / Working Day and Night extended mix