There are artists, and there are works of art. Tony Bennett [ tickets ] is a work of art.

As much a part of American pop-culture as he is a staple of Italian-American history, the 81-year-old singer graced The Greek Theater with his presence Thursday night (8/16). Despite being nearly sold-out, half of the 5,800 seats at the rustic Los Angeles amphitheater appeared empty when Bennett took the stage shortly after 8 p.m., traffic no doubt playing a part as a steady stream of fans and admirers alike filed into the outdoor venue throughout the first half of the 90-minute, 26-song performance.

When one middle-aged couple shuffled into their seats near the front of the stage as he was introducing Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart"-- the 60-year-old song was one of the first recordings of Bennett's career--the maestro deadpanned, "come on in, you don't know what you missed…"

Those who got there on time, however, listened with reverent awe as the living legend took the stage with "Someone to Love," danced a fleet-footed spin as he crooned "Steppin' Out with My Baby" from a whisper to a belted finale, powered through Liza Minelli's Broadway favorite "Maybe This Time," and delivered "Speak Low" with an engaging texture and rasp.

Even if one could forget, for just a second, a resume that spans seven decades, more than 50 million albums sold, countless gold and platinum records and more than a dozen Grammy Awards, there's no mistaking the subtle power, raw grace and classy delivery of a Bennett performance. At 81, he still has more to offer than the vast majority of stars even half his age, his vocals offering an escape from the world, and a reminder of life's quaint magic.

"I dedicate this song to Paris Hilton," he quipped dryly amidst "Kiss the Good Life Goodbye," the older crowd loudly embracing his sentiment as he cracked a sly smile that looked all the more striking in his navy suit, pressed shirt and blue tie. A lone spotlight shone on him, casting a soft glow on his four-piece band. Nothing but class… with just enough sass to remind everyone in attendance that "Life is One Long Jubilee" is more than just a song in his set, it's a mantra.

"That's the way to live, if you mope and groan, something's got to give," he sang in Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone," the band trading solos as they did throughout the night, lighting up "I Got Rhythm," serving "The Lady's in Love With You" in a jazzy, swinging style, and injecting "It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got that Swing)" with every bit the zest it deserves.

Bennett flirted with perfection on "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," nailed the vocal high and tight on "Old Devil Moon," and found perfection on his signature "Fly Me to the Moon." It was a set full of highlights, from the rousing "Sing You Sinners" (when he couldn't get the crowd to sing along, he asked them to just keep time, which proved as big a challenge), into the jazz standard "Stella by Starlight," through the minimalist, meandering wisp of "But Beautiful," and into his first of many standing ovations at the conclusion of "For Once In My Life."

The only time Bennett even hinted at his age was when he tried to slow down his band so he could share a story before "Just in Time," nodding to his piano player, "just a minute, we don't have to catch a train here." Trains haven't been a preferred method of travel for decades, but there wasn't a single fan in the aptly AARP-sponsored show's crowd that wasn't laughing, or anxious for the show to end.

A jarring rendition of Frank Sinatra's "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" offered the ideal close to a memorable evening, the nod to his long-time friend and fellow icon reminding everyone in attendance that not only do artists like Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra come along but once in a lifetime, but that those lifetimes need to be embraced at every turn.

Tony Bennett Setlist:

"Someone to Love"
"Steppin' Out with My Baby"
"Maybe This Time"
"Speak Low"
"Cold, Cold Heart"
"I Got Rhythm"
"It Had to be You"
"Sing You Sinners"
"Stella by Starlight"
"The Lady's in Love With You"
"But Beautiful"
"Just in Time"
"For Once in My Life"
"The Shadow of Your Smile"
"The Good Life"
"The Best is Yet to Come"
"I Left My Heart in San Francisco"
"Revenge is Sweet"
"Life is One Long Jubilee"
"They Can't Take That Away From Me"
"Old Devil Moon"
"In a Mellow Tone"
"It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't Got that Swing)"
"Fly Me to the Moon"
"Because of You"
"How Do You Keep the Music Playing?"