Ray Charles News

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) today announced a new Artist-In-Residence program, which will begin with this week's "Christmas with the ASO" concerts and continue throughout the remainder of the Orchestra's 2014-15 season. Tenor Russell Thomas -an internationally-recognized vocalist who has performed with the Metropolitan Opera and the Deutsche Oper Berlin, among others- will serve as the ASO's 2014-15 Artist-in-Residence. Mr. Thomas' residency is a one-year appointment that will conclude at the end of the ASO's 2014-15 season and marks the beginning of an annual Artist-In-Residence program at the ASO.

HAM: A Musical Memoir, a new theatrical event based on Sam Harris' book, HAM: Slices of a Life (a collection of stories and essays published by Simon & Schuster) will premiere at Theater 511 at Ars Nova in the New Year. This innovative and exciting hybrid theatrical concept is the culmination of Harris' successful 30 year career as actor, vocalist and, now, author. HAM: A Musical Memoir will play a limited engagement, with preview performances beginning Thursday, January 8, 2015, with an opening night set for Monday, January 12, 2015.

Urban Stages, in association with producer/director/lyricist and Director of Musical Programming Peter Napolitano, is proud to announce that cabaret legend Marilyn Maye will kick off the Holiday Season for WINTER RHYTHMS 2014 on Thursday, December 4 at 7PM only with a special appearance in Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: The Songs of Hugh Martin, a centennial celebration of the Hollywood and Broadway songwriter best known for Meet Me in St. Louis and Best Foot Forward. Marilyn Maye joins Eric Comstock, Barbara Fasano, Minda Larsen, Marissa Mulder, Sigali, Melissa Ritz, Molly Ryan, Dan Levinson, Deborah Silver, Gabrielle Stravelli and the vocal group Duchess in an evening conceived and hosted by Wall Street Journal columnist Will Friedwald. Musical Director for the evening will be Tedd Firth.

Members of the Los Angeles theater community are invited to a staged reading of Sing Me Home January 26 at 8 pm (cocktails at 7 pm). This brand new, contemporary musical, with book by Amber Romina Cassell and music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Kristy Hanson features fourteen original songs in the pop-rock genre, with influences ranging from rhythm and blues to country.

Famed singer Barbara Morrison will be the star performer in a full evening of entertainment running the gamut from jazz, blues, rhythm-and-blues and Motown in the 'Big Band Bang for Your Buck' New Year's Eve Musical Festival at the Encore Dinner Theatre.

Tonight is a big night for THE VOICE as Carson Daly will mercilessly eliminate three aspiring superstars; not cool Daly, not cool. As I alluded to in my recap from last night, the rapid elimination of contestants on this show is one of the many reasons that it continues to trail far behind AMERICAN IDOL in terms of entertainment value and audience-competitor connection, despite the fact that THE VOICE continues to lap AI in terms of talent.

Kerry Washington is in early talks to star in the upcoming thriller UNFORGETTABLE from Warner Bros. studio.

Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos are delighted to announce the revival of one of their most popular programs, Canciones, featuring flamenco dance set to traditional and popular songs. Guest artists Marina Elana, Manuel Gutierrez and Jesus Montoya join the ensemble in interpretations of music by Ray Charles, Leonard Cohen, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, The Police and many more. Canciones runs for only two performances over Thanksgiving weekend, November 29 - 30, 2014.

Marking 27 days until Christmas, today we pay tribute to an instantly recognizable Oscar-winning seasonal selection penned by Golden Age Broadway and Hollywood music master Frank Loesser, 'Baby, It's Cold Outside'.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO) under the direction of Artistic Director, Jeff Lindberg, is excited and honored to have been chosen to perform at the 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala on December 7, 2014 in Washington, D.C. This performance will mark the 26th consecutive year that the CJO has been chosen for this singular honor.

Broadway's 40 theatres aren't the only places to catch performances from your favorite stars! Well after Broadway orchestra's begin their overtures, ensemble members take their dance breaks, and performers belt out their eleven- o'clock numbers, the party continues at various cabaret venues throughout New York City. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you some cabaret highlights for this week as picked by our theatre editors, including: Allison Case and Andrew Kober: This is 30, Doreen Montalvo, Burtka, David, Sondheim Unplugged, and 54 Loves Billy Joel: He's Got a Way.

The Hot Sardines reinvent 'hot jazz' for the 21st century at Pepperdine University's Smothers Theatre in Malibu on Thursday, January 15 at 8 p.m.

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Marc Cohn comes to Pepperdine University's Smothers Theatre in Malibu on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m.

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents, the 2014-2015 JAZZ ROOTS: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series, kicks off with a spectacular concert celebrating the musical genius of RAY CHARLES. An Orlando-based Gospel choir will perform in the one night only show, and 91 students and their teachers from West Orange High School will be involved in a pre-show educational experience.

N'Kenge (Motown: The Musical, Sondheim on Sondheim), reunites with Music Director Benet Braun to perform a free program singing musical selections ranging from the Pop to Puccini. The Concert will be held on Monday Nov 17 at 6:30PM at the Queens Central Library Auditorium in Jamaica.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announces the release of its latest album, Carnival of the Animals, under the direction of Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. The recording marks the 93rd Pops recording in its history (adding to an abundant legacy including a Grammy-winner) and the third under Mr. Russell. Carnival of the Animals will appear on the Orchestra's own label, Fanfare Cincinnati, and be distributed by Naxos.

Exhibit Records announces the release of a Special 50th Anniversary Numbered Limited Edition album of Trini Lopez, 'At PJ's.' The 200 gram vinyl record is beautifully presented in a sturdy old style gatefold jacket featuring the original album art work and for the first time includes the lyrics to all the tunes.

Esteemed singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer DAVE STEWART and his DAVE STEWART ENTERTAINMENT continue to stay busy in all aspects of the musical and cultural landscape.