Kenny Brawner Performs as Ray Charles In RAY ON MY MIND at Popejoy Hall
Along with master pianist Kenny Brawner, the show features an 11-piece orchestra and three talented vocalists to perform Ray's hits.
The legacy of legendary R&B artist Ray Charles lives on with the performance of Ray On My Mind - Tribute to Ray Charles at Popejoy Hall on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm. Along with master pianist Kenny Brawner, the show features an 11-piece orchestra and three talented vocalists to perform Ray's hits such as "I Got a Woman," and "Georgia on My Mind." Between songs, Brawner interweaves the story of Ray's life, inspirations, and struggles that led to his long-lasting influence.
Kenny Brawner, who will assume the role of Ray Charles during the performance, has always held a connection with music. He is a critically acclaimed keyboardist, actor, composer, and vocalist who specializes in his own style of Jazz, Funk, and R&B. He was the lead and composer for a jazz-funk recording band whose song "Whups It on Me" won "Showstopper of the Week" from the WBLS radio station in New York.
Brawner has also had a long connection with Charles, earning the nickname "Ray" in college for his playing style that mirrored that of the late, great musician. Other students referred to him as a "live incarnation of Ray Charles." Creating a show celebrating the source of his nickname and inspiration seemed a natural step, especially after Brawner's son encouraged the idea.
Performing the show with Charles' signature flair and energy, Brawner describes the show as "a concert/theater piece." In between songs, Brawner slips into the character of Ray Charles to educate the audience on Charles' story and how it continues to live on through his music. Matching Brawner's dedication, the bombastic orchestra features musicians who have performed both on and off Broadway.
Tickets for Ray On My Mind - Tribute to Ray Charles are on sale for $75, $59, $45, and $25, and may be purchased online at popejoypresents.com. Tickets are also available to purchase in person at the UNM Ticket Offices located at the UNM Bookstore or by calling (505) 277-4569. For more information on the 2022-2023 Popejoy Presents season, visit popejoypresents.com.
For the most current safety information visit popejoypresents.com/safety.
More Hot Stories For You
West End Productions Presents APRIL IN PARIS, Opening April 21- May 7March 16, 2023
APRIL IN PARIS runs at North Fourth Art Center, 4904 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 3 weekends, from April 21 – May 7, 2023.
The Adobe Theater Presents THE REVOLUTIONISTS Opening April 14March 10, 2023
The Adobe Theater presents THE REVOLUTIONISTS opening April 14, 2023.
Teatro Paraguas Presents BIG FEELINGS With Gigi BellaMarch 10, 2023
After a successful run with the Albuquerque Funny Fiesta, Gigi Bella is elated to be bringing her one woman show to Santa Fe! Big Feelings features a unique blend of stand up, glam rock original music and mexicana poetry. Gigi Bella has been ranked the tenth woman poet in the world, a National Poetry Slam Champion and the 2 time Bronx poetry champion. Join her for a night full of the biggest feelings.
Teatro Paraguas Presents KATIE'S TALES- A Woman's Desire In The Whirlwind Of HistoryMarch 10, 2023
Teatro Paraguas presents Katie's Tales— a Woman's Desire in the Whirlwind of History, Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Teatro Paraguas Presents SORRY AGAIN With L.A. Comedian Ian Ira RoussoMarch 10, 2023
“Uncle Rooster” Ian Ira Rousso is recording his debut comedy album titled “Sorry Again” in New York on April 23rd and is on a mission to throw away the hour on an absolute high. The hour is a fun, joke-packed, story-filled exploration of being single deep in your thirties in the internet age and the banalities of hangups and nostalgia and was met with a standing ovation following its first run in January.
