I FEEL GOOD: AN HOMAGE TO JAMES BROWN to Open at Springer Opera House
The Columbus, Georgia venue will present a tribute celebrating the Godfather of Soul's legendary music.
The Springer Opera House, the State Theatre of Georgia, invites Columbus audiences to celebrate the life and music of one of the most influential artists in American history. "I Feel Good: An Homage to James Brown" takes the Springer stage for two performances only: Saturday, June 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m., just in time for Juneteenth and Father's Day weekend.
Born in poverty outside Barnwell, S.C., and raised in Augusta, Ga., James Brown rose to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. An inductee into both the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he pioneered soul music alongside Ray Charles and Sam Cooke, and his later work helped lay the foundation for funk, disco and hip-hop. His recordings have influenced generations of artists, from Michael Jackson and Prince to virtually every major hip-hop producer of the last four decades. The man didn't just make music. He changed what music could be. This June, the Springer honors that legacy with a full-scale live production featuring Brown's greatest hits, rare selections and the defining classics that made him the Godfather of Soul. And it will all be backed by a live band.
Sterling Baker-McClary stars in and produces the show, bringing to the role a resume that includes the national tour of "Madagascar the Musical" and the Broadway national tour of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical." Columbus audiences will remember his standout performances as the Tin Man in "The Wiz" and Seaweed J. Stubbs in "Hairspray" earlier this season, where he earned praise for his powerhouse vocals and dynamic choreography. Now he returns to celebrate the legacy of one of music's greatest icons. "This special Juneteenth celebration is one of the most exciting productions of our season, and we are thrilled to welcome Sterling Baker-McClary back to the Springer stage," said Danielle Patterson-Varner, Executive Producer and CEO of the Springer Opera House. "If any performer can do James Brown justice, it's Sterling. He is a true triple-threat performer. Add a live band to the mix, and this will be a show that Columbus won't want to miss."
"I Feel Good: An Homage to James Brown" features Sterling Baker-McClary, Joe Arnotti and Jonathan "Jaybsmoove" Bryant, backed by The Rhythm Major Band.
Performances are Saturday, June 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in Emily Woodruff Hall (Main Stage) at the Springer Opera House.
Tickets range from $30 to $50 and are available exclusively through the Springer Opera House Box Office. Tickets may be purchased online at springeroperahouse.org, by phone at 706-327-3688, or in person at 103 10th St., Columbus, Ga. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance. The Springer Opera House does not authorize third-party ticket resellers. Always purchase through official Springer channels to guarantee the validity of your tickets.
ABOUT THE SPRINGER OPERA HOUSE
Located in Columbus, Georgia, the Springer Opera House is a regional producing theatre company housed within a 154-year-old National Historic Landmark. As one of only seven producing theatres in the country to enjoy such a unique setting, the Springer has a rich history of cultural preservation and artistic excellence. Recognized as the State Theatre of Georgia during its 100th Anniversary Season in 1971, the Springer is committed to making the performing arts accessible to all, using theatre as a vehicle for education, entertainment and community enrichment, all while honoring its place as one of Georgia's most treasured historic landmarks.
