Quincy Jones to Bring LEE ENGLAND JR., THE SOUL VIOLINIST to the Geffen, 6/22

Quincy Jones presents Lee England Jr., The Soul Violinist, for a one-night-only concert on Monday, June 22 at 7:00pm in the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse. This event serves as a fundraiser for Geffen Playhouse's education and outreach programs. England, a stunning, one-of-a-kind musician, blends the diverse genres of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and classical to create original interpretations.

A virtuoso violinist, England wowed audiences during the Backstage at the Geffen fundraiser last March with his performance of John Legend's "All of Me." He has performed, as a featured act, for Jay-Z & Beyonce, Rihanna's Diamond Ball, the NAACP Image Awards and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. He has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Mo'Nique Show, and on Sean "Diddy" Combs' Making the Band.

Quincy Jones said, "Lee England Jr. is a remarkable talent that comes by very rarely, creating original and unique music straight from his soul. His imagination and musical innovation speaks to all of us, reinforcing that music is, indeed, a universal language."

Lee was on tour, when a tour stop during All-Star Weekend landed him at a dinner celebration for Michael Jordan's birthday. After his performance, Jordan offered Lee an endorsement through the Jordan Brand to support his artistic endeavors, a spot usually reserved for athletes, making Lee one of four non-athletes to represent the brand.

Classically trained Lee England Jr. refers to himself as "The Soul Violinist" due to his entrenchment in creating heartfelt sounds that capture the ear, evoking emotion. England has added viola, cello, bass, guitar, drums, piano and voice to his production resume, as well as boasting three music degrees (BS in Music Education, BS in Audio Engineering and a BA in Violin Performance) from Southern Illinois University. After graduating, Lee accepted a position as a music teacher with the Chicago Public School District. At the age 25, Lee found himself performing alongside Stevie Wonder; that same year he auditioned on Sean "Diddy" Combs' television show Making the Band. Diddy named Lee the band's secret weapon and with that exposure his fame and acclaim began to soar.

Lee now resides in Los Angeles. Making television appearances, performing at the most prestigious events, composing soundtracks, recording with his orchestra, collaborating with top artists, becoming a premiere talent for NBA related events, sharing the stage with A-list celebrities, performing internationally including performances in Africa, making headlines, raising money for his non-profit "Love Notes, LLC" by street performing and charitable partnerships, a commercial for the NFL Superbowl, in which he starred as well as composed and produced the soundtrack -- in short he's building his brand as an elite musician, composer and artist.

DETAILS:

Quincy Jones presents Lee England Jr., The Soul Violinist
Monday, June 22, 2015
7:00 pm Show
8:30 pm Wine & Dessert Reception

Tickets (ranging from $29 to $49) are currently available in-person at the Geffen Playhouse box office, via phone at 310.208.5454 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.com. Fees may apply.

Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the not-for-profit organization continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates, and is currently helmed by Artistic Director Randall Arney, Interim Managing Director Gil Cates Jr., and Co-Chairs of the Board Martha Henderson and Pamela Robinson Hollander. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts.

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