GEORGIA ON MY MIND, a Celebration of Ray Charles Comes to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

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.

Georgia On My Mind, Celebrating Ray Charles features an all-star cast of award-winning performers including a capella group TAKE 6, whose collaborations included one with the late great Charles; Emmy Award winner CLINT HOLMES, whose soulful stylings have been selling out concert halls around the world; six-time Grammy Award nominee and Downbeat vocalist of the year NNENNA FREELON; award-winning saxophonist JAVON JACKSON; and SHELLY BERG, three-time Grammy nominated music director and Dean of the UM/ Frost School of Music. Joining in the celebration are the University of Miami's FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC BIG BAND and an ORLANDO-BASED GOSPEL CHOIR.

JAZZ ROOTS EDUCATION provides area music students and their teachers an in-depth look at the "behind-the-scenes" workings of a live sound check and the technical aspects necessary to produce a successful concert. Students will observe a live sound check, have a pre-show lecture with Chuck Archard about the music, the artistic process and the practical skills needed for a career in the arts. Additionally, the students will also receive an evening at the theater enjoying dinner and tickets to see Georgia On My Mind.

"This is going to be a great opportunity for students from the community to experience the inner workings of the performing arts and to dialogue with internationally acclaimed jazz musicians," said Dana Brazil, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts School of Arts director of education.

The gospel choir is made up of 40 local singers from 12 churches who have rehearsed for two months for their part in the performance. The churches represented are New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church of Eatonville, Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, St. Mark AME, The Impact Church, Agape Perfecting Praise Worship Center, The Hope Church, Washington Shores Church of Christ, Mt. Olive AME, The Well of Hope, Christ Dominion Church, and Florida Hospital Seven Day Adventist Church.

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