MUSIC OF STEVIE WONDER AND RAY CHARLES

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The Westchester Jazz Orchestra

Presents

The Music of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles
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Stevie Wonder



The Westchester Jazz Orchestra, a Runner Up for “Best Big Band” in the recent JazzTimes readers’ poll, will perform The Music of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles on Saturday, April 14 at 8 PM at the Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington, NY. WBGO’s Gary Walker is set to host the concert.



In October 2011, the Huffington Post said, “You must make it your business to see . . . WJO . . . this year.” The group’s recent performances have been advance sell-outs.



“This concert will have broad appeal,” said Emily Tabin, WJO’s Executive Director. “Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles are legendary in pop, soul, R&B and jazz. Both are multiple-Grammy winners, crossover artists with fans of all ages.”



The performance will feature WJO-commissioned world premieres of Ray Charles’ #1 hit “Hit the Road Jack” and of Wonder’s “Creepin’.” Also on the roster are “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “Too High,” “One Mint Julep” and “Georgia,” among other tunes.



WJO’s second CD, Maiden Voyage Suite, released in August 2011, was called “nearly flawless” (DownBeat) and “a top big band outing of the year” (AllAboutJazz). The disc was named among the “Best CDs of 2011” by AllAboutJazz and the Huffington Post, and it reached #8 in national radio airplay.



WJO’s concerts are partially funded by NYSCA, ArtsWestchester and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music.



Reserved seating tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and $10 for students. Group discounts are available. Tickets: www.westjazzorch.org; Theater box office, 914-591-6602. WJO: 914-861-9100.



Concert info in brief:


Westchester Jazz Orchestra
The Music of Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles

Saturday April 14, 8 PM

Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles are icons in the worlds of pop, soul, blues – and jazz. Their voices and music are instantly recognized and their songs beyond classic. From “Little Stevie” to “the Genius,” WJO will groove on their incomparable, funky and swinging hits.


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