Manny Houston Joins The Charleston Jazz Orchestra for “Mess Around: A Tribute to Ray Charles”
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019 | 5PM AND 8PM | CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
CHARLESTON, SC – APRIL 2, 2019 – South Carolina native and College of Charleston grad, Manny Houston, joins the Charleston Jazz Orchestra (CJO) on April 20, 2019 to pay tribute to Ray Charles. Known as the ‘Genius of Soul,’ Ray pioneered the soul music genre during the 1950s and 60s by combining blues, jazz and gospel styles.
The CJO welcomes vocalist Manny Houston to celebrate this American icon. Originally from Greenville, SC, Manny has starred in many stage and show productions, including his own highly acclaimed piano singer tribute at the Charleston Music Hall.
“I’m looking forward to working with Manny on this show. He was one of our students in the College of Charleston music department, it’s great to see his professional career blossoming!” said Robert Lewis, Music Director of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra.
The song list includes:
Come Rain or Come Shine – Arr. by Robert Lewis
Doodlin’ – Arr. by Ernie Wilkins
Georgia on My Mind – Arr. by Sammy Nestico
Hallelujah, I Love Her So – Arr. by David Heywood
Hit the Road Jack – Arr. Matthew White
I Gotta Woman – Arr. by Brett Belanger
Let the Good Times Roll – Arr. by Mark Taylor
Lift Every Voice and Sing – Arr. Mark Sterbank
Mess Around – Arr. by Robert Lewis
Seven Steps to Heaven – Arr. by Robert Lewis
The Right Time – Arr. by Robert Lewis
Unchain My Heart – Arr. by Frank Duvall
What I’d Say – Arr. by David Heywood
You Won’t Let Me Go – Arr. by Frank Duvall
Tickets are on sale now at www.charlestonjazz.com. Or call the Charleston Jazz box office at 843-641-0011. Ticket prices range from $25 – $60. Senior rates for 65 and older. $10 for students and children.
About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra:
The Charleston Jazz Orchestra (CJO) is an 18-person big band led by Music Director, Robert Lewis. The band is comprised of the crème de la crème of South Carolina jazz musicians and is an entertaining, educational and stellar example of the rich history and legacy of jazz in Charleston. The CJO is in its 11th year offering a 6-concert subscription series and is known for its unique, enthusiastically received performances that contribute mightily to the ever-evolving Lowcountry arts scene.
About Charleston Jazz:
Charleston Jazz is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote musical awareness and education including the recognition and preservation of the history of jazz in the Lowcountry through performances, special events, and educational outreach. Established in 2008 as Jazz Artists of Charleston, the organization has earned a reputation for presenting, producing, and advocating for all things jazz and the artists who bring this music to life in dynamic ways. The organization manages the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, the Charleston Jazz Festival, and the Charleston Jazz Academy.
For more information and to schedule an interview, media appearance, or for hi-resolution images, contact Brittany Burkett at brittany@charlestonjazz.com.
