Blues and Boogie: A Tribute to Ray Charles, Gene Harris and Ella Fitzgerald

Featuring  Rob Rio - Freda Payne - Luther Hughes and Ricky Woodard

Thursday, June 21, 7:30 p.m.
Known by some as the “Boss of the Boogie”, piano-man/vocalist Rob Rio plays the boogie-woogie and jump blues of the 40’s and 50’s with a virtuosity and elan that has excited audiences around the world for more than 35 years.  Featuring special performances by 1970 hit single, "Band of Gold" vocalist Freda Payne and record producer, educator and bassist Luther Hughes!

The multi-talented Freda Payne is best known for her singing career, yet she has also performed in musicals and acted in movies over the years, and was briefly the host of her own TV talk show. Born Freda Charcilia Payne in Detroit, Michigan, Payne developed an appreciation of music at an early age (due to such sultry jazz singers as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday). 

Rickey Woodard picked up early experience playing in a family band. After attending Tennessee State University, Woodard joined Ray Charles in 1980. In 1988, he moved to Los Angeles and then recorded (both as a leader and as a sideman) for Concord Records, has led quartets, and been a member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Juggernaut, and the Cheathams, in addition to making guest appearances.