Paul Shaffer, Patti Austin, Aloe Blacc among artists

featured in “The Genius of Ray Charles” concert event

CAPA will present Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles, a signature concert event celebrating 100 years of unforgettable performances at the Palace Theatre, at 7:30 pm Saturday, November 14.

This special centennial tribute honors one of the theatre’s most cherished artists, Ray Charles, by bringing his timeless music back to the historic Palace Theatre stage where he performed throughout his career, most recently in 1992. Long a favorite with Columbus audiences, Ray Charles appeared frequently at major venues across the city and remains an enduring symbol of the Palace’s rich musical legacy.

The evening is hosted by legendary bandleader and television personality Paul Shaffer, beloved for his decades as musical director of Late Night with David Letterman, and who performed with Charles throughout his career.

Additionally, the concert is produced by Grammy-winning drummer and producer Gregg Field, who also performed alongside Ray Charles and has assembled an extraordinary cast of artists to honor one of America’s greatest musical icons.

Featured artists include Grammy Award-winning R&B/jazz vocalist Patti Austin; multi-platinum singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc; Nigeria-born gospel sensation Blessing Offor; Grammy And Academy Award-winning singer Lisa Fischer; Grammy-nominated songstress Monica Mancini; and more to be announced.

The night’s orchestra is similarly illustrious. Joining musicians from the Columbus Symphony, Columbus Jazz, and the Ohio State School of Music are Grammy-nominated conductor Chris Walden, who also serves as lead arranger for the Academy Awards; top session guitarist Dean Parks (Sonny & Cher, The Crusaders, Steely Dan); bassist extraordinaire Nathan East (Luther Vandross, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins); Columbus Hammond organ legend and frequent Ray Charles band member Bobby Floyd; saxophonist/bandleader/composer/arranger Tom Scott; and Grammy-winning composer and keyboardist Matt Rollings (Mark Knopfler, Lyle Lovett’s Large Band, Alison Krauss).

Tickets, which start at $62.50, go on sale at 10 am Friday, September 4, and may be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.), online at www.capa.com, and by phone at (614) 469-0939.

“Ray Charles represents musical and artistic excellence—an extraordinary talent who transcended genres, generations, and boundaries. Presenting The Genius of Ray Charles in the Palace Theatre is a fitting way to celebrate 100 years of this remarkable venue, which itself has been and continues to be a home for artists who have inspired and brought people together across genres, generations, and boundaries,” CAPA VP of Marketing and Sales Peter Keiser said. “This celebration honors not only the Palace’s incredible history, but its enduring role as a place where great music and unforgettable moments continue to come alive.”

Additionally, Columbus native Billy Valentine returns home to celebrate both Ray Charles and one of Columbus’ most treasured landmarks. Raised in Columbus as one of 13 children, Valentine went on to become one of the music industry’s most respected vocalists, recording and touring with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The Valentines were among the first African American families to own a downtown Columbus nightclub, The Needle’s Eye. Every member of the family played a role in the business, helping create a vibrant gathering place in the city’s entertainment scene. 

At just 17 years old, Billy stepped onto the stage of the Ohio Theatre, opening for soul legend Donny Hathaway. It was an early glimpse of a remarkable career that would eventually take him to Los Angeles, where he and his brother joined the touring cast of The Wiz. 

Following the tour, the brothers formed The Valentine Brothers and recorded “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)” in 1982. The song later became an international hit when it was recorded by Simply Red in 1986. 

Valentine’s career continued to flourish as both a performer and songwriter, but one of his proudest accomplishments came through his connection to Ray Charles. Valentine co-wrote “My World,” a song Charles personally chose to record as the title track of his 1993 album. 

Opened on November 8, 1926, and designed in the spirit of France’s Palais de Versailles, the 2,695-seat Palace Theatre is one of the country’s most stunning and historic theatres. Born as a vaudeville house, it continues to shine in downtown Columbus 100 years later, hosting performances that range across all genres of the performing arts.

Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles is one of several programs CAPA has planned this fall in celebration of the Palace Theatre’s 100^th birthday. Visit www.capa.com/100-celebration-palace for all the latest.