Ring in New Year with Georgia on My Mind

Star-studded performers take the Alberta Bair stage in Ray Charles tribute

On Stage

Alberta Bair Theater rings in the New Year with two performances of Georgia On My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 (includes a New Year’s Eve toast), and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.

Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon lends her voice to Ray Charles tribute.
Jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon lends her voice to Ray Charles tribute.

Boasting iconic tunes from the catalogue of the genius himself, Georgia On My Mind makes each song a winning part of the tapestry that is Ray Charles’ music, celebrating it with an all-star cast of award-winning performers:

Take 6: The 10-time Grammy-winning vocal sensation and Gospel Music Hall of Fame group has collaborated Charles, in addition to such legends as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Queen Latifah.

Clint Holmes: The Las Vegas-based vocal star has been selling out concert halls around the world. The Emmy Award winners soulful stylings are sure to add magic to this enchanted evening.

Nnenna Freelon: The six-time Grammy nominee and DownBeat Vocalist of the Year adds her jazz-inflected vocal style to the Ray mix.

Tom Scott: Three-time Grammy Award winner and 14-time nominated saxophonist is also an accomplished composer, arranger and producer.

Ray Charles was a Georgia native who won every major honor from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, from the Kennedy Center Honors to a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

He transcended racism and cultural upheavals, and spread his music inspired by gospel, blues, jazz and country around the world. Georgia on My Mind boasts iconic tunes from his catalogue woven into an inspiring show, fueled by world-class talent.

Tickets are $82, $72, $62 for the New Year’s Ever show and $67, $52, $37 for New year’s Day, and available at the ABT Box Office, by phone at 406-256-6052; and on the ABT website at albertabairtheater.org.