Ray Charles: A Tribute to Genius

This is a flexible show that can be two parts or one set. The show can be expanded to include Etta James and or Motown numbers.

R&B Jazz & Blues Band Performs Ray Charles Tribute CA — Dr. Greg Jones has entertained Southern CA audiences for more than three decades, asserts “it is an exhilarating honor and a fun challenge to bring new energy and even an ounce of authenticity to what Mr. Charles created.” The All Star nine-member ensemble includes a three horn section a trio of backup vocalists/ “Rayletts” and a tight rhythm section flaunting its iconic upright bass sound. The 90-minute tribute includes all of Ray’s most lovable hits with short monologues to share a few stories behind the music. The performers include: Bonnie Bishop, a vocalist originating from El Monte, who showcased original material as a SIAM bandmember performing at the Roxy, Whiskey a Go Go and Gazarris in Hollywood. She later joined the Big Band/ Swing craze performing at Beverly Hill’s Gala’s, the Queen Mary and Carnival Cruise Lines. Bonnie has also performed with LA based Bands, Suave’ and Smooth Touch. Cherrye Cherry is a Singer/songwriter whose experiences from the Hollywood High Performing Arts program and numerous college musicals lead her to perform with various bands in Riverside CA. Cherrye has entertained as part of a five-member girl group called Sable and a Texas-based band called Cherry Cherry, as well as a background singer for a well-known local singing artist, Fabian. Brittan E. began touring with the Young Americans at age 12 and has recorded numerous records while performing in a around Southern CA
Craig Kupta is a trombonist who won the Frank Sinatra Performance Award at UCLA and from there, his career took off. He has performed with many notable musicians including Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Brown and was a soloist with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. He has recorded movie and tv soundtracks, albums, and toured with his own groups.
Ken Meredith began playing trumpet in Compton CA, warming up crowds for comedians Richard Prior and Redd Foxx. He became a fixture for the Solomon Burke Band and while playing Chicago’s Ford Theater, earned the nickname Ken “The Loverman” wearing his trademarked red suit. Jeff Mitchell’s drum life began at age 10, playing New Orleans jazz and ragtime with his father and pianist, Bruce. He has performed with many So Cal Bands (Post Hole Diggers, Delicious Water) and as a resident of Wrightwood CA, joined the Greg Jones band in 2018. Leroy Speaks Jr. began his professional musical career as a bassist after graduating the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Leroy has performed extensively in clubs and for private events and has toured internationally with groups including the Antelope Valley Jazz Big Band. Alternate performers are John Burcher (sax), Richard Cole (sax), Brittan E. Steve M. (percussion), Don Reed (guitar), Irwin Williams (bass), and Toby Williams (drums).

The show is self contained or will work with infrastructure provided.