In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Jazz Arts Group steps out for A Night at the Apollo, April 13-17 at the historic Southern Theatre. Under the direction of Artistic Director Byron Stripling, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and Broadway actress/vocalist Marva Hicks celebrate music greats like Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight, James Brown, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and many others whose careers were launched by this legendary finishing school!
The world famous Apollo Theater is so much more than a historic landmark – it is a source of pride and a symbol of brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. With its rich history and continued significance, the Apollo Theater, considered the bastion of African-American culture and achievement, is one of the most fascinating chronicles in American history.
Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Marva Hicks first started her early career as a gospel singer. After a short stint with the group Eighties Ladies, Marva appeared on Broadway in Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music for nearly three years. During a tour in London, Marva met Stevie Wonder. She began touring with him during the mid-80s and sang background vocals on his album, Characters. She then signed with Polydor in the late ’80s and released her debut album, Marva Hicks, in 1991, with the R&B hits “I Got You Where I Want” and “Never Been in Love Before.” As an actress, she has had several guest spots on the television shows Star Trek: Voyager, Sister, Sister, Mad About You, and played Jacara Principal for the 1997-1998 season of One Life to Live, as well as acting in several major Broadway plays. Her credits include Staggerlee, One Mo’ Time, Sing Mahalia Sing, Twist and Bubbling Brown Sugar. Recently she’s focused much more on her singing talents again, and was one of Michael Jackson’s back-up singers in his last world tour.
Tickets for the event can be purchased here: http://www.jazzartsgroup.org/columbus-jazz-orchestra/swingin-at-the-southern/