The Lincoln Theatre Association (LTA) announced the launch of Backstage at the Lincoln, a new music series showcasing local acts in the historic Lincoln Theatre (769 E. Long St.). Backstage at the Lincoln concerts will offer patrons the extraordinary opportunity to be seated on stage with the featured artist, providing concert goers an up-close-and-personal performance with their favorite local artists set against the hand-painted grandeur of the Lincoln’s rare Egyptian Revival-style motif.
The 2012 concert schedule is as follows:
September 19 – Bobby Floyd Trio
October 25 – Carpe Diem with Speak Williams
December 12 – Vernon Hairston Trio with Mary McClendon
Tickets are $10 and seating is limited. All concerts begin at 7pm at the Lincoln Theatre.
Tickets can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night of the show if still available.
The Backstage at the Lincoln series is made possible through the generous support of the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
About Bobby Floyd
A child prodigy, Bobby Floyd’s delivery on piano, organ, and keyboards displays a unique musical power that uplifts and inspires. He has toured the world, performing with Ray Charles, Jeff Tyzik, Chris Howes, Byron Stripling, and his own trio. His current touring schedule includes performances with the Boston Pops, Rochester Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, and Edmonton Symphony, as well performances with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Additionally, Floyd is the current pianist/organist for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. He has taught at The Ohio State University, in his own private studio, and currently at the world-famous Jamey Aebersold Jazz Workshops. His critically acclaimed CDs include Interpretations, Setting the Standards, Floyd’s Finest Gift, and Notes To and From My Friends.
About Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem specializes in perfectly blending old school with modern R&B. Lead singer Matthew Seward II, drummer Curtis Calloway, lead guitarist Brandon Chapman, keyboardist Ty Stubblefield, and bass guitarist Jason Waters have toured extensively across the Midwest, and performed in many of Columbus’ finest establishments.
About Speak Williams
Keith “Speak” Williams is a multi-faceted artist, writer, musician, and emcee who weaves the raw lyricism of classic hip-hop with the eclectic, soulful melodies of old-school bebop and jazz to produce his own distinct sound. Williams has further enhanced his style through collaborative efforts with numerous musicians, most notably his work with internationally acclaimed producer J. Rawls and esteemed jazz-hop band, the Liquid Crystal Project. Maintaining the artistic ingenuity and cleverness of a refined wordsmith, Williams has proven he can hold his own alongside even the most highly regarded poets and emcees. He has shared the stage with Def Poets Sunni Patterson, Jon Goode, and Cola Rum, has opened for Talib Kweli, and continues to mold his artistic expression by performing at various conferences, cafes, and musical events throughout the country.
About the Vernon Hairston Trio
Vernon Hairston holds two BAs from The Ohio State University, one in jazz composition (where he studied with the late, great Hank Marr) and one in music education in vocal pedagogy. Formed in 2006, his jazz trio includes Reggie Jackson on drums and Dwight Bailey on bass, with Hairston on piano and vocals. The Trio plays locally on a regular basis, including the Tuskegee Airmen’s 50-year reunion, a sold-out fundraising event for the African-American Cancer Support Group Society, Chris Gardner’s (Pursuit of Happiness) personal appearance at a celebration held in his honor, and the Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest.
About Mary McClendon
Columbus native Mary McClendon has been a regular on the central Ohio jazz scene since graduating from Marion Franklin High School and the Columbus College of Art and Design. Her smooth vocals and scat singing have made her an audience favorite, sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Benny Carter, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison, and Sarah Vaughn to name a few. Mary often works with the Jazz Arts Group as well as in many other venues from the very small to symphony orchestras. She continues to build her resume to include acting, voiceovers, and commercials. Most recently, she performed the role of Billie Holiday in the acclaimed stage presentation of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.
About the Lincoln Theatre
First opened in 1928, the Lincoln Theatre is a landmark in African-American and jazz history. After undergoing a $13.5 million renovation funded by a partnership of public and private support, the Lincoln reopened in May 2009 as a multi-use, state-of-the-art performing arts and education center serving the diversity of the Columbus and central Ohio community and ten resident Columbus arts organizations. The restoration is the foundation of revitalization plans for the King-Lincoln District, providing a bustling hub of activity 365 days a year with performances, rehearsals, and classes in the performing arts, as well as a wide variety of community events such as film festivals, meetings, and receptions.
www.lincolntheatrecolumbus.com