COLUMBUS — The Palace Theatre is marking its 100th anniversary by bringing the music of Ray Charles back to the stage where the legendary musician performed throughout his career.
CAPA announced Tuesday that country artist Jackson Dean and jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles will join host Paul Shaffer and an all-star cast for “Palace 100: The Genius of Ray Charles,” a one-night-only concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14, at the Palace Theatre in downtown Columbus.
The lineup spans the genres Charles explored across his career, from R&B and jazz to gospel, country and contemporary music. Also performing: Grammy-winning R&B and jazz vocalist Patti Austin, multiplatinum singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc, gospel singer-songwriter Blessing Offor, singer Lisa Fischer, singer Monica Mancini and Columbus native Billy Valentine. Grammy and Emmy recipient Gregg Field, a former drummer for Charles, will produce the evening.
Shaffer, the longtime musical director and bandleader for David Letterman, brings his own Charles connection — he performed with Charles on Saturday Night Live and Late Night with David Letterman. Trumpeter Etienne Charles is known for blending jazz with Afro-Caribbean musical traditions.
The concert is the centerpiece of the Palace Theatre’s centennial celebration, honoring a century of performances in the downtown venue and the artists, like Charles, whose music defined it.