(Courtesy The Ford Center)
World-renowned American jazz legend Ramsey Lewis will be in Oxford tonight to perform his special show titled “A Few Words and Music from Ramsey Lewis.”
The show includes a solo music performance by Lewis as well as a Q&A portion with the audience. With three Grammy awards, seven gold records and over 80 albums under his belt, Lewis will be sure to leave a lasting impression on any music fan.
Debuting his first conversation show at the Ravinia Music Festival in Chicago earlier this summer, Lewis is offering Mississippi fans a fresh and unique performance.
“It’s a very cool experience,” Lewis’ manager Brett Steele said.
The show, written by Chicago author and playwright Jack Zimmerman, will offer audiences an evening of the world’s greatest jazz as well as a chance to learn about Ramsey’s experiences firsthand.
“The show is a way Ramsey tells his story and the questions from the audience evolve the conversation,” Steele said.
The audience is encouraged to engage in conversation and discuss important and controversial topics.
“As I travel this great country, I’m often asked my thought not only on music but social and political issues- both which are very important to me,” Lewis said. “I believe I have a unique perspective as a result of the worldly experience my profession has given me.”
Joseph Deiermann, current sophomore piano performance and electrical engineering major at The University of Mississippi, is excited about Ramsey’s visit to Oxford.
“I think it’s great that he is coming here, he will bring a lot of culture to this area,” Deiermann said. “He is a legend.”
Deiermann considered Ramsey to be “very appealing to modern jazz audiences.”
After completion of his “A Few Words and Music” tour, Ramsey has no plans of slowing down. Within the next year, Ramsey will continue to tour with performances with Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey and a Nat King Cole Tribute Show. Later this year, Ramsey will drop a new record called “Taking Another Look – Deluxe Edition.”
This is bound to be another big year for Ramsey as he celebrates the 50th anniversary of his two classic records “The In Crowd” and “Hang on Ramsey.” Ramsey’s management says jazz fans should be watching out for other undisclosed recording projects as well.
“He is very active. I hope I have as much energy at 79,” Steele said.
The Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts is excited to offer such a world class performance to the Oxford community. Kate Meachem, marketing director of the Ford Center, described Lewis’ upcoming performance as a “pure evening of music.”
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m in the Ford Center. Tickets are available at the UM box office, by calling (662) 915-7411, or by visiting fordcenter.org. General admission tickets are $17 and reserved seating is $23. Faculty and students of the university receive special prices.
