Soul legend Ray Charles receives a well-deserved tribute from protégé Ellis Hall and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. Being the only artist signed to Charles’ label, Crossover Records, Hall seems destined to follow in the timeless musician’s footsteps. The pair became friends just a few years before Charles’ death in 2004—and there are some parallels in their lives that are hard to ignore. Besides being amazingly talented singers, both were born in Georgia and went blind early. Now, this soul/blues/gospel shining star is here to pay homage to his mentor and friend with the help of Long Beach’s 83-member orchestra.
Sat., March 19, 8 p.m., 2011
