The South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 63rd season, sponsored by First Financial Bank, with “The Great Baritone: A Celebration of Nat King Cole.” Come explore the legacy of one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century with the Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 7 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium.
The Symphony will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Nat King Cole with a tribute concert featuring baritone vocalist Caesar. The celebration will feature Caesar’s personally selected jazz combo, including Natalie Cole’s guitarist.
An African-American ballad singer and jazz musician, Cole was best known for his soft baritone voice. He topped the charts year after year, selling more than 50 million records featuring hits such as “Unforgettable,” “Sweet Lorraine” and “Nature Boy.”
“Caesar possesses that rare ability to achieve — from the moment he steps on stage — a pro-found emotional interaction with his audience,” according to one critic. “He touches the listener with the purity of the lyrics, and establishes a beautiful ambiance by sharing with the audience a public show of gratitude to Nat King Cole for the influence Nat had on him, the music industry and the entire world.”
A Chicago native and graduate of Southern University, Caesar is considered one of the smooth-est baritone vocalists on the music scene, as he effortlessly goes from singing with sparse accompaniment to swinging with the big band or orchestra. In addition to touring the world with Julio Iglesias and sharing the stage with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau and more, Caesar was featured with Nat King Cole in the award-winning CBS Radio News segment on “The Observation Deck.”
Caesar recorded his album, “Jazz Standards for Today’s Audience” in Hollywood’s Capitol Studios using the original microphone and Steinway piano used by Nat King Cole in the 1950s. Most recently, he has been performing his 19-song tribute to Nat King Cole with symphony orchestras around the nation.
Tickets are $40 for premium seating, $30 for silver and $15 for bronze. Discounts are available for students, military personnel and seniors. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the box office at 870-863-4547 or visit southarkansassymphony.org.