The Jazz Connection of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra is proud to present a “Sentimental Journey: The Songs of World War II”, a star-studded evening featuring Ray Charles and Lynn Roberts in concert, performing with an all-star band headed by local favorite, Bob Alberti.  The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th  at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort on Folly Field Road.  Doors open at 7:00 pm. The Jazz Connection, a dedicated group of jazz aficionados who showcase world renowned jazz artists on Hilton Head Island are thrilled to have Ray Charles of The Ray Charles Singers join us for this fabulous evening.  Ray Charles is also known as “the other Ray Charles”, a musician, singer, songwriter, vocal arranger and conductor featured on Perry Como’s records, radio shows and television shows for 35 years.
    As a vocalist Charles, along with Julia Miller, is known for singing the theme song to the television series Three’s Company (“Come and Knock on Our Door”).  As a songwriter, Charles is known for “Letters, We Get Letters,” originally written for The Perry Como Show and later used on The Late Show with David Letterman.  Mr. Charles continues to serve as musical consultant to television programs, most notably for the last 24 years on The Kennedy Center Honors.  He is acknowledged as an authority on American popular music.
     As an arranger and writer of special material Ray has worked with the some of the greatest entertainers of all time including Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland as well as composers Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen and Harry Warren.  The Ray Charles Singers, a name bestowed on them by Perry Como, began recording and some tunes which became major hits, including the popular “Love Me With All Your Heart” and “Al Di La”.
Ray Charles has won two Emmy Awards for special musical material for two comedy specials: The Funny Side of Marriage and The First Nine Months.  His choral anthem, “Fifty Nifty United States,” in which he set the names of the states to music in alphabetical order, is now a staple of school choirs.
    Vocalist Lynn Roberts promises an evening filled with the type of songs for which most music lovers yearn.  She has prevailed in the music industry having worked with all the greats including Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Spivak, Benny Goodman, Harry James and most recently with the Doc Severinsen band.  Her career momentum led her to stellar performances throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and Israel.  In recent years Lynn has been deluged with requests for special appearances at jazz festivals, on major cruise lines, television specials and jazz clubs both here and abroad.
    Leading the all-star band is local favorite Bob Alberti who as a conductor, composer, arranger and pianist has performed with all the greats in the television and nightclub circuit all over the world.  Bob’s desire to keep live music alive has earned him the respect of his peers and as a result has been in demand playing and recording all over the United States.  Joining this monster all-star band will be tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, trombonist Dave Steinmeyer, trumpeter Bill Prince, bassist Frank Duvall, with Steve Primatic on drums.
    Doors open at 7:00 P.M.  There will be a cash bar available.  Tickets are $45.00 for cabaret round table seating and $30.00 for theatre-style seating.  Tables of 10 may be reserved for $450.00.  For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Hilton Head Symphony office at 842-2055 or go online at www.hhso.org.