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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Key Chorale will honor Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” on the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking Grammy Award-winning album, "Amazing Grace." WBTT artists Matelyn Alicia and Naärai will join Key Chorale, along with its featured soloist, Amy Connours, for "Grace: The Spirit of Aretha," an evening of soulful gospel songs and Franklin’s most famous R&B classics on May 8 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. ‘Amazing Grace’ was recorded live in January 1972 at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, Calif., with Reverend James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir performing alongside Franklin. It was released as a double album in June 1972 by Atlantic Records. In the first act, the performance will feature numerous spirituals and inspirational gospel numbers such as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Amazing Grace," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "How I Got Over" and "Mary, Don't You Weep." The second act is a veritable "greatest hits" compilation of Aretha Franklin songs, including a mash-up of "Think/Respect," "Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Rock Steady" and "Freeway (Pink Cadillac)." Join Artistic Directors Caulkins and Jacobs for a pre-show reception from 6-7 p.m. A light dinner of sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar are included. Cost is $100. Reception ticket DOES NOT include a show ticket - a separate show ticket MUST be purchased to attend the show. Takes place Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota). Presenting sponsor is PNC Bank. Show tickets are $35-$100; reception tickets are available for purchase there as well or call the Key Chorale box office at 941-552-8768.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, United States
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