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The Utah Symphony is taking a break from Beethoven piano concertos next week to spotlight another keyboard pro: Ellis Hall, nicknamed the "Ambassador of Soul."
Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Hall will join the orchestra and guest conductor Jeff Tyzik in songs by Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, George Harrison and more.
Hall, who was born and raised in Georgia, lost sight in his right eye to childhood glaucoma and has been blind since age 18. "When people ask me about my blindness, I tell them, 'I didn't pay the electric bill on time, so they cut the lights out on me!' " he quipped. After studying the bass, guitar, keyboards, piano and drums at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, he was mentored by Ray Charles, sang with Tower of Power and gave voice to one of the California Raisins. He has collaborated with artists as diverse as Sheila E., Toby Keith and Kenny G, and has been featured as a musician and/or actor in films including "Chicken Run," "Big Momma's House" and "Catch Me If You Can."
These are the opening concerts on the Utah Symphony's Entertainment Series.
When • Thursday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Browning Center at Weber State University, Ogden
Tickets • $15-$42; symphonyballet.org
When • Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23-24, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $15-$81; utahsymphony.org