Mike Farris honoring Aretha Franklin
Mike Farris honoring Aretha Franklin
November 01, 2011 at 4:50 PM
Award-winning recording artist, musician and songwriter Mike Farris performed at the tribute concert honoring Aretha Franklin, one of the greatest singers in popular music, during the 16th annual American Music Masters® Lady Soul: The Life and Music of Aretha Franklin.The concert, sponsored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Case Western Reserve University, is part of an annual series of events that will begin Monday, October 31, 2011, culminating with a conference and the tribute concert on Saturday, November 5, 2011.
“Aretha is arguably the most evocative vocalist of the past 50 years. So I consider it a distinct honor to sing for her,” says Farris, whose critically acclaimed SHOUT! Live won the 2010 Gospel Music Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album of the Year. “Musically, she resides in a universe all her own. I’m surprised the world doesn’t have a parade for her every day!”
Other tribute concert artists include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Dennis Edwards (of the Temptations), Ronald Isley (of the Isley Brothers) and Spooner Oldham, as well as 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominee Chaka Khan, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Carla Cook, Melinda Doolittle and Cissy Houston. The event will be held at PlayhouseSquare’s State Theatre at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.playhousesquare.org.
In addition, Farris’ near effortless roots/gospel/blues fusion is featured on:
Bluegrass Underground, a 12-part TV series that made its debut on PBS in September. The episode, featuring Mike Farris & The McCrary Sisters, with whom he shares the stage regularly, will air at varying times in more than 100 markets, making its Nashville debut on Sunday, October 30th, on WNPT (PBS) at 10:00 p.m. CT, with repeat airings slated throughout the fall. (Check local listings for PBS airings in your area.)
Also recently announced, Mike Farris and The Roseland Rhythm Revue will ring in the New Year with an exclusive New Year’s event at the historic Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tenn. Tickets, which start at $30, are on sale now at www.franklintheatre.com.
“It’s turning out to be a really phenomenal year,” says Farris, who is currently working on his third solo record, Already Alright, set for release in 2012. “We’re simply thrilled and grateful to be on the road we’re on."