GEORGIA ON MY MIND: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles to Open at The Venetian this Fall

The Venetian Las Vegas and GOMM Productions, LLC have partnered to bring a special engagement - GEORGIA ON MY MIND: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles - to The Venetian Theatre this fall. This groundbreaking new show will feature a host of esteemed stars including Emmy award-winner Clint Holmes, 10-time Grammy award-winning vocal group TAKE 6, six-time Grammy nominee and DownBeat Vocalist of the Year Nnenna Freelon, and Stella Gospel Award and Grammy award-winning saxophone star Kirk Whalum. The show also introduces the Las Vegas Mass Choir, under the direction of James R. Smith and Edie Aikels, and features the Las Vegas All-Star Big Band, under the direction of pianist and conductor, David Loeb. This dynamic ensemble of all-star performers will celebrate the genius of American music, Mr. Ray Charles, through GEORGIA ON MY MIND, in the Venetian Theatre September 18 through October 29, 2014.

"We are excited to bring this unique show to The Venetian and to fans from around the world who visit Las Vegas," said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and Sands Expo. "It's a joy to bring audiences back to the golden age of renowned artists performing great songs with a live big band and choir on a world-class stage. The artists in this performance have a combined 11 Grammys, and Vegas' own Clint Holmes is making his return to the Las Vegas Strip after eight years. This is a celebration of the genius Ray Charles and an evening with GEORGIA ON MY MIND will be a night to remember."

Ray Charles is an American treasure who transcended racism, cultural upheavals, and spread his gospel, blues, jazz and country sound around the world. Charles won every major award from the Georgia Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, from the Kennedy Honors to a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. This show celebrates his music.

GEORGIA ON MY MIND: Celebrating The Music of Ray Charles is produced and directed by award-winning music producer Larry Rosen and is part of his JAZZ ROOTS Concert Series. The current presentation at The Venetian Theatre is presented by producer Larry Rosen and entertainment executive/producer Peter Primont through GOMM Productions, LLC.

"Our mission is to honor Ray's life and his music," said producer Larry Rosen. "It is extremely important that people understand that this music, which was created in America by a diverse society, is celebrated all over the world. The music is a melding of blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and lots of soul. It will make you clap your hands, move your body, and enjoy being alive."

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling The Venetian Box Office at 702-414-9000 or online at www.venetian.com. For more information on GEORGIA ON MY MIND: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles and the musical performers, please visit http://bit.ly/VenetianGOMM.

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