Gary Morris to Perform Stars In Tucson Benefit Concert

Famed country music artist and Broadway star Gary Morris will make a rare Tucson appearance in a benefit concert for his injured niece and other victims of domestic violence. Gary Morris and Friends: A Benefit for Heather will feature Tucson native Lisa Morales and other artists on Friday, Aug. 24 at 8:00 p.m. at the Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St. Tickets are $100, which includes a CD and meet-and-greet pass; $50, which includes a CD; and $35 for balcony seats through the Rialto box office (520-740-1000, www.rialtotheatre.com).

In June, Morris's niece was shot twice in the head in a domestic-violence event in Tucson. She survived the shooting, but has permanent damage and a long recovery. She is going through therapy to learn tasks that many of us take for granted, such as walking and talking.

"We're amazed that she's done so well, but her recovery is going to be extensive and expensive," said Morris. "I'm also aware that there are many other victims of domestic violence and we, as a society, need to try to do everything we can to help them and help prevent any more heartless violence."

"There is so much we need to do to get Heather back on track," said Morris's twin sister, Carey Morris Willits, who lives in Tucson. "We really appreciate all of the prayers for her and continue to see miracles happen. This has been a big stress, knowing she has responsibilities with no income.

Morris also has set up a GoFundMe account called Heather Walks, www.gofundme.com/heather-walks, to help with expenses and there are plans for a silent auction to raise more funds.

"Country music fans are the best in the world and Tucson fans will want to support Gary and his niece," said Buzz Jackson, program director for KIIM-FM (99.5-FM). "We're happy to partner with Gary to make this concert happen and help Heather and other victims of domestic violence."

Morris recorded 12 albums that spawned 16 Top 10 and five #1 hit singles, including "Why Lady Why," "The Love She Found in Me," "Baby Bye Bye," "100% Chance of Rain," "Leave Me Lonely" and "Wind Beneath My Wings." In 1984, his original rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings" won both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music Song of the Year Award. In 1982, he was also named Billboard's "Male Artist of the Year."

At the height of his Nashville recording career, the Texas-bred tenor was offered the role of Rodolfo starring opposite Linda Ronstadt in the Broadway production of Puccini's opera, "La Bohème." Later, he was offered a lead role on Broadway as Jean Valjean in the musical "Les Miserables" at the height of its popularity. His performance received resounding critical praise and the Drama Desk Best Actor nomination. His famous rendition of "Bring Him Home" on the platinum-selling Grammy Award-winning international cast album resulted in a Command Performance by Her Majesty, the Queen of England.

Like many singer/songwriters, Lisa Morales started penning tunes to express her emotions addressing the complex landscape of relationships through music and verse. Her perspective now is that of a woman who's gone through many storms and witnessed their sometimes-beautiful aftermaths as well. She draws from a creative palette informed by the rhythms, colors and flavors of the Southwest - from the painted-desert skies of her native Tucson, where she and cousin Linda Ronstadt grew up, to the sea-salted air of Houston, where she moved at 18, and the history-filled city of San Antonio, where she now lives. Morales recorded six albums as one-half of the duo Sisters Morales before releasing her solo debut, Beautiful Mistake, in 2012.

Morris recorded 12 albums, which spawned 16 Top 10 and five #1 hit singles, including "Why Lady Why," "The Love She Found in Me," "Baby Bye Bye," "100% Chance of Rain," "Leave Me Lonely" and "Wind Beneath My Wings." In 1984, his original rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings" won both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM) "Song of the Year Award." In 1982, he was also named Billboard's "Male Artist of the Year." At the height of his Nashville recording career, the Texas-bred tenor was offered the role of Rodolfo starring opposite Linda Ronstadt in the Broadway production of Puccini's opera, "La Bohème." Morris also starred as Jean Valjean, the lead role in the Broadway musical "Les Miserables" at the height of its popularity. His powerful performance received resounding critical praise and the Drama Desk "Best Actor" nomination. Gary's famous rendition of "Bring Him Home" on the platinum-selling Grammy Award-winning international cast album resulted in a Command Performance by Her Majesty, the Queen of England. After his run on Broadway, Morris immediately returned to recording and touring, garnering more #1 Country music hits. Throughout his career, Gary has been asked to perform for every U.S. president starting with President Jimmy Carter. For more information, visit his website, www.garymorris.com.

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