The Performing Arts Center presents award-winning actress and singer Sandra ReAves-Phillips in “The Late Great Ladies of Jazz and Blues” on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall. The Georgia Museum of Art is hosting a reception at 6 p.m. for ticket holders of the show as well as a brief tour of the exhibition Coming Home: American Paintings, 1930-1950, from the Schoen Collection.
“The Late Great Ladies of Jazz and Blues” is a musical tribute to legendary vocalists Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Ethel Waters, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Mahalia Jackson.
The show was conceived and written by ReAves-Phillips, who says, “It is difficult to play the role of a legend. You can’t imitate. You have to reach the height of your own delivery. If I can deliver the spirit of the singer to the audience then I am happy.”
A native of Mullins, S.C., ReAves-Phillips grew up laboring in the fields with her grandmother and singing in church. She moved to New York City where she entered local talent contests and began performing in small clubs. As a result, she landed a contract with Epic Records and then garnered critical acclaim with a riveting portrayal of Mama Younger in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Raisin.
Tickets for “The Late Great Ladies of Jazz and Blues” are $16-$21; UGA students with a valid ID can purchase a ticket at half price. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office in the Performing Arts Center, 542-4400, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
