The Great Baritone

In March of this year, the nation celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Nat “King” Cole, one of the most popular and influential entertainers of the 20th century. An African-American ballad singer and jazz musician, Cole was best known for his soft baritone voice. He topped the charts year after year, selling more than 50 million records featuring hits such as “Unforgettable,” “Sweet Lorraine” and “Nature Boy.” This September the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will continue celebrating the legacy of Nat King Cole in a tribute concert featuring baritone vocalist Caesar.

“Caesar possesses that rare ability to achieve – from the moment he steps on stage – a profound emotional interaction with his audience,” according to one critic. “He touches the listener with the purity of the lyrics, and establishes a beautiful ambiance by sharing with the audience a public show of gratitude to Nat King Cole for the influence Nat had on him, the music industry and the entire world.”

A Chicago native and graduate of Southern University, Caesar is considered one of the smoothest baritone vocalists on the music scene, as he effortlessly goes from singing with sparse accompaniment to swinging with the big band or orchestra. In addition to touring the world with Julio Iglesias and sharing the stage with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Al Jarreau and more, Caesar was featured with Nat King Cole in the award-winning CBS Radio News segment on “The Observation Deck.”

Caesar recorded his album, “Jazz Standards for Today’s Audience” in Hollywood’s Capitol Studios using the original microphone and Steinway piano used by Nat King Cole in the 1950s. Most recently, he has been performing his 19-song tribute to Nat King Cole with symphony orchestras around the nation.

Venue:                El Dorado Municipal Auditorium

                           100 W. Eighth Street, El Dorado

Admission:  Tickets cost $40 for premium seating, $30 for silver and $15 for bronze. Discounts are available of students, military personnel and seniors. Subscribe to the 2019-20 Season and save! Subscriptions to the full season start at $90.

Website:  www.southarkansassymphony.org