Mingus Sings: The Vocal Music of Charles Mingus

AUBURN, Calif. - Feb. 19, 2020 - PRLog -- Mingus Sings, The Vocal Music of Charles Mingus, virtuosic bassist and one of the most important figures in 20th century American music, will be presented for the first time in the Sacramento Area at the Auburn State Theater on Saturday, February 29th at 7:30 pm.

The concert showcases the seldom heard lyrics of Charles Mingus, Joni Mitchell, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and vocalist Ellen Johnson's original lyrics and collaborations with pianist and arranger Rick Helzer. Johnson, who has been performing the Mingus vocal music for many years is a respected professional vocalist, educator and author of the biography Jazz Child: A Portrait of Sheila Jordan. Jazz Journal International described her performances as "superior jazz singing by an artist of the highest quality." Go to: EllenJohnson.net.

The concert features special guest recording artist, composer and educator, saxophonist Don Braden who has toured the world leading his own ensembles, as a guest or sideman with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Betty Carter and Roy Haynes. The trio includes pianist and arranger Rick Helzer, drummer Gary Newmark and bassist John Lauffenburger. with collective individual past experiences that include performances with James Newton, Charlie Haden, Diane Shuur, Joe Henderson, Peter Erskine, and Mel Torme.

Tickets for the concert are $26 general admission/$28 day of the show and students $10. Tickets and group discounts can be purchased online at: http://www.livefromauburn.com or by calling 530-885-0156.