MUSE/IQUE presents ACCORDING TO RAY: Ray Charles’s Message to America at the Mark Taper Forum from March 21-23. I had an amazing first experience with the organization, and I totally recommend checking out an upcoming performance! MUSE/IQUE focuses on creativity and innovation in their programs, crafting engaging and immersive experiences for audiences through a mix of different genres. Their productions bring together a variety of artists to craft a lively atmosphere that genuinely showcases the power of collaboration.
My experience at MUSE/IQUE event was truly uplifting! The program was wonderful and combined history, music, and community together so beautifully. Rachel Worby’s direction and recitation, along with the talents of singer Brandon Victor Dixon and the DC6 Singers Collective from Los Angeles, plus the highly talented and experienced back-up musicians, hyped us up and helped us revisit the incredible story and genius level musicianship of Ray Charles!
The evening began with DC6 Singers Collective singing to “St. James Infirmary.” The group lined the aisles of the Mark Taper Forum with their angelic and rich voices. The selection of songs through the evening—especially “Georgia on My Mind”—really captured the spirit of Ray Charles and his influence on modern music. Brandon Victor Dixon’s vocals were impeccable and the performance was not only entertaining but also served as an educational journey through his life and the barriers Ray Charles broke. The evening ended with an audience sing-along of “America The Beautiful”, one of Ray Charles’ most iconic pieces. Music Director Rachel Worby masterfully weaved the details of Ray Charles’ early life and music discovery. From starting at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind where he learned to read music in braille, to living in Seattle and collaborating Quincy Jones, to eventually settling in Los Angeles, where he spent the rest of his legendary life.
Photo: Haoyuan Ren, courtesy of MUSE/IQUE
A MUSE/IQUE performance is an uplifting, enriching experience- especially for younger audiences. The Ray Charles’s Message to America program highlights how music can be the powerful connection between people, cultures and history. Concerts like Ray Charles’s A Message to America offer a perfect blend of engaging length and meaningful content, making them an accessible way to explore important social themes while celebrating the power of music and the arts.
ACCORDING TO RAY: Ray Charles’s Message to America at the Mark Taper Forum from March 21-23
