February 27, is the birthday of Indy’s beloved songbird, the late Cynthia Layne. On that evening at 7 p.m., many of Indy’s best musicians will gather together in honor of their fellow musician and friend to perform in a concert event entitled, “A Celebration in Song” at the Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 N. Central Ave.
This concert is a fundraiser to benefit the Cynthia Layne Memorial Fund, which was established upon her passing. As the community comes together in its various roles as audience, venue, vendors, volunteers, and performers alike, we each do our part to make certain the great legacy of Layne is alive and well and that it lives on.
The evening’s star-studded line-up includes world renowned opera diva and Indy’s own, Angela Brown who is the event’s special guest. Indianapolis audiences will remember her as the star of last season’s Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Brown has starred in operas and concerts around the world including her starring role as “Aida” at New York’s Metropolitan Opera. Brown is the author of her own one-woman show entitled, “Opera…from a Sistah’s Point of View.”
The slate of performers for the evening includes those who worked with Cynthia and those who did not. But being such the “Beautiful Soul” Cynthia was, she gained the respect and admiration of many people locally and around the world.
“I did not have the chance to play with Cynthia, but I wish I had. I enjoyed listening to her recordings,” said veteran pianist Mike Lucas.
Lucas served for many years as the accompanist for music greats including Johnny Mathis, Perry Como, Natalie Cole, Andy Williams and Henry Mancini. He will also serve as the conductor and accompanist for the concert.
Local smooth jazz favorite, saxophonist Gregg Bacon will perform. Layne got her start in Indianapolis performing in Bacon’s band.
Singing favorite Brenda Williams will bring her energized presence to the stage.
Legendary singer Jimmy Guilford will perform. Appearing with Cynthia in the Circle City Classic’s Cotton Club, Guilford’s career spans over five decades. He performed as the lead vocalist in the Ink Spots, The Lamplighters and the Four Sounds to name a few. He also performed as a solo artist with Motown competitor Wheelsville USA in Detroit, and recorded a series of hit singles under Detroit music legend Don Davis.
Other performers include the powerful voice of Keith Hayes, jazz harpist Jan Aldridge-Clark, pianist/vocalist Kelleen Strutz, Jared Thompson on saxophone, Allen Burke and Sandy Lomax will sing, and the sensational Latin pianist Pavel.
All these performers on one stage, on one night is truly an exciting entertainment opportunity for a worthy cause. Advance tickets are $35 available online at Eventbrite.com. At the door, the cost is $40.
Bill Myers is past president of the African American Jazz Caucus and producer of the Circle City Classic’s Cotton Club, and the Madame Walker and Scottish Rite’s critically acclaimed production of “Dreamgirls.” Bill Myers is the producer and host of the concert fundraiser honoring Cynthia Layne.
