On a special evening of Jazz at Lincoln Center, two musical icons, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis, along with GRAMMY® award-wining songstress Norah Jones, collectively brought their unique musical perspective to 15 of legendary Ray Charles' hits, such as "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "Hit the Road Jack" and "Unchain My Heart."

The sold-out concert, WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES, was a highlight of the most recent New York music season. Now, music lovers in the Chicagoland area will get to see it too. On October 15,2009, at 7:20 PM, the Lake Theatre in Oak Park and the York Theatre in Elmhurst, IL will screen this once-in-a-lifetime concert.

Recorded in High Definition by HDNet for screening with full surround sound at select cinemas in North American and Europe, the concert event includes 90 minutes of consummately performed, soul-stirring music plus never-before-seen rehearsal footage and behind-the-scenes interviews with Marsalis, Nelson and Jones.

Country music legend Willie Nelson and Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz artist and Jazz at Lincoln Center Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis share more in common than their multiple GRAMMY® awards. They also share great respect and admiration for the late musical pioneer Ray Charles.

In February 2009, Nelson and Marsalis joined musical forces for a two-night Jazz at Lincoln Center concert event at New York City's Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Their set list explored the legacy of Charles, sequencing the songs to tell the story of a love affair from beginning to end and beyond. The power of this legacy was enhanced by the inclusion of Norah Jones, whose mellow style complements them both. The sold out performance was captured on video, and the resulting footage expertly edited.

This is not the first time Nelson and Marsalis have collaborated. Their joint 2007 appearance at Jazz at Lincoln Center, also sold out, became a popular album. Singer-songwriter and activist Nelson's pioneering musical interests, including founding the "outlaw" country music movement, are in tune with the incredible versatility of composer, trumpeter, conductor and educator Marsalis, whose more than 30 jazz recordings and nearly as many classical recordings have garnered him worldwide recognition and awards. Equally versatile Jones is a singer-songwriter, actor and instrumental musician whose musical styles and genres keep evolving.

All three artists recognize the seminal influence of singer-songwriter Ray Charles, the crossover R&B, country, and pop artist who was the recipient of 17 GRAMMY awards and the subject of the 2004 biopic Ray, starring Jamie Foxx as Charles. Charles played piano, keyboard and alto sax; it was said his voice sounded like a saxophone. His iconic "Georgia On My Mind" was made the official state song of Georgia. Among his honors are induction into the Music Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jazz Hall of Fame, Rhythm & Blues Foundation, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kennedy Center Honors.

He duetted "Here We Go Again" in 2004 with Norah Jones, which is among the songs covered in the concert. Willie Nelson, who enjoyed sharing the stage with him, included Charles on his popular "Half Nelson" album. Charles returned the compliment, including Nelson on his multiple award-winning "Genius Loves Company" album released shortly after Charles' death in 2004.
Tickets to the October 15th screening of WILLIE NELSON AND WYNTON MARSALIS PLAY THE MUSIC OF RAY CHARLES are $20, available at the York and Lake Theatre box offices.

"We are pleased to offer the best seats in the house to this world-class, truly memorable concert performance at a very affordable price," said Chris Johnson, vice-president of Classic Cinemas.

• Location: Lake Theatre (Oak Park), York Theatre
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