The Vern Riffe Center for the Arts welcomes back the SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY JAZZ ORCHESTRA, with acclaimed blues sensation MARQUISE KNOX, for an electrifying evening celebrating the music of Ray Charles, one of the most influential and iconic figures in American music. With his gritty, soul-soaked voice and deep command of the blues tradition, Knox brings fresh fire and authenticity to Ray Charles classics that helped shape the sound of modern America. Audiences will hear unforgettable hits such as What’d I Say, Georgia on My Mind, Hit the Road Jack, and I Got a Woman—songs that blurred the lines between blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B, and forever changed popular music. Ray Charles was a trailblazer whose artistry broke barriers, challenged conventions, and gave voice to joy and heartbreak. Backed by the swinging power of the SSJO, this concert promises a high-energy, deeply soulful tribute to an American original, delivered by one of today’s most compelling blues artists. This will be an evening that celebrates legacy, groove, and the enduring power of the music that still moves us today.