Musical Guest: Evelyn Wright w/David Thomas

                 Evelyn Wright-vocals, David Thomas-keyboards

Vocalist Evelyn Wright has been a professional singer for more than three decades with experience in jazz, R&B and pop. A native of Cleveland and graduate of John F. Kennedy high school, she was voted Best Female Vocalist in 1985 in conjunction with WCPN. She won the 1993 award for Most Promising Female Artist and Favorite Female R&B singer from Midwest Urban Music. Wright is renowned for her expertise and warmth. Her recordings include a live performance with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at the Bop Stop. Wright has toured throughout the United States and Canada, performing in top hotels, nightclubs and concert halls. She also performed for First Lady Rosalyn Carter. Former Mayor Michael White officially recognized her for the entertainment she has given to the City of Cleveland. Evelyn is the recipient of the 2008 Cleveland Jazz Legends Award

Dave Thomas is a most talented piano and organ player. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Thomas was an original member of the R&B group, "Sweet Thunder". He has also performed with numerous artists including the late James Cleveland, Dizzy Gillespie, Albert Ayler, Jean Carn, David Ruffin, and Grover Washington. His musical involvement also includes musical theater as a writer, performer, and musical director in performances such as "The Living Cross," "The Audition," and "Black Nativity," which have played throughout the United States and Canada. He is also a gifted educator, having worked at The Cleveland School of the Arts, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland State University, and Case Western Reserve University. He is the co-author of a book entitled, "A Child's First Book of Spirituals," which is the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award.

Presently, Dave is a music teacher with the Cleveland Board of Education School District, Musical Staff member of The Southeast Seventh Day Adventist, Faculty member of The Cleveland State University, and Minister of Music at St. Timothy Baptist Church. He earned his undergraduate and graduate Music degrees from Cleveland State, Cleveland Institute of Music, Case Western Reserve University, and postgraduate work at the Royal Holloway College in London, England.

Tickets

General Admission: $25

WRHS Member Admission: $18

Tickets include admission to the exhibit opening plus two drink tickets. Additional beverages (beer and wine), as well as light snacks, will be available for purchase.

*As a thank you to members, purchasing tickets through www.cletix.com, tickets are priced at $18 so we can cover the service fee.