Ray Charles has always been acknowledged as one of the greatest geniuses in all of American music, and boy am I definitely on board with that statement. His music is at the crossroads of gospel, soul, country, and jazz, which together define the heart of American music.

On Saturday, September 22, at 8:00 pm, Inspired by Ray: The Ray Charles Symposium, a symposium curated as a collaboration between the Berklee College of Music American Roots Music Program and the Ray Charles Foundation, will present InspiRAYtion: A Tribute to Ray Charles at the Berklee Performance Center. The tribute show will feature new and innovative treatments of Ray Charles classics as well as lesser-known gems from his catalog.

Performing in the tribute will be a number of Berklee faculty and students as well as guest artists including bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, jazz guitarist John Scofield; blindsinger-songwriter Raul Midón; Grammy-winning composer and Charles's former music director Victor Vanacore; guitarist/songwriter Doug Wamble; former Raeletts Tonette McKinney, Renee Georges, and Katrina Harper; Tracy Bonham and Margaret Glaspy with the Wayfaring Strangers; and Berklee faculty Donna McElroy.

This is going to be a spectacular show, honoring one of the most innovative and talented musicians and composers, and I know I plan on being there to witness what will be an inspiring night of performances – as should you.

The show is reserved seating and tickets are $15-$35, available here.