Caldwell Fine Arts 2003-2004 Season

February 29
Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

$16-22 adult; $12-18 student
$22 lower level, $16 upper level

On Sunday, February 29, Caldwell Fine Arts takes a bold leap with The Blind Boys of Alabama; however, there is some precedence with the success of the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers about 10 years ago. The Blind Boys are a respected group for over 60 years and include founding members Clarence Fountain, Jimmy Carter and George Scott. At ages when most men have retired from the spotlight, they continue to present gospel’s vigor as meditation erupts into foot-stomping, rollicking celebration. This year the group received a 2nd Grammy for “Higher Ground.” It features a variety of styles. One of the successes of the Blind Boys is their willingness to tackle material they weren’t necessarily familiar with. The producer of the CD, John Chelew said, “They’re so youthful. And they show us a version of Christianity that’s so comforting and inclusive, that it’s hard to say where the art ends and the spirituality begins. . . Preconceived labels and genres just go away.” Their success has reaffirmed something essential to 24-year-old steel guitar player Robert Randolph. “Great music can still be made today. It can be made with live bands, and real instruments, and positive songs, and still have a wide appeal.”

NEWS FLASH:The group received their third Grammy for "Go Tell it on the Mountain," a Christmas album, on Feb. 8, 2004.

The Blind Boys of Alabama Website
Management: www.rosebudus.com