Straighten Up And Fly Right, At The Iowa Great Lakes

If you love Nat King Cole, then you want to check out this show up in at the Iowa great lakes!!

To Broaden Horizons Through the Arts

PRESS RELEASE- For immediate release- pictures on request

What: Straighten Up and Fly Right: An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole

When: Friday, February 13, 2009 7:30PM

Where: Pearson Lakes Art Center Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre

Cost: Advance: $22.50, At the Door: $24.00

The Pearson Lakes Art Center and Bob Pontius are thrilled to bring to Okoboji an unforgettable tribute to Nat King Cole, “Straighten Up & Fly Right” featuring Minneapolis’ Maurice Jacox on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 7:30PM in the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre.

This one-of-a-kind production explores the genius of this unique entertainer and a hit-filled career spanning the decades from 1939 to 1962. This thoroughly researched production and its meticulous arrangements accurately convey the sound and stylings of Nat King Cole, his musicians, and his arrangers. But Straighten up and Fly Right looks at more than music. In song and narration, it captures a tumultuous and transformative period in America and the career of a creative and influential musician who helped shape, and was shaped by, the times.

The show stars award-winning vocalist Maurice Jacox, supported by 5 talented instrumentalists, and a vocal duo, who assist as narrators. The instrumental ensemble –guitar, bass guitar, drums, saxophone and piano/electronic keyboard – recreate the full spectrum of Cole’s group sound, from jazz trio to big band, treating the audience to 19 beloved hits, from Route 66 and Ramblin Rose to Mona Lisa, Unforgettable, and many more.

The production evokes that mood of the time with a vintage 1950's baby grand piano and furniture and costumes of the time, immersing the audience in the images of a distant-yet-warmly-remembered era. For a fast-moving 75 minutes, this lively show entertains, enlightens, and transports the audience to another time.

Maurice Jacox, lead vocal, is the winner of Minnesota Music Academy Jazz Award; Twin City Pages Best Male Vocalist; and the Blues Society Best Blues Artist. He is a former cast member of Dudley Riggs Brave New Workshop, and has acted in productions and played at the Guthrie, Southern and Children's theaters. Original member of Willie and the Bees, the Butane Soul Review and Soul Tight Committee. He has worked with Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John and the Funk Brothers to name just a few.

Don’t miss the remarkable performance of “Straighten Up & Fly Right” that you don’t have to drive hours to see…come to the Pearson Lakes Art Center right next door on Friday, February 13^th at 7:30PM. Go to www.lakesart.org or call 712/332-7029 for tickets.

For questions please call Andrea at 712-332-7013 x 107 or andrea@lakesart.org