Grammy Award-winning singer Gregory Porter makes his Delmarva debut when he performs on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore next month.
The acclaimed baritone, who has been compared to the likes of legendary crooners Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder, takes the stage of the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Feb. 19.
Curtain time is 7 p.m.
Porter is a seven-time Grammy nominee in the pop, jazz, and R&B categories, scoring two “Best Jazz Vocal Album” honors in 2014 and 2017 for his releases “Liquid Spirit,” and “Take Me to the Alley,” respectively.
The California-born Porter has played with luminaries such as Hubert Laws and saxophonist, composer, and pianist Kamau Kenyatta, who became his mentor.
“It is fitting that UMES brings jazz back to campus with a performance from Gregory Porter — one of the most dynamic vocalists in the past decade,” President Heidi M. Anderson said. “He also happens to be one of my favorite performers.”
“Porter’s presence at UMES — at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center — will revive the melodies of the “First Lady of Song,” and bring jazz back to Princess Anne.”
Recordings by Porter include a 2017 tribute album to his muse Cole, that featured covers of the classics “Smile” and “Mona Lisa,” as well as a 2018 live concert album at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The concert is expected to inaugurate a new period for the Fitzgerald Center as a venue to host future concerts for the Eastern Shore community.
“WESM 91.3 FM, the UMES jazz station on campus, features the hottest performers on the jazz scene today,” David Balcom, Vice President for University Relations said. “Gregory Porter is among those who grace our local airwaves and we are delighted to have him at the Ella on February 19.”
Tickets start at $50 for general seating. There will be a limited number of tickets available for a champagne reception as well as a VIP reception with Porter.
To purchase tickets, go to umes.edu/events.
