Jazz Legend Ramsey Lewis

Montgomery County Community College’s Lively Arts Series is proud to present “the great performer” himself, Ramsey Lewis, on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Science Center Theater, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Tickets cost for $28 general admission and $12 for children under age 12. For more information and tickets, visit www.mc3.edu/livelyarts or call 215-641-6518.

Composer, pianist and jazz legend, Lewis got his start with gospel music, his talent honed with classical training and flavored with his love of jazz and other musical styles.

The Chicago native captured his first audience in 1956 with his album “Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing.” He has since been the recipient of numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, seven gold records, the 2006 Stellar award for Best Gospel Instrumental Album “With One Voice,” and in January 2007 was a beneficiary of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award. 

With “Take Another Look,” the jazz legend’s 80th album, Lewis visits his 1974 hit “Sun Goddess” with an electric lens. The jazz is still present, but now with the capability of modern electric instruments adding a little more edge to his sound. 

Like his live performances, “Take Another Look” (released 2011) is still garnering terrific reviews.

To learn more about Ramsey Lewis, visit www.ramseylewis.com.