Community Performance Series to Present Double-Bill Concert on Sept. 26

Kellylee Evans and La Santa Cecilia Bring Soul, Jazz and Latin Rock to CPS Guest Artist Series Concert

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Kellylee Evans and La Santa Cecilia will each perform on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall to open the CPS 2015-16 season (La Santa Cecilia photo: Humberto Howard).

POTSDAM, NY (09/14/2015)(readMedia)-- Community Performance Series is pleased to bring two emerging artists to the North Country for a unique "double-bill" concert, just in time for SUNY Potsdam's Family Weekend.

The 2015-16 CPS Guest Artist Series will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. This single program will feature two emerging artists. The Juno Award-winning, jazz/soul/pop artist Kellylee Evans will take the stage first, followed by the Grammy Award-winning, Latin rock group, La Santa Cecilia.

The Canadian singer-songwriter Kellylee Evans is a chameleon-like performer, whose natural charm and improvisational jazz-style vocals have shone through on her adventurous journey through jazz, soul, pop and hip hop, over the past decade. During this period, she has released two indie solo albums of original songs, earned two Juno Award nominations (winning in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for "Nina," her impassioned tribute to Nina Simone), won the 2004 Thelonious Monk Competition, and captivated adoring fans internationally. On tour, she has opened for such stars as John Legend, Dianne Reeves, Derek Trucks, George Benson and Willie Nelson.

Most recently, Evans released her U.S. debut album, "I Remember When," on which she brilliantly refreshes and puts her stamp on songs by hip hop royalty, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West and other notables. She is currently working on a new modern soul album, titled "Come On," which will be released in 2016.

The Latin rock group, La Santa Cecilia, exemplifies a modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. The group draws inspiration from across the globe, utilizing Pan-American rhythms like cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock and klezmer music. Their unique sound and the experience of their colorful, passionate performance has left fans and new listeners mesmerized. Named after the patron saint of musicians, La Santa Cecilia consists of accordionist and requintero Jose "Pepe" Carlos; bassist Alex Bendana; percussionist Miguel Ramirez, and lead vocalist Marisol Hernandez.

When asked about their most recent release "Someday New," which features the Beatles cover "Strawberry Fields Forever," the group shared:

"This album represents our great love, appreciation and passion for culture and Pan-American music, mixed with our American influences. We are excited to share this album full of love with everyone!"

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased in person through the CPS Box Office, located in the lobby of SUNY Potsdam's new Performing Arts Center, by phone at (315) 267-2277, or by visiting www.cpspotsdam.org. Single tickets can also be purchased in person at Brick & Mortar Music in downtown Potsdam.

A 25 percent discount is available when purchasing tickets to three or more CPS Guest Artist Series events. This discount is not available online. Ticket prices differ depending on the event and location. Student tickets are as low as $15, and adult tickets range from $20 to $50. Discounts are also available for senior citizens and SUNY Potsdam faculty/staff.

For more information on the 2015-16 season and artists, visit www.cpspotsdam.org, or check out CPS's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cpspotsdam.

CPS is a college-community partnership presenting world-class performing artists and arts education opportunities in Northern New York. This rich mixture of programming links communities, classrooms and audiences of all ages and preserves access to the performing arts for future generations. For more information, visit www.cpspotsdam.org.

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of only three arts campuses in the entire SUNY system. SUNY Potsdam's arts curriculum offers the full palette: music, theatre, dance, fine arts and creative writing. No matter the discipline, people from all backgrounds can find their creative compass at Potsdam, with myriad arts immersion experiences available for both campus and community.

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