Don’t Worry, Be Happy – A Cappella Vocal Superstar Bobby McFerrin Returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse on September 20

Ten-time Grammy Award winner, Bobby McFerrin is best known for his a cappella hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea and the Vienna Philharmonic, his improvising choir Voicestra, and his legendary solo vocal performances.  Bobby’s exhilarating vocal vocabulary — call and response, global rhythms, soaring melodies, lush harmonies, funny noises, invented language, silence, prayers, and laughter – reminds us all of how much fun it is to be alive, to lift our voices and communicate with one another, to make a joyful noise. Bobby will take the stage at The Ridgefield Playhouse Thursday, September 20th at 8pm with trusted members of his groundbreaking a cappella group Voicestra. They are all masters of the art of play, and together they will lead Circlesongs, choral pieces based on irresistible grooves, spontaneously composed each night and sung by a 12-voice ensemble of local singers — and sometimes by the whole crowd. “I want to bring audiences into the incredible feeling of freedom that I get when I sing,” says Bobby. “I want everyone to leave the theatre and sing in their own kitchens the next morning.” This show is part of the Moffly Media Evening of Art, Wine & Jazz and Pepsi Rock Series powered by Xfinity. Join us in the lobby at 7:15pm for an Italian wine tasting by Pera Wines and an art exhibit!

Listening to Bobby McFerrin sing may be hazardous to your preconceptions. Side effects may include unparalleled joy, a new perspective on creativity, rejection of the predictable, and a sudden, irreversible urge to lead a more spontaneous existence. McFerrin’s vocal technique switches between modal and falsetto registers to create polyphonic effects, performing both the main melody and accompaniment parts of the songs. His 1984 album The Voice is the first solo jazz album ever recorded with no accompaniment or overdubbing. In addition to his vocal performing career, in 1994, McFerrin was appointed as creative chair of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and in 2003 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate from The Berklee College of Music. He makes regular tours as a guest conductor for symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009, he co-hosted the award-winning PBS documentary The Music Instinct with psychologist Daniel Levitin based on Levitin’s best-selling book, This is Your Brain On Music.

A cappella singers, beatboxers, and vocalists of all genres claim Bobby McFerrin as an inspiration. The jazz and classical worlds celebrate his innovative technique and spirit. His solo performances and collaborations are legendary, but "Bobby McFerrin's greatest gift to his audience may be changing them from spectators into celebrants," says the Los Angeles Times, "transforming a concert hall into a playground, a village center, a joyous space." Join the circle and sing along.

For tickets ($95), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.  The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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