On Sale Now: Ayo and Rochelle Rice Starring in ‘First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald’ at Signature Theatre Jan 31 – Feb 5
Swinging Cabaret Show Will Celebrate Ella's Phenomenal Range and Style
Arlington, VA – Signature Theatre announced today that musicians Ayo (HBO’s The Apollo) and Rochelle Rice (Sweet Honey In The Rock®) will perform in First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald, a cabaret dedicated to the music of acclaimed jazz artist Ella Fitzgerald. First Lady of Song runs January 31 – February 5 in Signature’s ARK Theatre.
Signature’s Director of Cabarets, Mark G. Meadows said, “When considering who could tackle the vocal prowess, beauty, and complexity of Ella Fitzgerald, two vocalists immediately came to mind: Ayo and Rochelle. However, I couldn’t decide between the two of them. They’re both just so versatile, so enchanting, so good! So, the best solution is to have them share the stage, feeding off each’s love for Ella, and love for each other.”
The definition of an icon, Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for over 50 years. Celebrate her phenomenal range, syncopated style, and heart of gold with a swinging cabaret bursting with her incredible songbook including “A-Tisket, A-Tasket,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “Mack the Knife,” “Blue Skies” and many more.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE STARS OF THE SHOW
AYO: Ayo is a gifted vocalist who studied Jazz Voice at Howard University. During her time there she was a featured soloist in Howard University’s Jazz Ensemble Afro Blue, a featured composer for the Kennedy Center’s Residency, Betty Carter Jazz Ahead where she studied under Jason Moran and Carmen Lundy. She was also most recently Young Ella Fitzgerald on the HBO Documentary “The Apollo” and its subsequent album Ella’s 100th Live at the Apollo featuring: Liz Wright, Patti Austin and Ledisi. For more information, visit: www.ayoofficial.com
ROCHELLE RICE: Walking a fine line between jazz and folk, award-winning singer-songwriter, Rochelle Rice, lives in between the cracks of hard and fast genre rules. As a singer steeped in the music of artists like Lizz Wright, Joni Mitchell, and Carmen McRae, Rice’s sound leans heavily on solid lyrics, jazz-influenced harmony, and soaring vocals. Her debut project, Wonder, established her as a singer’s singer with beautiful original songs, a sizzling quartet, and lush strings. Rice’s versatility and unique skills as a singer, composer, and clinician have allowed her the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s most acclaimed musicians, including touring with the world-renowned women’s group, Sweet Honey In The Rock® and featuring in Signature Theatre’s Hotter Than July: Stevie Wonder cabaret.
Tickets are $38 and can be purchased online at SigTheatre.org or by calling 703 820 9771.
For more information, contact:
Signature Theatre • 4200 Campbell Avenue • Arlington, VA 22206Box Office 703 820 9771 or [email protected]Groups of 10 or more: 571 527 1843 or [email protected]Signature Administration 571 527 1860 or [email protected]
