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Music by the Lake to Host James Taylor Tribute on Aug. 15
7/22/2009
AURORA, Ill. — "Sweet Baby James," a James Taylor tribute, will be performed by Tony-nominated actor, composer, pianist and singer Bob Stillman and his guest, Connie James, at George Williams College of Aurora University's ninth annual Music by the Lake series on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Performances are held in The Ferro Pavilion at George Williams College of Aurora University, on the shores of Geneva Lake in Williams Bay, Wis.
"Sweet Baby James" celebrates the life and artistic output of America's favorite folk singer, James Taylor. His unique skills were derived directly from life, as he wove bittersweet country rock songs around love, friendship, loss and life. "Fire And Rain" was written after the suicide of a fellow patient during Taylor's time in a hospital for the mentally ill.
No stranger to hardship, Taylor became a prominent voice of "everyman" during the turbulent '60s and throughout the Vietnam War, where his first and second albums tapped into the post-hippy attitudes that prevailed at the time.
"Sweet Baby James" takes listeners back to the days when "Carolina On My Mind" topped the charts and gave hope for a better tomorrow. His "easy-on-the-ears" vocals and "country boy" sensibilities have stood the test of time for more than four decades. Stillman and James bring the best of this popular artist's most well-known and universally loved hits.
The "Sweet Baby James" tribute concert stars the multi-talented, multi-faceted Bob Stillman, who has lit up some of New York's best-known stages as writer, musician and actor. He has been nominated twice for Tony Awards — first as actor, composer and onstage pianist in "Dirty Blonde," and later as one of the songwriters for "Urban Cowboy."
Stillman has also brought his uniquely soulful original songs to such popular New York venues as Joe's Pub, The Cutting Room, Wilson's and Elaine's. His just-released debut CD, "Come Down Angel," co-produced with Tom Corwin, whose credits include work with Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Wonder, has been steadily attracting listeners.
"Angel" was selected as one of host Zoe Montana's "Essentials" on radio.com's Acoustic channel. Stillman's songs combine folk-rock, jazz, pop and classical influences to create a style that is deeply personal, intimate, sophisticated and emotionally rich, much like the great James Taylor himself.
Born in New York City, Stillman studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music beginning at age 9. He went on to graduate from Princeton with honors in music. His other New York credits include "Kiss of the Spider Woman" opposite Vanessa Williams and the dying singer/songwriter in the cult off-Broadway hit "The Last Session."
He's also been featured in new musical theatre pieces by Adam Guethel, "Saturn Returns" at the Public Theatre, and Michael John LaChiusa, "Hello Again," at Lincoln Center.
Also featured in the show is Connie James, who has spent the past 20 years in New York as a club and studio singer. She has been nominated for a Pixie Award for Best Song/Soundtrack in a motion picture for the song "Three Words," which she co-wrote with composer/pianist Onaje Allen Gumbs for the short subject film, "Whoa." The film received the Angel Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2003.
A classically trained singer with a degree in music from the University of South Carolina, James decided to add acting to her list of talents, landing roles on NBC's "Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit," and "Homicide: Life on the Street." Her voice can be heard as the announcer in commercials for Partnership for a Drug Free America and for Denny's "Skillets for Breakfast."
This performance was generously supported by The J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation.
Single ticket prices range from $12 to $55 for the "Sweet Baby James" performance.
Visit the Web site at www.musicbythelake.com, call 866-843-5200 toll-free or 262-245-8501, or e-mail mbtl@aurora.edu.com for ticket availability.
Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. Approximately 4,000 degree-seeking students are enrolled each year on the university’s Illinois and Wisconsin campuses, and the university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. The George Williams College campus offers 15 academic programs, unique conference facilities, and is home to Music by the Lake and other education and enrichment programs.
Note: Media may download print-quality photos by going to the Music by the Lake press room at www.musicbythelake.com/press.
