Ryan Shaw: Masters of R&B
The BPO, under the direction of Ron Spigelman, presents an electrifying evening with R&B sensation Ryan Shaw. Masters of R&B showcases Shaw’s powerful vocals and deep connection to the soulful roots of rhythm and blues. As a three-time GRAMMY nominee, Shaw has earned acclaim for his dynamic range and emotive delivery, qualities that promise to elevate the evening’s selection of R&B classics. From the smooth tunes of Sam Cooke to the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, Shaw’s performance is a heartfelt homage to the legends of R&B, brought to life with the full sonic backing of the BPO. This concert is a must-see for music lovers, offering a passionate exploration of rhythm, blues, and the power of a great song.
Program
Ron Spigelman, conductor
Ryan Shaw, vocals
| WHITFIELD/STRONG/WITHERS | Papa was a Rolling Stone/Ain’t No Sunshine/I Can’t Get Next To You Medley |
| STEVIE WONDER | Higher Ground |
| MARVIN GAYE | Save the Children/Mercy Mercy Me/Sexual Healing/I Heard It Through the Grapevine Medley |
| DONNY HATHAWAY/E. HOWARD | Someday We’ll All Be Free |
| ISAAC HAYES | Theme from Shaft |
| B. HOLLOWAY/J. WILSON/B. GORDY | You’ve Made Me So Very Happy |
| MICHAEL JACKSON/T. RILEY/B. BELLE | Remember The Time |
| RYAN SHAW/J. BRALOWER/J. GALE | Nobody |
INTERMISSION
| J. WILSON/O. REDDING | I’ll Be Satisfied/Dock of the Bay/Higher & Higher Medley |
| PRINCE | Kiss |
| R. SHAW/V. SIMPSON | Strong Men Can |
| VARIOUS | Soul Medley: Reach Out I’ll Be There, My Girl, Love Machine |
| L. HAYS/P. SEEGER | If I Had a Hammer |
| AL KOOPER | I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know |
| STEVIE WONDER | Superstition |
About Ryan Shaw
Ryan Shaw is a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist for his solo projects, Columbia Records’ This is Ryan Shaw, his In Between, and Dynotone’s Real Love. He has shared the world stage with such artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, B.B. King, and Jill Scott. His music has been featured on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, and Lincoln Heights, the films My Blueberry Nights, Bride Wars, and Sex and the City. He has also been a featured guest on national TV talk shows.
Ryan starred as Judas in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Olivier Award-winning London production of Jesus Christ Superstar, as the original Stevie Wonder in Motown: The Musical on Broadway, and on London’s West End as the Soul of Michael Jackson in Thriller Live. Ryan debuted at Radio City Music Hall in the Dream Concert benefit for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. His Carnegie Hall appearances include a tribute to Elton John and Bernie Taupin, A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy, and a Nat King Cole 100th concert with the NY Pops. His concert schedule has included Nat King Cole at 100 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center as well as the Nashville Symphony, and A Tribute to the Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin with numerous orchestras throughout North America.
Ryan premiered his solo orchestral show, Ryan Shaw: Masters of R&B at the Ferguson Center for the Arts with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in 2023. He was a featured guest in 92nd Street Y’s recent presentation of Lyrics & Lyricists’ “What’s Going On?: Songs of Change.” Ryan’s album, Imagining Marvin, showcases Marvin Gaye hits alongside Ryan’s original songs, featuring GRAMMY Award-winning co-writers Valerie Simpson and Rob Thomas, with special guests Derek Trucks, Rob Thomas, Robert Randolph, and Shoshana Bean.
Join us after the concert for our next Musician’s Nightcap as BPO double bassist Jonathan Borden hosts informal discussions with fellow orchestra musicians and patrons. This special event on the lower level of Kleinhans is free and open to all ticketholders on Saturday evening. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
This concert is sponsored by
Add to Calendar
Other Upcoming Events
