The Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall proudly presents one of the jazz vocal scene's brightest new stars Lizz Wright on Saturday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m. This is Lizz Wright's first area appearance.

Her concert at the Performing Arts Center is part of the 2003-2004 Great Performers Series, presented by M&T Bank. Ticket prices range from $25 - $15. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Rockwell Hall Box Office, 1300 Elmwood Ave. or by calling 716-878-3005. Box Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Twenty-three year old Atlanta vocalist and songwriter Lizz Wright, whose gospel-infused style evokes thoughts of such artists as Sarah Vaughan and Oleta Adams, is creating a buzz as a young artist to watch. Her first demo tape provoked a flurry of interest in the jazz world and, after a showcase performance in New York, her uncommon gifts prompted The Verve Music Group to sign her — welcoming her to the label of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Vaughan, Shirley Horn, Abbey Lincoln, and Diana Krall.

Her debut album, Salt, was released in May to great critical acclaim and debuted at Number 2 on the Contemporary Jazz Albums chart (second only to Norah Jones). The album has been a fixture in the Top 5 since its release. Salt was produced by Tommy LiPuma, Brian Blade, and Jon Cowherd. The backing musicians including Blade, Danilo Perez, and Chris Potter who are all Gen-X all-stars; the repertoire is an eclectic blend of jazz/pop standards, five Lizz Wright originals, one song written for her by Blade, and one Broadway show stopper. Salt reveals Ms. Wright to be uniquely blessed with a mellifluous, full-bodied contralto, emotionally-nuanced phrasing and an intuitive ability to swing.

This Georgia native has been singing since childhood. A minister's daughter, Ms. Wright naturally started out singing gospel in church. By the end of high school, she was heavily into '70s black pop and drum 'n bass. For the last three years, she has been polishing her star in Atlanta's vibrant neo-soul/jazz underground scene. Wright's most recent studies have found her at New York's New School with Dr. Richard Harper, and in Vancouver with vocalist Dee Daniels. She spent the summer of 2003 touring with Al Jarreau, Al Green and Ray Charles.

Wright's commanding range, technical assurance, and dark, opulent timbre are phenomenal in someone her age. Even rarer, she is also a songwriter of great promise, poeticism and soul; several of her songs have become standards for Atlanta fans and are fast becoming favorites at the Jazz Gallery in New York, where her performances are gathering a devoted following. In fact, famed movie director Spike Lee approached Lizz Wright's record label about directing her first video after seeing her perform live. The Spike Lee directed video is due for release in October.

Lizz Wright is a new talent of radiant authenticity and beauty. Her resonant alto and singular soulfulness offer great promise for the future of jazz and the art of the song.

The 2002-2003 Great Performers Series is sponsored by M&T Bank, The Buffalo News and WBFO.