Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist, recognized as one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history. Known as "The Genius," he preferred being called "Brother Ray." Ray Charles pioneered soul music in the 1950s by blending blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel. In the 1960s, he helped integrate country, R&B, and pop, achieving great success with his Modern Sounds albums. Despite losing his sight as a child, he became one of the first Black musicians to gain artistic control at ABC, one of the major record labels.

Michael Stephenson is a rising star — a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader from Philadelphia, now based in New York. He started playing saxophone at the age of 10 and joined the historic Clef Club of Philadelphia at 15. Through the Clef Club, he performed with some of Philadelphia's finest musicians and developed his unique jazz vocal style. Michael has performed on stages across the United States and internationally, winning first place at the prestigious Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival.

To inaugurate the Winter Season Premiere, we invite you to an unforgettable evening at Club Gustav with Felix Peikli & Friends and Michael Stephenson in a tribute to the undying music of Ray Charles. Welcome to “Remembering Ray Charles”!