WHAT:            On Wednesday, June 10th, 2015 The Beehive, located in Boston’s South End, presents a celebration of the music of Ray Charles featuring a group of modern musicians whose work is inspired by the unmistakable feeling and soul of the legendary performer. Arranged by Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark and sponsored by Bols Genever Amsterdam, the evening will commemorate the 11th anniversary since Charles played his final note.

Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, musician and composer who pioneered the genre of soul music during the 1950’s by combining rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues styles of music. Charles was blind since the age of seven and Frank Sinatra said the artist was “the only true genius in show business.” In 2004 Rolling Stone ranked Charles at number ten on their list of “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” and number two on their November 2008 list of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”  To honor the iconic musician, Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark are arranging a band of modern musicians to perform the music of Ray Charles from 8:00PM-12:00AM. The Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark Big Band have gained a reputation of featuring some of the best musicians in Boston since their start in 2011. The band takes the traditions of the big bands of Duke Ellington and Thad Jones and infuses this sound with funk music of their idols such as James Brown and The Crusaders. Thomas and Lee-Clark have created a musical sound that pushes the art of big band forward while still being pure entertainment for the players and audience alike.

While enjoying the performance, guests are welcome to a full dinner with selections from Executive Chef Ignacio Lopez such as the Short Rib, Farmhouse Cheddar and Fontina Grilled Cheese ($18), Uni Crusted Sole, with peas, fava beans, cherry tomatoes and green Tabasco ($25), and Chicken Milanese, with hothouse tomatoes, arugula, parmesan, and lemon caper sauce ($24). 

The expert bar staff at The Beehive will also be serving creative takes on the artist’s drink of choice, genever. It is said that Char