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New York artist Darryl Tookes to perform at Liberty Theatre
FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- New York artist Darryl Tookes will bring his talents to a local stage for a show scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St.
Tookes, a singer, pianist, composer, arranger, poet, educator and humanitarian, has recorded and performed with such artists as George Benson, Diana Ross, Sting, Leonard Bernstein, Paul Simon, Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Carly Simon, Laurie Anderson, Dave Grusin, Gerry Mulligan, Patti Austin, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Steve Tyrell and many others.
According to a news release, in spite of these collaborations, Tookes' style is completely original. He has what has been described by Newsday as having an "angelic" voice, which along with his message of love, are at the core of who Tookes is as an artist.
Tookes received a full scholarship to study physics at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, graduating in three years magna cum laude. During that time he also matriculated at MIT in Cambridge, Mass., and was offered admission to medical school. While still a college student, Tookes met and befriended several members of the group Earth, Wind and Fire, who took him under their wing, his biography on his Web site says.
Studying physics in college gave him a perspective on harmony that informs his music in surprising ways. From his first hit single, "Lifeguard," Tookes has been seen and heard as a prophetic messenger of love and spirituality, essential elements in all of his songs. He has never wavered from this path, according to the release.
Tookes' voice has been featured on several television commercials and shows. He has made appearances on several TV programs, performed at the White House and received a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall for his duet with Roberta Flack.
He is also an educator, serving as an adjunct professor at the Tisch School of the Performing Arts at New York University, and clinician, having taught master classes at several universities and secondary schools.
Tookes has been awarded numerous commissions for composing and arranging choral works. He also performs frequently at interdenominational services and has participated in many concerts and recordings for charity. He serves as a goodwill ambassador for AmeriCares, a global humanitarian organization, and travels the world to provide aid and crisis relief to victims of natural and manmade disasters.
For his concert at the Liberty Theatre, Tookes is scheduled to perform songs by some of his favorite artists, including Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer, and also a tribute to the music of the Carpenters. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m. Reserved seating is available for $40 per person. Call the theater at (620) 223-4060 for more information.
More information on Tookes can be found on his Web site, www.darryltookes.com.