Published on December 11th, 2023 | by Dr. Jerry Doby
CeeLo Green Lights Up the Otis Redding Foundation “O’Tis the Season” Benefit Concert
A Night of Musical Brilliance and Heartwarming Generosity
The historic Capitol Theatre in Macon, GA witnessed an enchanting spectacle as the Otis Redding Foundation‘s annual “O’Tis The Season” holiday benefit concert unfolded with a full house. The star-studded evening was graced by the unparalleled talent of five-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, CeeLo Green, who captivated the audience with his magnetic performance. The event was skillfully helmed by Justin Andrews, Director of Special Projects, and Outreach at the Otis Redding Foundation, alongside radio host Charles Davis from 100.9 The Creek FM in Macon.
A Heartfelt Toy Drive Partnership: Spreading Cheer and Hope
Teaming up with River Edge Behavioral Health, the Foundation orchestrated a heartwarming toy drive, inviting attendees to contribute new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5-18. The “O’Tis The Season” concert not only entertained but played a pivotal role in fundraising endeavors, channeling all ticket proceeds toward the Otis Redding Foundation’s student programs and the construction of the new Otis Redding Center For The Arts.
CeeLo’s Melodic Marvel and Special Performances
CeeLo Green’s dynamic setlist soared through hit after hit, including crowd favorites like “Bright Lights Bigger City,” the Grammy Award-winning sensation “Crazy,” and more, culminating in a soul-stirring rendition of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” The night further sparkled with extraordinary performances from the Otis Music Camp’s World-Famous Rap Room, Zach Wilson and the Otis Redding Foundation House Band, and Reese Soul, the Foundation’s chief audio-visual engineer.
CeeLo Green with Karla Redding-Andrews (R) and Dexter Redding (L) (Photo/Video credit: Horace Braswell, Codec)
Standing (L-R): Kimberly Kelsey Epps, Karla Redding-Andrews, Sydni Hill, Arah Adams, Justin Andrews, Reece Kitchens and Jarred Andrews Sitting (L-R): CeeLo Green and Zelma Redding (Photo/Video credit: Horace Braswell, Codec)
CeeLo Green (Photo/Video credit: Horace Braswell, Codec)
Gratitude and Impactful Contributions
Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice President and Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “We kicked off the holiday season with an amazing ‘O’Tis The Season’ concert and want to thank CeeLo Green for an incredible performance.” She further highlighted the significance of every ticket purchase and toy donation, emphasizing their vital role in constructing the new Center and spreading joy among children during the festive period.
Commemorating Otis Redding’s Legacy
The evening carried profound significance, occurring just before the 56th anniversary of Otis Redding’s untimely passing on December 10, 1967. It served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of his music and his unwavering commitment to nurturing the dreams of aspiring young talents.
As the melodies faded and the night drew to a close, the echoes of CeeLo Green’s extraordinary performance and the generosity of the attendees continued to resonate, shaping the future of budding artists and bringing warmth to the hearts of children during this festive season.
The Otis Redding Center for the Arts
The Otis Redding Center for the Arts is a multipurpose space open to students ages 5-18 who have a desire to explore their interest in all elements of music and the arts. Planning is well underway with a proposed opening in 2024. The Center will be staffed with Macon’s finest musicians offering private music lessons in areas such as piano, audio engineering, strings, and more. Lessons will be complemented by the curricula of various year-round programs dedicated to musical literacy, musical instrumentation, mathematical components of music, etc. Students are encouraged to go beyond and tap into their best effort. The Center believes in the vitality of music and the arts and continues to develop those avenues for youth.
Planning for the Otis Redding Center for the Arts has been made possible through the guidance and investments of organizations such as the Knight Foundation, Peyton Anderson Foundation, Community Foundation of Central Ga., Cox Communications, and others who support the music and arts initiatives. The Otis Redding Foundation also has several regional and national partners such as GA Council for the Arts, Gretsch, Concord Music Group, Warner Music Group, and South Arts. All of these partnerships align with the mission and goals of the Foundation.
About the Otis Redding Foundation
The Otis Redding Foundation’s mission is to empower, enrich, and motivate all young people through programs involving music, writing, and instrumentation. Each partnership and program sponsored since its inception in 2007 supports the philanthropic commitment of Otis Redding to empower and enlighten all young people to fulfill their dreams.
About River Edge Behavioral Health
The full continuum of River Edge Behavioral Health services provides state-of-the-art treatment and support for children, youth, families, and adults who experience mental illness, addiction, co-occurring disorders, or intellectual or developmental disabilities. A repetitive national award winner identified for its exemplary leadership by its international accrediting body, River Edge services extend throughout Georgia, including Baldwin, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Macon-Bibb, Monroe, Peach, Putnam, Twiggs, Wilkinson, and Fulton counties. Learn more at www.river-edge.org.
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Instagram: @otisreddingfoundation
Twitter: @Otisredding
Facebook: @Otisreddingfoundation
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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