The American Flavored Piano
Get ready for a musical feast celebrating the many sounds, styles, and traditions that have given American music its unmistakable flavor!
The American Flavored Piano brings together three outstanding pianist-vocalists—Alvin Shelby, Ora Reed, and Mayor Dan Gibson—for an entertaining evening filled with great music, great stories, and plenty of personality. With three distinctive artists at the keyboards, the concert explores the rich musical traditions that have become part of the American soundtrack.
From the timeless melodies of the Great American Songbook and sophisticated Broadway favorites to the irresistible rhythms of jazz standards and the uplifting spirit and soul of gospel music, the evening serves up something for every musical taste.
Along the way, expect familiar favorites made famous by legendary American entertainers, jazz classics that swing, gospel selections that stir the soul, and a few musical surprises. Each pianist brings their own unique style and personality to the stage, with special moments when all three join forces for a spirited musical conversation.
Whether you love Broadway, the great standards, jazz, gospel—or simply a great song beautifully performed—The American Flavored Piano promises an evening filled with extraordinary musicianship, laughter, soul, and the wonderfully diverse sounds that make American music uniquely our own.
Come hungry for great music—we’ll provide the flavor!
Saturday, March 13, 2027 at 7 pm
O’Connor Family Life Center
613 Main St., Natchez, MS
Tickets Available Soon
Alvin Shelby
Alvin Shelby has been involved in music performance and music education for over 25 years. He has performed in Italy, Canada, Africa, London, Paris, and in many cities in the US. He specializes in traditional inspirational music, but also enjoys writing and performing music for children, film, and jazz. He has worked with many great talents such as Lemmie Battles from the Chicago Mass Choir, Dr.Margaret Douroux from Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Princella Lee from Chicago, Elton John, Benjamin Cone, David Curry (MS. Mass Choir), and many others.
His choirs have performed around the country, including the J.P. Getty Museum in Los Angeles, CA; the Museum of African American History in Los Angeles, CA; the Jewish University in Los Angeles, CA; the John C. Handy Festival in Alabama; the Natchez Blues Festival in Natchez, MS; Robert Redford's Zooms Restaurant in Park City, Utah; the Sundance Film Festival in Utah; Utah University in Provo, Utah.
He has also made television appearances on At Ma Odom Show Channel 5 Alexandria, LA, Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt, and the TV series Promised Land. He has also produced many recording projects for many artists, including Dr. Princella Lee from Chicago, Holy Family Gospel Choir, Natchez, MS, and Mr. Jerome Myles, Natchez, MS. He has also been band leader and musical director for many recording sessions, including Tricia Walker, Dr. Princella Lee, Chicago, Holy Family Gospel Choir in Natchez, MS, Award-Winning Program Southern Road To Freedom, and many others.
Ora Reed
Ora Reed is an accomplished Vocalist/Pianist and a native Mississippian. A graduate of Jackson State University, she has shared her talent in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout the US. Jazz is her forte, but gospel and spirituals tell her story. An inductee into the Mississippi Musicians' Hall of Fame, a four-time cancer survivor, and a member of First Baptist Church Jackson, Reed was appointed Cultural Ambassador by Governor Haley Barbour, which allows her to share the diversity of Southern culture wherever she travels. She is an avid sports fan, enjoys reading, foreign travel, gourmet dining, vintage fashion, and classic film noir. Ora is happily embracing her destiny with music!
Mayor Dan Gibson