The Columbus Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Byron Stripling, will revisit the music that won them rave reviews and record-breaking audiences as legendary vocalist Mavis Staples joins the CJO for The Gospel Truth: from Spirituals to Swing, this season’s second offering in "The Great American Songbook Series."

From her early days with her groundbreaking family group, The Staple Singers, to her powerful solo recordings, Mavis Staples is an inspirational force in modern music. An inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and one of VH1’s ‘"100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll," Staples will perform music from her latest CD, We’ll Never Turn Back, and will close the concert with her famous hit I’ll Take You There.

“Gospel, jazz & blues are all very similar in that they all rely on improvisation as a major component of their music,” says Artistic Director Byron Stripling. “The earthy, soulful, sprit filled quality of Mavis’ music combined with the shout of the CJO will lift everyone’s spirits.”

Also joining the CJO will be the Milt Ruffin Chorale.

The concert will be held Friday, Jan.18th and Saturday, Jan. 19th at the Southern Theatre. Each performance will begin at 8 pm.

Single tickets ($35-48) are available for purchase online at www.jazzartsgroup.org or from the Jazz Arts Group ticket office, 614-294-5200, x 3.