Soul, rhythm and blues and gospel vocalist Al Green will replace Aretha Franklin as the headliner of Carolina Performing Arts’ 2007-2008 season-opening concert on Sept. 13.
Green, known for classics including “Let’s Stay Together,†“Tired of Being Alone†and “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),†will perform at 8 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
Franklin, announced last spring for the concert, recently cancelled her appearance.
Instead, audiences will see a star from the same era and style in Green, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and winner of nine Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Jazz vocalist Lizz Wright will open.
Concert ticket holders interested in exchanges or refunds may contact the Memorial Hall Box Office at (919) 843-3333. Because of the change, Carolina Performing Arts has cancelled its season-opening party, originally scheduled at the Carolina Inn.
Refunds will be issued to those who purchased party packages.
Green, whose music career spans more than 40 years, has recorded 34 albums, seven of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. They include his gospel recordings from the ’80s, which helped prompt Green’s induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004. An ordained minister, Green continues to preach at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis, Tenn.
Wright’s vocal stylings include traditional adult contemporary music along with blues and jazz. She followed her debut album of 2003, “Salt,†with “Dreaming Wide Awake†(2005), which earned her comparisons to Diana Krall and Norah Jones.
Tickets for the concert, $34-$75, are available this week to current subscribers and anyone who purchases a series subscription for the 2007-2008 season.
Next Monday (July 23), single-event tickets will go on sale for all season performances, including the Sept. 13 season opener. For tickets or more information, click to www.carolinaperformingarts.org, call (919) 843-3333, or visit the Memorial Hall Box Office on Cameron Avenue, open from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays during the summer. Tickets are $10 for Carolina students.