For Immediate Release May 4, 2005
NOTE: Chester Gregory is available for interviews. Headshots of Gregory available electronically.
Chicago, IL - Chester Gregory, the up and coming young singer/songwriter/actor whom the New York Times called "dynamic" and WGN's Dean Richards called "a superstar in the making," will return to his alma mater to perform in full concert as part of the college's Manifest activities.
The Columbia musical theater graduate has always wanted to return to his school to perform in the college's Getz Theater. He makes his return on June 3 in an 8 p.m. concert. Tickets are $35 each for general admission and are available through TicketWeb, 866-468-3401 or www.ticketweb.com.
The concert will feature new music written by Gregory along with the industry's newest and hottest producers - tunes that display his five-octave vocal range. His lyrics have been described as "poetically poignant, provocatively thoughtful, and captivating." Critics have described Gregory as a cross between John Legend and Usher, with influences from Prince, Donny Hathaway and the great Jackie Wilson himself, and they note that Gregory gives you meaningful, heartfelt songs that have a message without being preachy, and a high, uncompromising performance level. He has captivated audiences around the country and is ready to come back "home."
A native of Gary, Indiana, Gregory graduated from the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts before coming to Chicago to pursue his degree at Columbia. He made his professional debut with the Chicago Theater Company, originating the role of Isaac in Train is Commin'. His Chicago career included a role in Drowning Crow for the Goodman Theatre and in Scapin at Court Theatre. He also became a regular with the Black Ensemble Theater, appearing in such productions as Doo Wop Shoo Bop, The Otis Redding Story, Chicago's Golden Soul and his award-winning performance in The Jackie Wilson Story.
After a three-year run in Chicago, The Jackie Wilson Story and Gregory toured nationally, a tour that culminated in a successful run at New York's Apollo Theater. Gregory moved to New York to build a successful concert career after he landed the role of Seaweed in Hairspray.
"I am thrilled to be returning to Columbia for the Manifest concert," says Gregory. "It'll be great to see everybody, and we're gonna have a lot of fun!"
For more information on Manifest, Columbia's Urban Arts Festival visit manifest.colum.edu.