The historic Capitol Theatre was packed to the rafters on Saturday night as the Otis Redding Foundation hosted its annual “O’Tis The Season” holiday benefit concert. Headlining the unforgettable night was five-time Grammy Award-winning artist CeeLo Green, who delivered a mesmerizing performance that left the audience in awe.
Justin Andrews, Director of Special Projects and Outreach at the Otis Redding Foundation, and Charles Davis, radio host from 100.9 The Creek FM, expertly co-hosted the event, which doubled as a heartwarming toy drive in partnership with River Edge Behavioral Health. Attendees generously donated new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5-18, bringing holiday cheer to countless families.
More than just a concert, “O’Tis The Season” played a crucial role in fundraising for the Otis Redding Foundation’s student programs and the construction of the new Otis Redding Center for the Arts. All ticket proceeds went directly to these worthy initiatives, ensuring the continued legacy of Otis Redding’s passion for music and education.
CeeLo’s electrifying set list spanned his illustrious career, featuring hits like “Bright Lights Bigger City,” the Grammy-winning “Crazy,” “Old Fashioned,” and “I’ll Be Around.” He paid homage to the legendary Otis Redding with a soulful rendition of “Merry Christmas Baby” and brought the house down with a powerful performance of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”
The night continued with captivating sets 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 talented audio-visual engineer.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more incredible way to kick off the holiday season,” said Karla Redding-Andrews, Vice President & Executive Director of the Otis Redding Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to CeeLo Green for his extraordinary performance and to everyone who attended the concert and participated in the Toy Drive. Your generosity will make a real difference in the lives of countless children and ensure the continued success of the Otis Redding Foundation.”
The event served as a poignant reminder of Otis Redding’s enduring legacy and his unwavering dedication to inspiring future generations. It was a night filled with music, joy, and the spirit of giving, reminding everyone of the powerful impact music can have on our lives.
