The collaboration of exceptional music and stunning art in continues at the historic Rio Carrabelle with the return of the music series on Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 pm. Rio Carrabelle will be delighted to feature composer, pianist and vocalist, Darryl Tookes.

Darryl Tookes is a singer, composer, pianist, poet, arranger, and FAMU Music Industry Studies Director, who brings over two decades of experience to the stage. He has worked with many legendary music figures including Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, George Benson, Elton John, Burt Bacharach, Barry Manilow, Carly Simon, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Peter, Paul & Mary, Natalie Cole, Ray Charles, Lionel Richie, Faith Hill, Vanessa Williams, Blondie, Korn, Paul Simon, Bobby McFerrin, Rod Stewart, Teddy Pendergrass, Deniece Williams, David Foster, and Dionne Warwick.

Darryl Tookes has sung on two Grammy Award winning West Side Story albums, has worked on Sting’s multiple Grammy award winning release Brand New Day and toured as part of the 2000 Europe tour, has performed at the White House, and was the pianist and musical director for a PBS Special entitled “In Performance at the White House: The Singer and the Song”.  Mr. Tookes taught Voice at New York University and is currently the Director of the Institute of Music Research and Music Industries Studies at FAMU.

It is only fitting in this place, Rio Carrabelle, where music and art combine so beautifully that Darryl Tookes brings his stellar talents to the mix. He describes his song “New England Morning” by saying, “It is a painting in which one sees through metaphor one’s deepest passions, one’s real self, one’s distant dream. It’s the acceptance that life is what you make it, that life can be beautiful, if only we are willing to see it that way.”

Rio Carrabelle is a unique non-profit art and music destination located in the heart of Carrabelle. Guests will enjoy talented musical artists while being surrounded by the works of some gifted visual artists. Paintings by Roger Leonard are featured along with works by the talented Bill Owen, Joe Kotzman, Pat Moore, and Bo May. Roger Leonard’s art work is on display through the end of February. On Saturday, February 25, there will be another musical performance, this one from Hot Mess performing some cool Blues & Zydeco.

All musical performances will be enjoyed in an intimate listening room. Performances will be held at 7:30 pm.  Seating is limited. Tickets will be on sale at www.RioCarrabelle.com. The historic Rio Carrabelle is located at 102 St James Ave (Hwy 98) in Carrabelle, FL.  This concert series is sponsored in part by INConcert, the Ilse Newell Fund for the Performing Arts. Visit www.riocarrabelle.com for more information.