Come enjoy a one-night only music experience with six-time Grammy winner and Natchez native Glen Ballard. “The Inspirations of Glen Ballard” will be Glen’s first professional performance in Mississippi and is his gift to the citizens of Natchez. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Natchez Performing Arts Center at Margaret Martin. This performance is a partnership of the Natchez Tricentennial and Natchez Festival of Music.

Glen is one of popular music’s most accomplished producers and songwriters. His career started here in Natchez in the mid-1960s with a band called The Rogues, and since, his records have sold more than 150 million copies with No. 1 hits across all genres of music. Ballard has worked with the biggest names in music from Stevie Nicks and Aerosmith to Dave Matthews, Barbara Streisand and Katy Perry. He has produced songs for Quincy Jones, Ringo Starr, Aretha Franklin, Idina Menzel, George Benson, George Strait, Van Halen, Chaka Kahn, No Doubt, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Andrea Bocelli, Shakira, Wilson Phillips and many others.

He produced and co-wrote Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill,” wrote and arranged “Man in the Mirror” for Michael Jackson and co-wrote and produced the Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated song “Believe” by Josh Groban for the feature film “The Polar Express.” He has also written for television, film and stage.

His work in film includes composing original songs for “Charlotte’s Web,” “Beowulf,” “A Christmas Carol,” “The Croods,” “The Mummy Returns” and “Valentine’s Day.” His production credits include producing and arranging records for Annie Lennox, No Doubt and POD, to name a few. Ballard also wrote the lyrics and music for “Ghost The Musical,” which is currently touring worldwide.

The Natchez Festival of Music is celebrating its 26th season with a lineup of musical entertainment that will encompass multiple styles and genres, Four Flags Over Natchez — A Tricentennial Season. During May, music festival events include The 300-Year Journey with Jonathan Levin on the May 12, Blues, Brews and Soul with Harper and Midwest Kind May 13, Classical Music of our Time May 19, The British Invasion of Natchez May 20, Show Boat May 21, A Tribute to Gone With the Wind May 26, Serenata: An Evening in Old Spanish Natchez May 27 and Carmen May 28.

Saturday evening’s performances will include music that inspired and influenced Glen’s music career and he will perform a few of his hit songs. And I am the lucky one to be the performance’s master of ceremonies. It will be cool!

VIP ticket holders will continue the evening at a private after-party attended by Glen with music by Tate Moore and Blue Kudzu featuring Cary Hudson, Ted Gainey and Dave Woolworth. The after-party is limited ticketing.

For more information and tickets, visit natchezfestivalofmusic.com. Tickets can also be purchased from Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at the Natchez Visitor center or online at shopnatchezpilgrimage.com. And for more information on Natchez’s Tricentennial celebrations visit natchezms300.com.

 

Rusty Jenkins is the master of ceremonies for “The Inspirations of Glen Ballard.”