The mellow tones of Columbus jazz vocalist Dwight Lenox and his trio will return to the Southern Ohio Museum April 24 for a rich musical performance staged against the backdrop of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s vibrant mixed-media “rag paintings.”

Audience members may enjoy hors d’oeuvres and opening entertainment by members of the Cirque d’Art Theatre’s performing arts troupe at 6:30 p.m. before the jazz trio’s concert at 7:30 p.m. A cash bar and desserts will also be available during the evening. Admission to the program, presented with support from the Scioto Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, is $15 per person. Advance reservations are requested and may be made by calling the museum at (740) 354-2956.

In the opening act, a Cirque d’Art troupe of three couples will perform an interpretive jazz routine entitled “Three Goodbyes” to the music of Joshua Radin’s song “What If You.” Dancers featured in the colorful and expressive number include Christin White, Jon Chandler, Matt Runyon, Misty Jones, Heather White and Jason James.

For more than 20 years, Lenox’s rich tenor voice and dynamic presence have captivated audiences around the country. From blues to ballads and jazz to swing, he shines. His impeccable instinct and smooth sound have garnered the attention of some of the finest musicians in the industry.

Growing up in New York City, Lenox honed his talent in the church choir. He went on to study and perform musical styles as diverse as country and rock n’ roll. However, his gospel roots, combined with childhood influences such as Nancy Wilson, Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan, made jazz a natural showcase for his talent.

Lenox has performed with Sammy Tucker and renowned organist Hank Marr. He has been highlighted alongside the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Bobbie Humphrys, Ramsey Lewis and Herbie Mann. As a featured vocalist with the 17-piece Columbus Jazz Orchestra, he has shared the stage with Harold Jones and Carmen Bradford.

Lenox’s fluid style lends itself to a vast repertoire from Nat Cole, Frank Sinatra and James Ingram to Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls and many others, but his raw abilities are uniquely evidenced in his performance of original music. A talented songwriter, he has sung on numerous recordings, including his own albums and works for commercial and corporate use. He is also an accomplished studio session singer.

Performing at galas, fundraisers, private parties in Columbus, Worthington, Indiana, Colorado and with his own trio and his flagship band, The Lenox Avenue Express, Lenox’s career has taken him from New York to Los Angeles to the heart of the Midwest.

—Southern Ohio Museum