Blues artist Ruby Wilson to headline MSU Lyceum event

Contact: Maridith Geuder

STARKVILLE, Miss.--The "Queen of Beale Street" will perform Nov. 15 as part of Mississippi State University's 2005-06 Lyceum Series.

Mid-South blues vocalist Ruby Wilson and her Beale Street Big Band will appear at

7:30 p.m. in Colvard Union ballroom. Her sobriquet is due, in part, to her continuing--and extremely popular--appearances at B.B. King's Blues Club in Memphis, Tenn.

Tickets--available at the door--are $12 for adults, $8 for senior citizens (65 and over by request), $6 for children 3-12, and free to MSU students with current identification.

While all seating is general admission, priority may be given to season-ticket holders.

Wilson's visit also is sponsored by the University Honors Program and Richard Holmes Cultural Diversity Center.

The veteran singer, who has recorded more than 10 albums, has performed with King, as well as Ray Charles, Robert Goulet, the Four Tops, and Isaac Hayes. Though known primarily in the region, she also has been featured at the White House, Swiss jazz clubs and venues throughout Asia.

Wilson's versatility is recognized in her range of vocals, from the 60s rock classic, "Mustang Sally" to the tender ballad "At Last." She is described by the Memphis Commercial Appeal as "a down-home diva (with) a sultry, uptown torch singer hiding inside."

Season tickets for the 2005-06 Lyceum Series are $50 for the general public and $40 for MSU faculty and staff and senior citizens. Purchases also include the MSU Lyceum Faculty Chamber Series.

Tickets may be purchased in advance sending a check and stamped, self-addressed envelope to Lyceum Series Season Tickets, P.O. Box HY, Mississippi State, MS 39762.

For more information, telephone (662) 325-4201 or visit msstate.edu/dept/lyceum.