Blind Boys of Alabama Celebrate “Songs in the Key of Life” at the Midwest Trust Center

The 6x GRAMMY winning ensemble, Blind Boys of Alabama, brings Songs in the Key of Life to Yardley Hall at the Midwest Trust Center on Saturday, November 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The legendary Blind Boys of Alabama bring their transcendent harmonies and spiritual power to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stevie Wonder’s iconic album Songs in the Key of Life. This special presentation pairs many of Stevie Wonder’s classic songs with beloved selections from the Blind Boys’ own celebrated repertoire, blending gospel, soul, and Americana in a joyful performance that honors both musical legacies. Song selections will include “Sir Duke,” “I Wish,” “As,” and many more.

With over 75 years of lifting spirits and moving souls, the Blind Boys continue their mission of spreading light and love through the universal language of music. In 2003, the Blind Boys earned a Grammy Award for an album that included their acclaimed cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground,” a version later featured in film and television, including FX’s Fargo. In 2007, Stevie Wonder presented Blind Boys singer Jimmy Carter with a Vision Award for Lifetime Achievement, underscoring their enduring impact on music and culture.

TIME magazine raved that they are “always hunting for – and finding – the perfect note or harmony that lifts an old tune into the sublime.”

Additional performances coming up at MTC include:

Friday, Oct. 23, Outlander in Concert brings eight seasons of love, legacy, and destiny to life as a live orchestra performs Bear McCreary’s score, curated by Matthew B. Roberts, against breathtaking scenes from the series. The officially licensed live concert experience was created in collaboration with its showrunner Matthew B. Roberts and original Emmy Award-winning composer Bear McCreary.

Sunday, Oct. 25, Enjoy some of the world’s best piano music in Ryan & Ryan’s Kickin’ the Clouds Away program. Featuring jazz, ragtime, classical, and even gospel song arrangements by the dynamic father-son duo, sure to strike a chord with any audience. From Rachmaninoff to Gershwin to Billy Joel, Donald and Barron Ryan combine their talents to create a dazzling blend of old and new schools.

Saturday, Nov. 14, Take3: Where Rock Meets Bach – Seamlessly merging hits from rock and oldies to Americana, pop, and country, the genre-smashing, vocal/instrumental trio with backup band, TAKE3, lives at the intersection where art and pop culture collide. Described by audience goers as a mini–Trans Siberian Orchestra experience, TAKE3 is nothing short of exhilarating. They have electrified audiences at over 600 venues across the U.S. and abroad, including performing arts centers, festivals, and symphony halls. For this performance, the trio will be joined by guest musicians on guitar and drums.

Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13, Owen/Cox Dance Group’s raucous holiday classic, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, returns with The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, plus a few new surprises! Owen/Cox Dance Group brings their highly unique, contemporary jazz adaptation to Yardley Hall this holiday season!

Saturday, Jan. 30, Gravity brings together three of the West End’s most glamorous and celebrated leading ladies for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. This gravity-defying show combines powerhouse vocals, wicked harmonies, and a sparkle of stardom to celebrate the greatest music and divas of all time.

March 6-7, the Winterlude Jazz Festival returns with a weekend of performances from favorite Kansas City artists. The festival will culminate on Sunday evening with a performance of Mardi Gras Mambo – The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas. The two groups have reunited to deliver a nonstop Mardi Gras celebration that will have everyone on their feet. Blues, Cajun, New Orleans soul, zydeco, and R&B from two Louisiana legends!

Saturday, Apr. 17, famed trumpeter, Rodney Marsalis, and the critically acclaimed Bach Aria Soloists collaborate in From Bach to Bernstein, bringing audiences an intriguingly beautiful, memorable concert for all music lovers, effortlessly mixing the classics with the contemporary.