The Manhattan Transfer performs at the Phillips Center Jan. 19

January 11, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Celebrating their 40th anniversary, The Manhattan Transfer returns to the Phillips Center for Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 as part of UFPA’s 20th Anniversary Season.

The renowned jazz/pop vocal group made history in 1981, becoming the first group to win Grammys simultaneously in both jazz and pop categories. In 1985, their album “Vocalese” earned 12 Grammy nominations, making it the second-most honored album in pop history. To date, The Manhattan Transfer has won 10 Grammys and has been nominated for 17.

The quartet continues to make its mark on the music industry – their newest album, “The Chick Corea Songbook,” recently soared to No. 5 on the Billboard jazz chart.

The group remains a major staple within the jazz and mainstream music community, as they continue to enlighten listeners by bringing different genres of music to the forefront of jazz. Many of The Manhattan Transfer’s greatest hits – including Boy from “New York City,” “Route 66,” “Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone” and “Birdland” – continue to resonate with fans across several musical genres today.

Due to an acute illness Cheryl Bentyne, who joined the quartet in 1979, will be replaced by Margaret Dorn for this performance. Dorn is an award-winning vocalist, composer and arranger who has performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, k.k. Lang, Elvis Costello, Michael McDonald, Jessica Simpson, Barry Manilow, Diana Ross, Carly Simon and Willie Nelson.

Tickets are on sale and available for this performance. Call 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll free within Florida), or visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.