Ragsdale, Liles put new spin on library cabaret shows

In a twist on his popular cabaret shows for the Friends of the Library, Lane Ragsdale will honor the Friends with a brand new show called “Hits and Misters: An Evening With Lane Ragsdale and Tom Liles” at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at the Asheboro library.

The program is free and the public is invited.

The two-man show will focus on stories from Lane’s travels to New York; Asheboro in 2010; and his love for jazz, of which Tom is a master. With these stories woven among songs like “St. Louis Blues, “ “Summertime, “ “Laura” and “After You’ve Gone,” the show is a departure from past shows that have included multiple cast members and varied genres of music.

“We are in tough economic times and this show offers a threefold opportunity,” says Ragsdale. “It will be a vivid and relaxing escape into the world of jazz and blues with some funny and poignant stories for the audience. For me, it will be an opportunity to honor the Friends of the Library, Arlene Smith and Ross Holt for their loving support over the past five years, and an opportunity to work with the brilliant Tom Liles on the style of music he has mastered, not merely at UNC-Greensboro but in travels and performances all over the world. I’m excited!”