By Jesse Bertel

Experience a rhythmic exploration of the Great American Songbook, paying tribute to jazz legends while celebrating the timeless allure of the genre. Vocalist Caesar, drawing comparisons to the iconic Nat King Cole, will take the stage alongside Yavapai College’s esteemed Trailblazers Jazz Ensemble in their dynamic performance, “Swing Caesar Swing,” scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon St.

Hailing from Chicago, Caesar has made a name for himself in the world of jazz with his captivating voice. Whether accompanied by a full big band or a more intimate setting, Caesar’s performances are known for their poise, elegance, and grace. Fluent in five languages, he effortlessly navigates jazz standards and love ballads, showcasing his versatility.

“I do a tribute to Nat King Cole, and I sing in multiple languages; a lot of people don’t realize that Nat sang in seven languages,” Caesar said. “He also had a lot of big band songs that he did with the Count Basie Orchestra. So, I’m going to feature some of those songs and some more popular songs. These are standards. We’re going to have an 18-piece big band. It’s going to be swinging.”

Caesar’s impressive career includes holding the unique distinction of being the first and only male vocalist to accompany Julio Iglesias on a world tour. He has shared the stage with jazz entertainment icons including Herbie Hancock and Al Jarreau, Lou Rawls, James Ingram, George Duke, and many more. He also made an album in the same studio where Cole recorded.

“I had the opportunity to record in Studio A at Capitol, and the history of that is Nat King Cole in the ‘50s sold enough records to build the Capitol Records building,” Caesar said. “Two years later, they signed Frank Sinatra to Capitol. They call it the house that Nat built. I was able to sing in Studio A, where he used to record. I used his original Steinway piano and the microphone that he used in the 1950s. That was a magical moment.”

Despite facing a cancer diagnosis in 2021, Caesar remained resilient, continuing to perform and share his gift with audiences worldwide.

“When I got diagnosed, the doctors said I could lose my hearing and my voice because I had 36 radiation treatments to my head and neck,” Caesar said. “28 days after my last treatment, I was able to perform and I showed the video to the doctor and he said, ‘I had no idea that you would be able to perform again like that.’”

Tickets for “Swing Caesar Swing” start at $39.

The Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center Ticket Office is located on Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus, 1100 E. Sheldon St., and open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and one hour prior to performances. For reservations or more information, call 928 776-2000, or visit ypac.com.

Jesse Bertel is a reporter/videographer for the Prescott News Network. Follow him on Facebook @ JesseBertel, email him at jbertel@prescottaz.com, or call 928-445-3333, ext. 2043.