Berea, Ky. - Byron Motley and His Trio will present "Hitmakers, Heroes, & Homeruns," a musical celebration of jazz and Negro League Baseball, Thursday, February 13 at 8 p.m. in Phelps Stokes Chapel at Berea College.

"Hitmakers, Heroes, & Homeruns," is Motley's personal tribute to a century of phenomenal moments in American history. His father Bob Motley was a former Negro League umpire and the younger Motley grew up around the gentleman of the Negro League. The program pays homage to their marvelous tales and the Jazz that influenced his musical development.

Now a singer, songwriter and performer based in Los Angeles, Motley made his Broadway debut alongside Patti LuPone in the acclaimed show "Patti LuPone On Broadway." He also has recorded with LuPone and opened for her in concert. He also has collaborated with singers Natalie Cole, Joe Cocker, Celine Dion, Dionne Warwick, Melissa Etheridge and Barbara Streisand and he tours with Barry Manilow. Motley, who holds a masters degree in Music from the University of Southern California, has been a featured soloist on three occasions with the Boston Pops Orchestra under conductor John Williams.

The performance is the 2002-03 Craft Memorial Convocation. For more information, please visit online at www.berea.edu/convo.