Ten years ago, a spirited dare from wife Kati-Jane Murray set acclaimed portrait artist Paul Murray on an electrifying new path—challenging him to condense months of artistry into a matter of minutes for the sake of charity.
That night, perched on a 20-foot wall, Murray’s paint-splattered hands raced across a canvas before a live audience, quickly creating images of the Fab Four and other iconic stars while performing wild antics like spinning canvases or painting blindfolded – redefining what it means to be an artist.
On November 21 at the Caboto Club, Murray will once again blend art, music, and philanthropy at the Beatles & Beyond Charity Concert in a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Beatles & Beyond unites some of the world’s most accomplished musicians with Windsor-Essex’s finest local talent, all led by speed painter Murray. The lineup includes John Dymond, Wendell Ferguson, Rory Hoffman and Julie Adams, each boasting Grammy performances, Hall of Fame inductions, and numerous JUNO and CCMA honors. Award-winning, fingerstyle guitarist Richard Smith, fresh from Carnegie Hall, will also perform. According to Country musician Ricky Scaggs “Smith has been called one of the greatest guitar players in the whole, wide world. I think he was born with a guitar in his hand.”
Rory Hoffman, blind since birth, is again revered by legends.
“The world seems to stand still when Rory performs. A Brilliant multi-instrumentalist American musician.” said Stacy Heydon, former guitarist with David Bowie and St. Clair Beach native.
Currently in consideration for a Grammy, Sarah Smith join the bill, with Windsor’s own legendary David LaBute of Bigg Wiggle, drummer Paul Tabbenor, and Stereobabe ignite the stage for an once in a lifetime ensemble of talent for a night of music and art.
“These are the elite master musicians; to have this ensemble is unimaginable. I am humbled and blessed to have them perform,” said artist Murray. “I don’t say this lightly; they have all won international top awards and accolades…all iconic musicians, even if you don’t know them by name.”
With a career spanning over 55 years, the Windsor-born, multi-awarded portrait artist is as vibrant as his canvases. By 10, Murray was selling his art; by 11, he was exhibiting at Ontario’s art shows including Art in the Park, Art by the River, and later in his late teens galleries across North America showcased his work. His talent drew praise from luminaries—Norman Rockwell once remarked, “Young Murray’s hands have been touched by an angel.”
Today, Murray’s art adorns collections worldwide, cherished by celebrities like Dolly Parton, Red Skelton, Stacy Heydon, and B.B. King. His gallery ranks among the top attractions in the Smoky Mountains, according to Southern Living magazine. He has pioneered fine art reproduction in Ontario, following the footsteps of Robert Bateman and Glenn Loates, both of whom have praised his remarkable talent.
“I was mesmerized by what I saw, the genius of the musicians, and Paul Murray’s out-of-this-world painting techniques. I still can’t figure out how he does it,” said an audience member of a previous performance.
Proceeds from ticket sales and Murray’s live originals will support the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County and the Downtown Mission, continuing his legacy as a champion for charity and a true artist beyond the canvas.
For tickets and information to Beatles & Beyond visit PaulMurray.com/Events or call 519-377-7979
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