Be Happy Now

Bobby McFerrin is best known as the singer of 1988’s bubbly “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” But that annoying hit represents only one side of this prolific performer, who’s been making records for 25 years. He’s collaborated with jazz giants like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, as well as with classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma. At tonight’s concert with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, McFerrin will conduct classical works by Mozart and others. He’ll also make a bunch of funny noises with his mouth. “He really is a renaissance man,” says concert organizer Anne Griffith. “His influences come from jazz, folk, world music, choral music, and a cappella. It’s amazing how versatile he is.”

You'll get an idea just how flexible McFerrin can be at tonight’s show, which includes performances of Mozart’s Symphony No. 7, Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin,” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Capriccio Espagnol.” After the orchestra leaves the stage, McFerrin will dazzle the audience with some of the vocal aerobics he’s most famous for. Says Griffith: “That’s when he’ll kind of go wild and do what he wants.”
Sat., Jan. 20, 8:30 p.m.