On Friday, Oct. 22, Reggie Codrington will perform at the Crown Center, but don’t wait too long to buy your tick-ets, there are only 250 seats and they are going fast.

If you’ve missed out on hearing his story here’s a quick recap — Co-drinton is no stranger to overcoming hard times. In fact, not only was he inspired by music to get through a rough start in life, he’s turned that around and is not only successful, but also an inspiration.

The son of nationally known musician and bandleader Ray Co-drington, the younger Condrington was born with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy (ACP). It is a condition that affects muscle coordination and depth per-ception. By the age of 13, Codrington had undergone nine surgeries where muscles were alternately cut and transferred from his elbow, wrist and right tricep to improve his fi nger dexterity. Additionally, muscles were cut from his leg to offer more mobility and make it easier to walk.

During his early years, Codring-ton turned to music as an escape when things got overwhelming.

He is a writer and composer of smooth jazz and a musician as well. His instru-ment of choice is the sweet sounding, curved soprano saxophone. According to www.reggiecodrington.com, Codrington loves entertaining and recording but “his ultimate goal is to go on tour and share his music and his triumphant story of overcoming the physical challenges of being disabled. His vision is to tour the world talking to young people and sharing how he overcame a debilitating disability, ridicule in his youth and unsavory independent labels as he traveled on his road to jazz greatness. “

Crown Center General Manager Karen Long is excited about the event and con-siders it a treat to be able to host Codrington at the Crown. “We wanted to showcase local talent, and I don’t think there is anyone who would disagree that Reggie is just a fabulous local talent, and we want to make an experience out of that,” said Long “I think it is going to be a great networking opportunity for people to come out and have a good time. We scheduled it in conjunction with the FSU homecoming, hoping to capitalize on some of the out-of-town guests who are here maybe looking for a quieter scene than some of the activities that they have scheduled.”

Folks in attendance will receive more than a fantastic show with great talent, there is also a preshow meet and greet with Codrington as well as heavy hors d’ouevres and complimentary wine.

“The first time I heard him I was very impressed and I had no idea that he had the physical disability that he has,” said Long. “He is just an amazing person. He is always so very friendly, very quick to reach out his hand or give you a hug. He is just a feel-good person and he makes you feel good about being around him — and when he plays that is multiplied.”

With any luck, this event will be the impetus that brings similar events to the Crown. Long mentioned that there may be a jazz series in the not too distant future at the Crown Center.

“I really did want to keep it on the small intimate level this time, but it is defi nitely something that can grow,” said Long. “We are just so happy that Reggie was able to be a part of it this time. Possibly next time we will have some other entertainment in addition to him.”

Tickets are $50 per person and tables of six can be purchased for $300. Contact the Crown Center at 438-4100 for more info or to purchase your tickets.