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Musician Roy Ayers Rushed To Hospital Upon Arrival In Portland

<p>Jazz musician Roy Ayers, looks on during his workshop with young music artist at Funda Centre in Soweto, South Africa, Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. Ayers, who is in South Africa for a jazz festival, radiated enthusiasm on Friday as he urged a couple of dozen people at an arts center to "vibe on" role models even if they don't always meet expectations.</p>

Themba Hadebe

Jazz musician Roy Ayers, looks on during his workshop with young music artist at Funda Centre in Soweto, South Africa, Friday, Sept. 29, 2017. Ayers, who is in South Africa for a jazz festival, radiated enthusiasm on Friday as he urged a couple of dozen people at an arts center to "vibe on" role models even if they don't always meet expectations.

Musician Roy Ayers was rushed to the hospital after arriving at Portland International Airport Saturday afternoon, according to organizers of the Soul’d Out Music Festival.

Ayers, a renowned jazz, funk and soul composer, was scheduled to play Saturday night at Roseland Theater as part of the festival.

“Due to a medical emergency that occurred today April 20, Roy Ayers will not be cleared by doctors in time to perform at tonight's concert. His band 'Roy Ayers Ubiquity' will continue on without him and open up for Neo-Soul legend Bobby Caldwell, who will headline the show with his full band,” reads a statement from Soul’d Out Music.

Ayers also released a statement.

"To all of my fans and supporters it is with my deepest sorrow that I was not able to come to Portland to perform for you this evening. I took a wrong turn and wound up at the hospital, ha ha I’m always one that can laugh at themselves," Ayers wrote. "I’m still a little out of sorts, but with the help and care that my family provides me I should be back to my 78 years young self sooner than later and back on the road.

"I thank you all for your continued support and hope to see you next time around. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the top of my vibes."

Details of Ayers’ condition were not immediately available Saturday. 

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2019 Oregon Public Broadcasting

OPB Staff