Video: President Drake performs “Blackbird” with the CEO Band

Ohio State University President Michael V. Drake joined former Cardinal Health CEO George Barrett for an acoustic version of The Beatles’ classic “Blackbird.”

“So this is a terrific song. It’s a great song actually for February. It’s Black History Month,” Drake said as he introduced the song. “This is a song written in 1968 by Paul McCartney. [He was] kind of thinking about the things that were happening in the United States at the time and the freedom that was just out of reach for women or African Americans at the time and it’s one that everybody knows.”

The event at the Lincoln Theatre earlier this month was part of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts’ 50th Anniversary Celebration. CAPA was founded in 1969 to save the historic Ohio Theatre in Columbus.

The nonprofit supports local theaters and arts and culture organizations, and presents national touring shows each year. CAPA is marking 50 years with a year-long community celebration.