Rufus Wainwright to Play Ridgefield Playhouse, 10/19

Grammy nominee Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. In his Best of Rufus Wainwright concert at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, October 19, at 8 p.m., he'll bring together a variety of genres including, pop, opera, baroque, rock, classical and ragtime into his own unique style. His newest album, Vibrate: The Best of Rufus, features 18 standout songs that define one of modern music's most innovative talents, as well as a brand new recording, "Me and Liza". Special guest is Sloan Wainwright, best known for her rich contralto voice and personal lyrics in a musical style that combines pop, folk, jazz, and blues. Bissell House (378 Main St., Ridgefield) will pour a complimentary glass of house wine or draught beer with dinner the night of this show when tickets are presented. This event is partially underwritten by AcousticMusic.org and is part of the Doyle Coffin Architecture Singer/Songwriter Series.

A singer/songwriter whose lush, theatrical pop harkens back to the traditions of Tin Pan Alley, cabaret, and even opera, Rufus Wainwright is the son of folk music luminaries Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. Despite obvious musical influences growing up in a talented family, Rufus has achieved success by carving out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theater, dance and film. Affectionately referred to by Elton John as "the greatest songwriter on the planet" and praised by The New York Times for his "genuine originality," he cites a wide variety of musical influences such as Judy Garland, Edith Piaf and Al Jolson, along with his many operatic favorites.

Rufus has released seven studio and two live albums, including his acclaimed Grammy® nominated Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall! , which captured his celebrated 2007 Judy Garland tribute performance at the London Palladium. He has received Juno Awards for Best Alternative Album in 1999 and 2002 for Rufus Wainwright and Poses, respectively, as well as nominations for his albums Want Two (2005) and Release The Stars (2008), for which he earned a Songwriter of the Year nomination in 2008. Rufus has collaborated with Elton John, David Byrne, Boy George, Joni Mitchell, Pet Shop Boys and producer Mark Ronson. His most recent collaboration is on the title track of Robbie Williams' latest album, Swings Both Ways, which was co-written with renowned musician and producer Guy Chambers and sung as a duet between Rufus and Robbie.

For tickets ($60), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.