Grammy Nominee Bettye LaVette Set for Ridgefield Playhouse, 11/7

Fifty years in show business deserves celebration! With a voice as powerful as Etta James' and a story as compelling as Tina Turner's, Grammy-nominee and veteran jazz artist Bettye Lavette is finally gaining the superstar status that has eluded her since the 1960s. Her eclectic musical style combines elements of soul, blues, rock 'n' roll, gospel, funk and country music. Accompanied by bass, guitar, drums and keyboard, this Grammy Award nominee has earned superstar accolades for her new album, Thankful and Thoughtful. This soul sensation and 2012 Blues Music Award winner has The New York Times raving that LaVette "now rivals Aretha Franklin as her generation's most vital soul singer," and her velvet-rich voice and gospel-based blues have earned the admiration of everyone from Paul McCartney to Bonnie Raitt and Elvis Costello. On Thursday, November 7, at 8 p.m., this accomplished artist will entertain at The Ridgefield Playhouse. To enhance this evening of jazz, a wine and cheese tasting by No. 109 Cheese & Wine starts at 7:15 p.m. with an art exhibit and artist's reception.

Bettye's career has been sprinkled with numerous highlights including a 1978 disco smash "Doin' The Best That I Can". She briefly gave up recording for a six-year run in the Broadway hit Bubbling Brown Sugar, sharing the stage with Cab Calloway. In 2008, she received a Blues Music Award for "Best Contemporary Female Blues Singer". That same year, she delivered a rendition of 1973's "Love, Reign o'er Me" at the Kennedy Center Honors, a performance that was widely considered one of the event's highlights. The following year, Ms. LaVette performed a duet with Bon Jovi at one of the Obama Inaugural Celebrations. In 2009, she shared the stage with Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr at Radio City Music Hall for a benefit concert. In 2010, LaVette released Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook, which includes unique performances of classic songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals and Pink Floyd. On the TV circuit, Bettye has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, Conan, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and other national shows.

For tickets ($40), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795 or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

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