Patti LaBelle Comes To The Van Wezel 2/1

Patti LaBelle will appear at the VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL on Tuesday, February 1 at 8 p.m.

Beautiful, simply does not describe the powerhouse known as Patti LaBelle. The soulful songbird's name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets, has created the unique platform of versatility that LABELLE is famed for. Racking up favorites like, "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," "Lady Marmalade," "On My Own," and "The Best Is Yet to Come," the young choir member grew from lead vocalist of Patti LaBelle & THE BLUEBELLES to solo artist. The two time Grammy Award-winner is recognized for her passionate stage performances, wide vocal range, and distinctive high-octave belting. In 2010, LABELLE appeared on Broadway, starring in the award-winning musical FELA! She has also moved beyond the music world and into television and film, with roles on A Different World and Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, among others. Patti LaBelle is no longer recognized for her performing alone-the woman can cook! She has authored her share of cookbooks and offers regular cooking tips to her fans, LABELLE puts the same love into her food that she does her music.

With a career that spans more than five decades, there is no sign of LABELLE slowing down anytime soon. This year, she has announced new projects including her recent collaboration with Wyclef Jean on the benefit album he is producing, Care for Haiti (to be released in March), with proceeds benefitting the citizens of the country. She says, "Each year I grow, and that's a blessing from God. I do what I can do. I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it...I need to sing. With a voice or without, I've got to get on that stage."

Ticket prices range from $75 to $100. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. This show is part of the AT&T Star Series.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos