Musical icon, '70s blues rock band, percussion group coming to Wilson Center
Patricia Louise Holte, best known as Patti LaBelle, blossomed from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Blue Belles and later Labelle, to a solo artist.
The musical icon will be returning to Wilson Center in the spring.
“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… it's not about making money because I don't need money, but I need to sing. With a voice or without, I've got to get on that stage,” said 77-year-old LaBelle.
As a solo artist, LaBelle won a 1992 Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for her 1991 album, Burnin', followed by a second Grammy win for the live album, Live! One Night Only.
In addition to her music career, LaBelle has written six books and has been featured in popular films and television programs, and starred in her own TV series, “Out All Night.”
In 2015, LaBelle was on “Dancing with the Stars,” and on season 2 of the “The Masked Singer.”
LaBelle's performance will be at 7:30 p.m. on May 14.
Performing also in the spring at Wilson Center, will be Grand Funk Railroad, with special guest Dave Mason.
The 1970s rock legends Grand Funk Railroad, known as “The American Band” is a high-energy five-piece group, and incudes the original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums, writer and singer of the multi-million selling hit, “We’re an American Band”) and bassist Mel Schacher, “The God of Thunder.”
Joining Brewer and Schacher will be singer Max Carl, rock veteran from 38 Special. Max penned and sang 38’s biggest hit “Second Chance” and was co-founder of California’s legendary Jack Mack and the Heart Attack.
Lead guitarist Bruce Kulick is best known for his 12 years with KISS and also has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. Keyboardist Tim Cashion has a master’s degree in music from the University of Miami. Affectionately called “Dr. Tim,” his credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer.
Mason left Traffic in 1969 to pursue a solo career in the U.S. Dave has penned over 100 songs, has three gold albums, “Alone Together,” “Dave Mason,” “Mariposa De Oro,” and platinum album “Let It Flow,” which contained the top-10 single “We Just Disagree.” Mason has performed or contributed to famous albums — The Rolling Stones’ “Beggars Banquet,” George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,” Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Venus and Mars,” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland.”
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 2.
STOMP, the international percussion sensation, will also be returning to the Wilson Center.
From its beginnings as a street performance in the United Kingdom, STOMP, created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, has continued to evolve by continuously creating original material.
STOMP has also made on-screen appearances, resulting in an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations, and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special “Stomp Out Loud.” STOMP's television appearances include The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials.
Tickets for the shows may be purchased online at wilsoncentertickets.com or contacting the Ticket Central box office at 910-362-7999. Ticket Central is also open for in-person sales, 2-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The shows will adhere to all local and state guidelines.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Musical icon Patti LaBelle will return to Wilson Center in May
