On Jan. 29, a vocalist who helped open the Lester Centre with a strong performance in its very first year of operation, makes her return in the centre’s 30th anniversary.
Joelle Rabu, who sang to the Prince Rupert masses as a newcomer in 1987, will bring her, as one critic has said, “torch song-era” music and “spine tingling and passion-filled voice” back in full circle to the great venue.
Rabu has been described as Edith Piaf, Bette Midler and Carole Burnett all rolled into one, and for her Rupert performance, she’ll have her son, 24-year-old Nico Rhodes accompanying on the piano.
Rabu is infamous for her ability to switch up the genres that she tackles, diving into everything from classical European cabaret-style music, to jazz melodies, to heart-wrenching torch songs.
The Juno Award nominee will be singing in conjunction with the Lester Centre’s membership night and will perform as part of the AFFNO 2017 Sugar Shack Festival, since she’ll bring a French component to her night on stage.
“She was here as a young performer starting out, so now you’re going to see a nice, seasoned performer on the stage which is kind of cool,” said Lester Centre general manager Crystal Lorette last week.
“She’s very theatrical when she’s performing.”
The lights dim on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. with a pre-show reception at 6:30 p.m.
The Lester Centre will be hosting its 30th Anniversary Celebration on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.
Other upcoming events include the Annunciation Play on Feb. 22-23 and Love.Be.Best.Free, a story told through male tap dancers and quartet. The curtain opens on those events at 7 p.m. as well.