Press Releases R&B GRAMMY AWARD WINNER CHAKA KHAN PERFORMS AT REICHHOLD CENTER October 20, 2010
It’s a night of classic Rhythmic and Blues at Reichhold Center for the Arts when Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan takes the stage on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 8 p.m. More than 30 years into her career Chaka Khan remains one of the most exciting and consistent performers in the music industry. Khan will sing from her treasure trove of hit music, including the best sellers: “Ain’t Nobody,” “Through the Fire,” “Do You Love What You Feel?” “I’m Every Woman,” and many more. She will be accompanied by her 13-member band. In a croweded music field, Khan remains at the top of the game, with 10 Grammy Awards, countless Lifetime Achievement awards and sold out concerts worldwide. In 2008 Chaka Khan was honored by the R&B Foundation. More recently, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) honored the singer in a taped broadcast “UNCF Tribute to Chaka Khan,” set to air nationally in January 2011. She has also received the Soul Train Career Achievement Award and a BET Lifetime Achievement Award. “We are honored and excited to have an artist of Chaka Khan’s caliber on the Reichhold Center stage. She in undeniably one of those singers whose music has staying power,” says Pamela Toussaint, co-director of the Reichhold Center. “Anyone who attends the show is in for a night of first class entertainment by one of the brightest stars in the music industry,” Born in Chicago as Yvette Marie Stevens, Khan had an enthusiasm and God-given talent for singing. She formed her first group, The Crystalettes, at the age of 11. By age 15 she was touring with Motown great Mary Wells. It was 1970, however, when Khan burst onto the top of the music scene as the lead singer for the multi-racial band Rufus. Khan’s all-powerful voice, show-stopping stage presence and elaborate costumes created a standard that set her apart from any other singer before or after her. Early on, she caught the attention of another musical icon, Stevie Wonder, who penned her first hit with Rufus, the Grammy Award-winning “Tell Me Something Good.” From that point on the group dominated the airwaves with hit after hit songs: “Once You Get Started,” “Sweet Thing,” “Do You Love What You Feel?” and “Ain’t Nobody.” With Chaka as the group’s dynamic center, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan became one of the most popular acts around. As with many artists, Chaka sought to establish a solo career. She left Rufus and immediately released the smash hit, “I’m Every Woman,” written by the famous husband-and-wife song writing team Ashford & Simpson. Her catalog grew even more impressive with such hits as “Clouds,” “Papillon,” and “What’Cha Gonna Do For Me?” She later collaborated with the artist Prince on the song that made her a household name: “I Feel For You.” Although known for her soul and R&B music, Khan has demonstrated versatility through her pairing with countless artists, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Quincy Jones. Khan has released a CD of jazz standards, titled “ClassiKhan.” Additionally, Khan’s powerful vocals can be heard on a number of soundtracks including the movies, “Clockers,” “Set It Off,” “Miami Vice,” “White Knights,” “27 Dresses,” “Bridge Jones’ Diary,” and “Madea’s Family Reunion.” In her fourth decade as an artist, Chaka Khan has shown no signs of slowing down. Her latest album “Funk This,” won a Grammy Award for Best R&B performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The duet “Disrespectful,” featuring Mary J. Blige, won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The CD also spawned back-to-back Top 10 Billboard hits with the singles, “Angel” and “One For All Time.” In 2008, Khan also had a glorious Broadway debut as Sofia in The Color Purple. Her Foundation, the Chaka Khan Foundation provides assistance to numerous women and children at risk throughout the United States. Today, Khan continues to tour worldwide, while splitting her time between her homes in the U.S., London and Germany. The Chaka Khan Reichhold Center performance is sponsored by International Capital & Management Company, Virgin Islands Lottery, First Bank, First Insurance, VI Waste Management Authority, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort, Tropical Shipping, and Innovative Communication Corporation. Tickets are $88, $62 and $42. Ticket outlets: UVI Book Store, V.I. Bridal & Tuxedo, Urban Threadz, Essentric Shoe Boutique, Home Again (Red Hook) and The Reichhold Center Box Office at 693-1559. Tickets may be ordered online at www.reichholdcenter.com. |
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