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Invite yourself over for Ridgefield Playhouse's June 22 party and you'll have the singular pleasure of being serenaded by the incomparable Michael McDonald.
Winner of five Grammy Awards, St. Louis born singer-songwriter-keyboardist McDonald first gained attention in the 70s as a backup singer for Steely Dan. In 1975, he signed on as lead vocalist for the legendary Doobie Brothers, producing memorable hits such as "It Keeps You Runnin'," "Minute by Minute," and "What a Fool Believes." Although he sequed into a solo career in the early 80s, along the way he also paired with some topflight talents, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, for celebrated duets.
As McDonald told British website Bluesand Soul.com, his natural voice, the one fans swoon over, took a while to locate. "... like most people, I started out emulating my favourite vocalists before eventually developing my own style ... Because I`d always wanted to be an R&B screamer, I realized early on that I wouldn`t sing for very long if I kept trying to sound like James Brown! So out of necessity my voice just developed into the R&B tenor you hear today.
And what a voice it is. Revel in it when McDonald touches down in Ridgefield for the Playhouse's gala fundraiser on June 22. Gold Circle ticket holders can also meet McDonald at a cocktail party prior to his concert. A live auction, open bar and hors d'oeuvres are also part of this singular evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $110-$250 and proceeds benefit the non-profit Ridgefield Playhouse. For more information, visit the Playhouse's website.
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