WCR Center for the Arts Hosts Bonnie Raitt 75th Birthday Celebration on Oct. 26

from WCR Center for the Arts

The WCR Center for the Arts will host a special 75th Birthday Celebration to honor music icon, Bonnie Raitt. The Raitt celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m., at the event venue, 140 N. 5th St., in downtown Reading. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. The event is free. Donations at the door are encouraged.

“The Bonnie Raitt celebration is a continuation of WCR’s programming commitment to honor influential artists across genres,” said Crystal Kowalski, WCR Program & Events Committee Chair. “The birthday celebrations have been unique and fun events. We hope Bonnie Raitt and all music fans will join the party.”

Previous WCR birthday honorees were musicians Joni Mitchell and John Prine, and author Kurt Vonnegut. The Bonnie Raitt celebration will provide fans with an opportunity to gather and discuss her timeless music, their favorite songs, and personal concert experiences, and enjoy a display of Raitt’s albums and photos.

The program will feature live music segments performed by vocalists Maria Damore and Suzie Ernesto, and guitarist/vocalist Ken Bagenstose, putting their harmonizing spin on classic Raitt songs, including Angel from Montogomery, Nick of Time, Dimming the Day, Runaway, I Can’t Make You Love Me, Women Be Wise, and more.

“Something about this woman’s voice moves me,” said Maria Damore. “It’s playful and soulful — rockin’, gritty, and tender. Bonnie Raitt represents an inspiring trajectory for female singers as they age. The youthful sound of her early years has melded into a rich, colorful palette of sound, phrasing, and style. I’m honored to be singing her songs in this celebration with Ken and Suzie.” Between the live music segments, video selections of Raitt’s performances and interviews will be screened, featuring highlights of Raitt’s amazing musical legacy.

More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer, and accomplished songwriter, Raitt has become an institution in American music.

Born to a musical family, the 10-time Grammy winner, who Rolling Stone named as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, is the daughter of celebrated Broadway singer John Raitt (Carousel, Oklahoma!, and The Pajama Game) and accomplished pianist/singer Marge Goddard. She was raised in Los Angeles in a climate of respect for the arts, Quaker traditions, and a commitment to social activism. A Stella guitar given to her as a Christmas present launched Bonnie on her creative journey at the age of eight. Now 67 years later, Bonnie shows no signs of slowing down as she gets ready to celebrate her 75th birthday on Nov. 8.

At the 2023 Grammy Awards, Raitt was honored with three trophies for her work on the latest project, Just Like That — Best Americana Performance, Best American Roots Song, and Song of the Year for the album’s title track. The triumphant night proved yet again that Bonnie Raitt remains one of today’s most powerful artists.

As a sponsor, Trinity Lutheran is making its parking lot available to fans attending the Celebration. Trish’s Specialty Cheesecakes is also sponsoring the event.

To learn more about the WCR Center for the Arts 20th anniversary season’s sponsorship, donations, and volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.wcrcenter.org/.

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Source: bctv