Recording Artist & Trio Celebrate the Legend
Pleasanton, Calif. Recording artist Nicolas Bearde brings his trio to the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton with a special tribute to the legendary, Grammy-winning vocalist Lou Rawls. Renowned for his silky-smooth, soulful vocals, and his engaging, humorous monologues about life on the streets, Lou was the quintessential musical storyteller. In his own inimitable style, Nicolas conjures up Lou’s spirit in song, from the early blues and jazz years to the hugely popular R&B hits that helped make Lou Rawls world-famous.
Included on the set list are of course Tobacco Road, Natural Man, Lady Love, You’ll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine), and I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water, and many more of Lou’s timeless hits.
NICOLAS BEARDE: A Salute to Lou Rawls. Sunday, February 28, at 2:00 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $15.00 – $25.00, and can be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 925-931-4848, and in person at the Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Box Office hours are Wednesday – Friday 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., and two hours prior to performances.
Nicolas Bearde is familiar to audiences for his recordings and live performances around the world, and as a singer of depth, range and technique with his famous ‘buttery baritone.’ With wide critical acclaim for his lush vocals combining passion, wit and sensuality, Bearde is also frequently lauded as a versatile and highly respected showman. With Nashville roots, and San Francisco heart, Nicolas’ unique approach and electrifying delivery is soulful, swinging, improvisational and always memorable.
For the past 20 years, Nicolas has also delighted audiences with his vocal stylings as a member of Bobby McFerrin’s wildly innovative a cappella ensemble, “Voicestra,” while carving out his own distinctive solo career.
“He’s sung with McFerrin and acted with Eastwood – Bearde taps into music’s deeper currents, where love, desire and heartache freely intermingle,” notes reviewer Andrew Gilbert, San Jose Mercury News. Brent Black in Critical Jazz: “Nicolas Bearde is the embodiment of taking that old school sound and making it new cool.”
Nicolas Bearde’s vivid and affectionate tribute, tracing Rawls’ life and music, does true justice to Lou’s big life, big voice, and big heart.
The Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts. The center is comprised of the 227-seat Firehouse Theater, the 2000 square foot Harrington Gallery, classrooms and rehearsal space, the grand atrium lobby, and the famous interior glass bridge. With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue which opened in 2010, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own home town. The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Media: Jane Onojafe, jonojafe@cityofpleasantonca.gov, or 925-931-4855
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