As summer draws to a close, performers from all genres are packing their bags and instruments, preparing to hit the road to entertain us and keep our spirits up throughout the long winter months in Canada.
The Kitimat Concert Association cannot think of a better way to kick off our new season than with Rita Chiarelli, Canada’s “Goddess of the Blues”. Not only is she a consummate performer with an impressive three-octave vocal range, but she is also a talented songwriter. This will be Rita’s third performance in Kitimat.
Rita is best known as a roots-and-blues artist, but she is not so easily pinned down. Over the past five years she has released Cuore, a recording of traditional Italian folk songs, which won the world music category at the prestigious Canadian Folk Music Awards.
She also released Uptown Goes Downtown, a highly acclaimed collaboration with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, as well as Music From the Big House, an award-winning documentary movie filmed in Louisiana, at Angola prison, which premiered in New York and L.A.
Her CD Sweet Paradise heralds a return to Chiarelli’s blues roots and is her first album of all original tunes since Breakfast At Midnight (2001), which was nominated for a JUNO award.
Music From The Big House (2012) was Rita’s first foray into the film world. She developed the original concept of the film –a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the blues, Louisiana State Maximum Security Penitentiary, also known as Angola Prison. In the starring role in this critically acclaimed film, she performs alongside inmates serving life sentences. The film is available on Amazon and iTunes.
Throughout her long career, Rita has won many awards. She has won every major Canadian blues award, including several Maple Blues awards, CBC’s Great Canadian Blues Award, Toronto Independent Music Awards, Hamilton Music Awards, Manitoba Blues Society and the Hamilton’s Blues Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Most recently, she received the prestigious Maple Blues “Blues With A Feeling” award for lifetime achievement.
Rita continues to tour in North America and Europe and shows no signs of slackening her pace. On the contrary, she intends to spend more time touring the U.S. over the next few years.
The KCA is truly honoured to have Rita Chiarelli open our 2018/2019 Concert Season.
Kitimat loves the Blues, so go down to Bradley’s Bait & Tackle in the City Centre Mall and get your ticket. Why not also consider our fabulous $110 Super Pass, which gives you access to eight world class shows at the beautiful Mount Elizabeth Theatre.
Remember, season passes also make wonderful birthday, Christmas and retirement gifts.