Welcome two legends to the Triangle: Tony Bennett and Celine Dion
Welcome back one of the most popular recording artists of the last 20 years, an elder statesman, who is approaching the century mark, and some unheralded rockers.
Tony Bennett
The details: Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. Tickets start at $65. 919-680-2787 or dpacnc.com
It’s hard to believe, but Tony Bennett’s career and life almost ended during the ‘70s. The legendary singer’s career bottomed out, and he struggled with drugs. That’s long in the past, and at 93, Bennett continues to record, tour and inspire, thanks to his unmistakable croon.
Celine Dion
The details: Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road. Tickets start at $125. 919-467-7825 or pncarena.com.
The iconic vocalist is on tour for the first time in a decade behind her latest album, “Courage.” Dion was immersed in the production of the project after the death of her husband/manager Rene Angelil, who died in 2016.
“I’ve been so much involved in not only my album, but in the production of this show,” Dion explained to O Magazine in November. “I say what I like. I have ideas. They can be tacky, wrong. I’m not asking to be right. I’m just asking to be heard.”
Jason Ringenberg
The details: Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave., Durham. Chris Holloway will open. Tickets start at $12. 919-901-0875 or motorcomusic.com
Sometimes a recording artist needs barriers to be moved. The last time Jason Ringenberg recorded an album with his band, The Scorchers, was 2010. His most recent solo album was made in 2004.
Ringenberg, 61, is a prolific artist who has released 16 albums over 26 years. He has been known as Farmer Jason and has been primarily recording children’s music.
But the Americana artist got some inspiration when he answered a call from the National Parks Service to be an Artist in Residence at California’s Sequoia National Park for a month in 2018.
“When I was given the offer, I think I said yes before they even finished the question,” Ringenberg told The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last month. “I absolutely jumped at the opportunity. I didn’t have to write about the forest. I could write about anything. Spending an entire month in one of our most beautiful national parks completely changed my life. The experience gave me so much.”
The aptly titled album, “Standing Tall,” is what Ringenberg wrote and recorded after he left the majestic destination.
“I was inspired to write every day that I was there, Ringenberg told the Gazette. “I never experienced anything like it. It’s something that happened at the perfect time for me. I’m glad I jumped at the opportunity.”
Saint Motel
The details: Feb. 8, 8:30 p.m. The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Drive. Tickets start at $25. 919-424-1400 or ritzraleigh.com
Saint Motel is due for a new album. The theatrical indie-rockers, who emerged with the catchy smash “Move,” has created a diverse array of rock tunes.
We Were Promised Jetpacks
The details: Feb. 11, 9 p.m. Cat’s Cradle, 300 E. Main St., Carrboro. Tickets start at $15. 919-967-9053 or catscradle.com
The Scottish rockers have taken a step forward with their latest album, “The More I Sleep, The Less I Dream,” which is made up of catchy yet melancholy songs.
Jo Koy
The details: Feb. 8, 8 p.m. DPAC. Tickets start at $49.50.
When reports circulated over the summer that Eddie Murphy was returning to stand-up comedy with Netflix specials, Jo Koy couldn’t have been more excited. The clever comic was inspired to hit the stage, courtesy of Murphy’s work a generation ago.
“I was 15 and I remember seeing Eddie Murphy play the Seattle Coliseum,” Koy told The Gazette in October. “He just killed it telling jokes in front of 15,000 people. After I saw that, I knew what I had to do with my life.”
Koy’s mother had other ideas. “She wanted me to have security,” Koy said. “My mom wanted me to have a job with benefits. But it turned out alright for me and my family.”
This story was originally published February 4, 2020 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Welcome two legends to the Triangle: Tony Bennett and Celine Dion."