American Idols Coming to Cranston
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Crystal Bowersox is learning a lot about show business. The spirited 29 year old was the runner-up on American Idol in 2009. Since then, she’s put together a successful career while gaining a better understanding the music business.
GoLocal spoke to Bowersox last week as she was preparing for her east coast tour. “It’s more like a perpetual tour” noted the Toledo, Ohio native. Although she’s played with a full band in the past, she’s only bringing bass player Rachel Coats on tour this time. It'll be a mainly acoustic show, with Bowersox on guitar.
Singer-Songwriter
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe new format will give her an opportunity to share her songwriting with fans. “It’s more cohesive storytelling,” she says of her lyrics. “The choices are more thoughtful … I’m always learning.”
Her latest album, 2013’s All That For This, which showcases her songwriting, was warmly greeted by critics and fans. The album includes a duet with Jacob Dylan, “Stiches,” about the challenges of raising kids. Noted Producer/Los Lobos keyboardist Steve Berlin put the roots/rock album together.
“It’s a more stripped down approach,” explained Bowersox. “The (album) is original, with stories from my life.”
Diverse Influences
Many remember Bowersox for her stirring rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee,” the song made famous by her idol, Janis Joplin. Since Idol though, her musical influences have grown to include artists as diverse as Melissa Ethridge, The Avett Brothers and Ray LaMontagne. Recently, she’s added Taylor Swift to the list, noting “that girls rockin it.”
Bowersox had a fledgling career before her appearance on Idol, and acknowledged that probably helped her on the show.
“I was comfortable on stage, in front of people, which probably gave me the upper hand. I would sing to the 200 people in the (TV) studio and not think about the 30 million watching.”
Meet and Greet
Bowersox is a sincere artist and an authentic performer who fully appreciates her career trajectory. In recent years, she's shared the stage with artists including B.B. King, Harry Connick Jr. and Alanis Morrisette. She’s excited to tour and play Cranston.
Fans may want to attend a meet and greet opportunity before the show that includes the usual photo and autograph along with a special solo acoustic song with the artist. Cost is an additional $50 per person.
Rhode Island’s Idol
Opening the show will be Rhode Island’s own American Idol, Erika Van Pelt. Her distinctive voice propelled her to the Top 10 on Idol in 2012, and she later joined the international American Idols Live tour. In 2013, she released her first album, My Independence, a lively release that showcased a range of styles from blues to rock to hip hop.
In an interview with GoLocal, Van Pelt shared that she is thrilled to join Bowersox on stage. "She had a great run on American Idol and it will be fun to finally meet and chat about our experiences."
She's also psyched to play the Park. "There's a special energy and a comforting feeling to be in a room with people who faithfully watched your journey and supported you unconditionally. I thrive on positive energy and the hometown crowd is the best place to soak in that energy."
Crystal Bowersox and special guest, Erika Van Pelt will perform at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8. Tickets are $22 and $27 and can be purchased by calling the Park Theatre Box Office at (401) 467-7275 or online at www.ParkTheatreRI.com. Free parking is available for all shows.
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