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Loving fans of singer, songwriter and pianist Aretha Franklin throughout South Florida will fall in love all over again with America’s “Queen of Soul” on Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) in Cutler Bay.
Now launching its 2022 North American Tour, “The Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin” is a heartfelt and wholly entertaining homage to the late icon of soul, created by accomplished musician and composer Damien Sneed.
Having toured with and mentored by Franklin, Sneed gathers a superb group of jazz, gospel, and soul musicians to accompany six-time Grammy nominee Valerie Simpson in performances of Franklin’s timeless hits, including Respect, Think, Freeway, and Natural Woman.
Simpson is half of the songwriting-performing-producing team known as Ashford & Simpson. Their award-winning collaborations began in the late 1960s, and she, along with her late husband Nick Ashford, have penned classic hits such as, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, You’re All I Need to Get By, Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand), and I’m Every Woman.
“Many of us have been touched by the works of Aretha Franklin,” said Eric Fliss, SMDCAC managing director. “To host this tribute performance by those who were personally impacted by her, including the legendary Valerie Simpson, is an honor and a thrill.”
With a long and varied career that transcended several musical genres, Franklin placed first on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” lineup, and placed ninth – twice – on their list of “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” Franklin recorded 112-charted singles on
Billboard, including 17 top 10 pop singles and 20 No. 1 R&B singles.
Franklin also received numerous honors throughout her career, including the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, she became the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin is recommended for ages 13 and older. All patrons entering the theater require a ticket, regardless of age. Outside food and beverage are not allowed into the venue. Strollers are not permitted inside the auditorium. Senior and Military discounts are available in person only. Facemasks are required to be worn at all times.
Tickets for The Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin range from $35 to $80 and are available by calling 786-573-5300 or by visiting SMDCAC.org. There will also be a $90 pre-show reception hosted by the Rotary Club of Perrine-Cutler Ridge/Palmetto Bay. All funds will support the club’s project in West Perrine.
More information about the center and its programs can be found at www.smdcac.org.
