American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard Performs An Evening of Luther Vandross at The Ridgefield Playhouse on May 3

Imagine having a second chance to see a Luther Vandross concert… Imagine the vocals and music played and staged the same way he performed them in concert. Imagine the back-up singers in their tight silver dresses swaying to the beat. Imagine how you would again feel hearing a full night of timeless hits like: “Endless Love,” “A House Is Not a Home,” “Superstar,” “Dance with my Father,” “If Only For one Night” and “Power of Love.” Imagine this is the closest you can get to an actual Luther Vandross show.

There will never be another Luther Vandross, but no other voice comes closer to him than that of Ruben Studdard – the remarkable singer who was hailed as the “next Luther” during his “American Idol” run, and was nominated for a Grammy Award, singing a Luther song, “Superstar.” Now imagine production by Stig Edgren – the creative force who staged events for numerous Popes and Presidents, created “Elvis Presley – In Concert,” The Colors of Christmas,” and designed shows for Earth, Wind & Fire, Gloria Estefan, as well as created Natalie Cole’s “unforgettable” video. What an incredible night it will be, Thursday, May 3^rd at 8 pm at The Ridgefield Playhouse, when Ruben Studdard: An Evening of Luther Vandross, Always & Forever takes the stage as part of the Pepsi Rock Series powered by Xfinity. Make it a great night out with dinner and show - visit 850 Degrees Wood Fired Restaurant (424 R. Main Street ~ Ridgefield) for dinner before the show and enjoy a complimentary draft beer with purchase of an entree when you show your ticket! Media partner for this event is WEBE 108, CT’s Best Music Variety.

“My goal was to not only to pay tribute to Luther but to add my own passion on top of Luther’s brilliant songs,” states Studdard. “It all started with my mom who has always loved Luther and played his music in our home continuously – especially during Christmas. You can say I grew up with the world’s biggest Luther fan. In my young teens, I would perform a Luther song or two at weddings and people would keep requesting more of his hits.” Studdard, the Grammy Award-nominated R&B, gospel and pop singer, was the winner of the second season of “American Idol.” He has recorded six studio albums, appears frequently on TV, toured extensively and has sold more than two million albums worldwide. Studdard says of this tour, “We are not only recreating some of the production elements, musicians, background singers, wardrobe and lighting that were ever present when Luther took the stage, but my heart and soul will be in every note I sing as I honor one of the greatest vocalists we’ve ever had.”

For tickets ($67), call or visit the box office, 203-438-5795 or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.