Tuesday, March 16: Sellersville Theater: 24 West Temple Avenue; Sellersville, PA; 215.290.6912; www.st94.com; 8:00 p.m.; $25 general, $39.50 cabaret.
Produced by Stephen Bruton, Peace, Love & BBQ finds Marcia Ball at a creative peak, writing or co-writing eight of the thirteen songs on the CD. From intense soul ballads to can't-sit-still party songs to straight-from-the-heart lyrical storytelling, the album will delight and inspire Ball's longtime fans and will certainly turn many newcomers into believers. With guests Dr. John, Wayne Toups, Tracy Nelson and Terrance Simien lending a hand, the music moves effortlessly through a range of emotions, so the listener may be dancing one minute and be deeply moved the next.
Since the 2001 release of her Alligator debut Presumed Innocent, Ball has received more popular and critical acclaim than ever before. Billboard called the CD A stellar collection." So Many Rivers, her 2003 follow-up, continued the trend. Billboard again fueled the excitement, saying, Ball is a consummate pro -- a killer pianist, a great singer and songwriter. Powerful. Righteous." Live! Down the Road followed in 2005 with equally impressive praise across the board. The Boston Globe called the CD, An irresistible, celebratory blend of rollicking, two-fisted New Orleans piano, Louisiana swamp rock and smoldering Texas blues from a compelling storyteller."
Now, with Peace, Love & BBQ and a long list of high profile tour dates, Ball will bring her blend of Texas roadhouse boogie and Louisiana swamp blues to fans everywhere. Radio and critics continue to sing her praises. No Depression says, Ball takes her Louisiana R&B and soul from a stomp to the swamp and back. Relentless tunefulness and finely-honed storytelling make for a truly enjoyable ride." With her new CD and tour, Marcia Ball invites all her fans to ride with her as she spreads peace and love -- and enjoys plenty of BBQ -- all around the world.