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Singer Candi Staton will belt out a few at home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the first time in 30 years, Atlantans will have the rare opportunity to see soul singer Candi Staton perform in her hometown this week.
The veteran vocalist will perform a mini concert at 3 p.m. Saturday at Aurora Coffee in Little Five Points. The Criminal Records-sponsored gig will help introduce local fans to Staton’s new, critically acclaimed album, “His Hands,” her first secular recording in 24 years.
“I call them my life songs,” the Stone Mountain resident told Buzz Tuesday. “It’s about dealing with the relationships in your life.” She paused, laughed and added: “And I’ve had a lot of failed ones, so I know what I’m talkin’ about, too!”
Staton is trying to adjust to her quiet life here in the American South, where she remains virtually unrecognized after a much-heralded tour in Europe, where U.S. soul singers are hugely popular.
“They treat me like royalty,” Staton said. “There were maybe 15 different reporters in the hotel lobby all lined up, waiting to talk to me over there. It’s really amazing.”
Overseas, a dance version of Staton’s “You Got the Love” remains lodged on the charts after 15 weeks as well.
Slowly but surely, Staton and veteran soul singer Bettye LaVette, who recently released her own comeback album, “I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise,” and also performed a sold-out show in Little Five Points, are receiving their “propers” in their native country.
“Back in the day, we were competing with Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight,” Staton explained. “That’s some tough competition, especially when your record label isn’t lobbying for you. Now, we’re finally being heard, and it’s wonderful. Sometimes, the seasons just come a little later. I’m hoping my season has finally arrived.”
Staton’s Saturday concert is free. Aurora Coffee is at 468 Moreland Ave.
Chris Tucker to star in Bollywood remake
Atlantan Chris Tucker will star in a Hollywood remake of a Bollywood hit about a gangster who enrolls in medical school, according to a newspaper report.
“Munnabhai M.B.B.S.,” a hit in India and among South Asians living abroad, will be remade as “Gangster M.D.,” director Mira Nair was quoted as telling the Mumbai Mirror in Monday’s editions.
“Chris Tucker will be playing the main character in the film,” said Nair, adding that she may cast some actors from the 2003 Bollywood original.
Filming is expected to begin after Tucker, 33, finishes work on “Rush Hour 3,” to be directed by Brett Ratner and co-starring Jackie Chan.
Nair, who splits her time between homes in New York and Uganda, directed “Vanity Fair,” “Monsoon Wedding,” “Mississippi Masala” and “Salaam Bombay!”
Sick bay
A complication from back surgery has forced Luciano Pavarotti to postpone five June dates on his worldwide farewell tour, his manager said Tuesday.
Performances in the Canadian cities of Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and a U.S. date in Washington, have been delayed until October, said Terri Robson, Pavarotti’s London-based manager.
Last month, the 70-year-old tenor released a statement saying he expected to recover in time for the June dates.
“However, he went on to develop an infection during his stay in the hospital,” Robson said. “This condition has unfortunately delayed his recovery time.”
Pavarotti was staying in New York to continue with intensive physical therapy, his manager said.
His farewell tour was expected to resume in July with shows in the United Kingdom. Tickets from the postponed dates will be good for the October shows.
“Luciano apologizes to his many disappointed fans for having to reschedule these concerts,” Robson said. “Happily, he is now well on his way to recovery and very much looks forward to continue celebrating his career with the Pavarotti Worldwide Farewell Tour.”
Celebrity birthdays
Actor-director Clint Eastwood is 76. Singer Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary is 68. Actress Sharon Gless (“Cagney and Lacey,” “Queer as Folk”) is 63. Actor Gregory Harrison is 56. Actor Tom Berenger is 56. Comedian Chris Elliott is 46. Actor Kyle Secor (“Commander in Chief,” “Homicide: Life on the Street”) is 46. Actress Lea Thompson (“Caroline in the City”) is 45. Singer Corey Hart is 44. Rapper DMC of Run-DMC is 42. Actress Brooke Shields is 41. Actor Colin Farrell is 30.
Contributing: news services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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