New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The soulful and instantly recognizable voice of Michael McDonald will fill The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, November 16, at 8 p.m. The American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, composer, and record producer has netted five GRAMMY Awards in the span of four decades, from ’70s-era Doobie Brothers classics such as “What a Fool Believes” and solo hits like “I Gotta Try.” Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at www.zeiterion.org, or at the Zeiterion Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 508-997-5664 x123. More information is available at zeiterion.org.
McDonald has achieved massive success with influential bands Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers and also as a solo artist. He has collaborated with a “who’s who” roster of iconic singers, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Vince Gill, Kenny Loggins, Van Halen and Grizzly Bear. He’s written a song for “South Park” and appeared on “30 Rock,” and he and cohorts Donald Fagen and Boz Scaggs and an 11-piece soul super group recently released their first live DVD.
Originally from St. Louis, McDonald moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s. After sharpening his talent, he joined Steely Dan for four albums, from “Katy Lied” to “Gaucho.” He became a key part of the group’s sound, singing background vocals on songs such as “Black Friday” and “Peg.” In the mid-’70s, McDonald joined The Doobie Brothers as its singer, keyboardist and songwriter on such hits as “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute By Minute” and “What A Fool Believes.”
In 1982, McDonald released his first solo album, “If That’s What It Takes,” featuring a duet he recorded with his sisters, Kathy and Maureen, entitled “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).” McDonald’s solo career saw success during the ‘80s and ’90s with hits such as “Sweet Freedom,” “On My Own,” a duet with Patti LaBelle, and the GRAMMY-winning duet with James Ingram “Yah Mo B There.” In 2008, McDonald released the acclaimed crossover album “Soul Speak,” which hit three different charts simultaneously.
Tickets for Michael McDonald are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and two hours before each performance.
