On April 19, 2017 I fulfilled my bucket list entry of seeing Aretha Franklin perform live at a gala event held at Radio City Music Hall in New York honoring record mogul Clive Davis. All the stars came out that night; Jennifer Hudson, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Earth Wind and Fire and Carly Simon but frankly for me the highlight was “The Queen” herself – radiant Aretha – introduced to thunderous applause who lauded the honoree and then broke into “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Women.”  By clicking here, you can see the video and read about the evening that was a watershed moment for me.Sadly, Aretha passed away a year later on August 16, 2018 and the soul / gospel music world was without their Queen. 

Woodbridge residents at  Fox Hill Run,  Forest View, Evergreen East, Evergreen Forest and Cloverleaf Gardens can take comfort and great pleasure in knowing that the Avenel Performing Arts Center will be presenting “Voice of the Century” star Cece Teneal in a dynamic musical tribute production entitled, “PORTRAIT OF A QUEEN;  A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN – QUEEN OF SOUL” from April 8 thru April 10. The first 2 performances (4/8 & 4/9) begin at 8pm and the last performance on 4/10 begins at 3pm. 

Teneal says that “as a child singing along with Aretha’s records taught me how to skillfully use my voice as an instrument, appreciate the art and science of creating a musical experience, and exuding excellence in musicality. It’s my pleasure to produce a full concert with Aretha’s music. I want to keep giving the people something they can feel!”

Cece has traveled the world and been on stage with Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang and blues icon B.B. King. A true inspiring pro in her own rite, Cece has been nominated for three Independent Music Awards and claimed the title for 2011 Best Gospel Song (“I Heard you Praying”) and Best R&B Album. Her other accolades include the 2015 Touch the Mic “Muse” Award, and 2017 Orlando Legacy Award. After touring as the leading lady for B.B. King’s Blues Club musical production on board Holland America Cruise Lines, CeCe produced and performed this tribute to Aretha Franklin entitled “Portrait of a Queen”. Click here for a video preview and get excited for Cece’s stirring tribute performance! 

To buy tickets for this event click here and you’ll be on your way to the palace of sound where the Queen of soul music once stood. 

Visit BestrentNJ.com’s Apartment Locator page where the Garden State’s outstanding residential properties can always be found.