Angelique Kidjo to Perform at Ridgefield Playhouse, 2/20

The multitalented, internationally renowned, Grammy Award winning Angélique Kidjo doesn't do anything half way. In January 2014, she released a new studio album, Eve, as well as an autobiography entitled, Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music, which features a forward by Alicia Keys and a preface by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Kidjo's new album includes varied collaborations with artists such as Dr. John, Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij and the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg. She will be in concert at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, February 20, at 8 p.m. demonstrating why she is one of Africa's most celebrated musicians and humanitarians. As Bill Clinton says, "The only thing bigger than Angélique Kidjo's voice is her heart." Boasting a 30-year musical career with countless awards and distinctions, Angélique has worked with Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Josh Groban and many more to bring her uplifting music to the world. A free wine and cheese tasting and African Mask Art by African Heritage Collection will take place in the lobby at 7:15 p.m. This event is partially underwritten by African Heritage Collection and is part of the Doyle Coffin Architecture Singer/Songwriter and No. 109 Art, Wine and Jazz Series. Southwest Café (109 Danbury Rd., Ridgefield) will pour a free margarita with lunch or dinner the day of the show when tickets/stubs are presented.

Born in Benin (West Africa), Angélique Kidjo is deemed "Africa's premier diva" by Time magazine. Kidjo was listed by the UK Guardian as one of the most Inspirational Women in the world. When she is not recording or touring, Angélique is busy travelling as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and working with her NPO, the Batonga Foundation, which provides educational aid to young African girls, in her spirit of inspiring and empowering.

For tickets ($50), call the box office (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.