• By Mabel Pais

The iconic PATTI LABELLE brings her 80/65 Tour to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The legendary singer, author, and actress, who has won multiple Grammy Awards, is celebrating 65 years in show business at 80 years young on February 8, 2025. Patti Labelle, also known as the ‘godmother of soul,’ will grace the NJPAC stage, performing all her chart-topping hits.

Her illustrious career began as the lead singer of the renowned group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, later known as Labelle, and she achieved worldwide fame with the release of the disco classic ‘Lady Marmalade.’

LaBelle spent 16 years as lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, who changed their name to Labelle in the early 1970s and released the iconic disco song, ‘Lady Marmalade.’ LaBelle’s solo career she delivered unforgettable hits such as ‘On My Own,’ ‘If You Asked Me To,’ ‘Stir It Up,’ and ‘New Attitude’ and R&B ballads such as ‘You Are My Friend,’ ‘If Only You Knew’ and ‘Love, Need and Want You.’

With over 50 million records sold globally, Patti Labelle’s remarkable contributions have earned her a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Apollo Hall of Fame. Notably, Rolling Stone magazine recognized her as one of the ‘100 Greatest Singers.’

TICKETS

Tickets to see Patti Labelle are available by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888. G.O.NJPAC (888.466.5722).

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ACTOR-COMEDIAN-HUMANITARIAN CHRIS TUCKER RETURNS TO NJPAC FOR HIS VALENTINE’S SPECIAL

•  By Mabel Pais

Following past multiple sold-out performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), internationally recognized, award-winning actor, producer and comedian CHRIS TUCKER will return for his latest headlining engagement on Valentine’s Evening. Get ready to share laughs with your loved one on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.

FILM

He is best known for his iconic roles of Detective James Carter in the blockbuster ‘Rush Hour’ action-comedy film series, starring opposite Jackie Chan under the direction of Brett Ratner and for his appearances on HBO’s ‘Def Comedy Jam.’

When Chris Tucker takes the stage, anything can happen. You know him from beloved films such as ‘Friday,’ ‘Jackie Brown,’ ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ ‘AIR,’ ‘The Fifth Element,’ ‘Money Talks,’ and from ‘Def Comedy Jam.’

Most recently, Chris was seen on the big screen starring opposite Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis in the Amazon Studio hit ‘AIR.’  He currently appears in the Oscar nominated film ‘Silver Lining Playbook’ with Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.

PRODUCER/COMEDY

He has also made a name for himself as a producer with projects like the hit movie ‘Money Talks’ and the 2015 Netflix-exclusive stand-up film ‘Chris Tucker Live,’ marking the first project he starred in and produced through his own company, Chris Tucker Entertainment. He currently tours around the world performing live comedy shows, which have received rave reviews globally.

EARLY CAREER

Tucker’s career began in the early 1990s when he became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam. He then rose to prominence with his first starring role, in the 1995 cult classic Friday, alongside Ice Cube. In 1997, Tucker executive produced and co-starred with Charlie Sheen in the hit movie ‘Money Talks,’ directed by Ratner, and also appeared in Luc Besson’s globally successful sci-fi adventure ‘The Fifth Element.’ His other film credits include the Hughes brothers’ ‘Dead Presidents,’ Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown,’ David O’Russell’s award-winning hit ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ and Ang Lee’s ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.’

HUMANITARIAN

Beyond his professional achievements on stage and screen, Tucker is a dedicated humanitarian, spending much of his spare time traveling the world, doing charitable work through The Chris Tucker Foundation. By making a difference, he truly believes we are blessed to be a blessing.

TICKETS

Get ready to laugh your head off with your loved one at Christ Tucker’s Valentine Day’s Special, by visiting NJPAC.org or the box office, or calling 888.GO. NJPAC.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

NJPAC located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.

Follow NJPAC Online:

Website:    njpac.org

Twitter: NJPAC

Instagram: NJPAC

Hashtag: NJPAC

Facebook:   facebook.com/NJPAC

YouTube:    NJPACtv

Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

Website: njpac.org/takeastand

Hashtag: NJPACTakeAStand

Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist.

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)