Joe Bourne opens Vista Fine Arts season

Joe Bourne and the trio that will accompany him.

Joe Bourne and the trio that will accompany him.

Donna Langwig

Tucson favorite Joe Bourne will open the 2016-2017 season of Vista Fine Arts with “Remembering Mr. Cole,” a tribute to Nat King Cole. Joe, with his smooth vocal quality so reminiscent of Nat’s, will be joined by a trio of Sly Slypetsky/Piano, Matt Mitchell/Guitar and Scott Black/Bass. Please join us on Sunday afternoon, October 9, at 3:00 p.m. at Vista de la Montaña Church, 3001 E. Miravista Lane in Catalina (on the west side of Oracle Road, 3.7 miles north of Tangerine).

Nat King Cole was a major force in popular music for three decades. His rich voice, warmth, intimacy and good humor allowed him to succeed with both ballads and novelties such that he scored over 100 pop chart singles and more than two dozen albums over a period of 20 years, enough to rank him behind only Sinatra as the most successful pop singer of his generation.

Joe Bourne was greatly inspired by Nat King Cole, and Joe’s own singing style is likewise smooth, mellow, warm and rich. He performs extensively throughout southern Arizona featuring a broad repertoire ranging from Popular, Jazz, Gospel and R&B music to a fusion of classical themes with easy listening arrangements. His career has taken him all over the United States and Europe making radio and TV commercials, performing with artists such as The Stylistics, Natalie Cole, The Manhattans, The Pointer Sisters and Dionne Warwick and releasing numerous CDs. His engagements have included venues and corporate events in such places as Scandinavia, Australia, Aruba, Indonesia, Great Britain, Spain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Numerous television shows culminated in a Christmas TV special with the renowned Ray Charles, filmed in Germany and televised in various markets throughout the world.

Joe’s mission statement is, “To lift the spirits of those who I have the privilege of entertaining and to have an abundance of fun while doing so.” Those who have heard Joe know this is what happens at his performances: spirits lifted and lots of fun. Join us on October 9, sit back and experience a “King Cole” moment. We promise you it will be “Unforgettable!” The concert is free. A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated. All are welcome. See you there!