Divapalooza closing artist series

Imagine Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and Bette Midler all together on one stage ? three solo artists combining to blow the roof off the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts.

That, in a nutshell, is the experience of Divapalooza, scheduled at 7:30 p.m. May 14.

Their names may not be as familiar, but the ladies in the coming trio have each garnered well deserved comparisons to their more famous counterparts. Janelle Lauer tears it up as the explosive rhythm and blues powerhouse. Jane Pini is the embodiment of a true ?60s Woodstock rocker. Lynne Rothrock hits the perfect balance between elegant, beautiful vocals and saucy, hilarious stage banter.

?When these three get together, there is something for everyone ? rhythm and blues, jazz, musical theater, rock and roll, folk, country ? you name it, they will nail it,? said Rustin Lippincott, executive director of the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center. ?They will also bring a band of the finest musicans and backup singers in the Midwest.?

Tickets for Divapalooza are $12-$18 and available at the ticket office, by calling 472-2787 or online at www.fairfieldacc.com. A video of Divapalooza is available on the website.

A pre-concert reception is scheduled at 6:30 p.m., complete with Yummy?s treats, Cedar Valley wine and other beverages, provided by presenting sponsor Sally Denney.

Divapalooza is the final performance in the current artist series.