Karen Carpenter (1950-1983) remains, more than forty years after her death, a beloved and iconic figure in the music business. She was the frontwoman for the popular duo The Carpenters along with her brother Richard.
The pair had a string of hits. Songs like "Yesterday Once More," "Close to You," and "We've Only Just Begun" endeared them to millions and cemented they status as musical legends. Karen was particularly admired for her smooth vocals, with Rolling Stone Magazine naming her as one of the 100 greatest singers of all time.
In spite of her success Karen Carpenter led a troubled life. For years she suffered from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa, which led to her early death at age 32.
Bay Area singer Laurie Roldan is a huge fan of Karen's and will be performing "Laurie Roldan Sings a Song for You: a Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter" on August 17 and 25 at the Gateway Theater in San Francisco. The concerts will serve as a benefit for 42nd Street Moon.
Roldan is a Bay Area native who grew up in Moraga. As early as age four she was singing along to Karen Carpenter records. She began to perform in middle school and has been performing ever since, and has been seen in both musical theater and cabaret. In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Roldan spoke of what Karen Carpenter means to her.
"Karen was my idol growing up," Roldan said. "I used to lay by my parents' stereo speakers and sing along to her records. I believe something about her voice has always been comforting to me. My mom used to exercise to her music and this made me closer to my mom and closer to Karen as well."
Roldan added that she won't be playing Karen in the concert, she'll be appearing as herself. She does, however, play the drums for a few numbers, as did Karen Carpenter.
"I love to sing music that inspires and uplifts others," she said. "I love to sing music that has a message. Songs with a story that moves people. I was told by a mentor of mine that singing is my natural obligation in life."
A life in song
The show is autobiographical, according to Roldan. It's the story of her life told through many of the Carpenters' hit songs.
"As we all have so many ups and downs in our lives, my show was created to inspire and uplift people to never give up on their unique purpose and their dreams," she said. "The music takes the audience on a nostalgic journey which can be cathartic and inspiring. It's about not giving up, embracing the idea that it's never too late to learn something new. My wish is to empower others to rediscover their passion and purpose and embrace that ideal."
Roldan will be joined by guest vocalists Deborah Del Maestro, Jordan Smith and Monica Rose Slater, each of whom will sing a duet with her. There will also be a kids' ensemble, six children who will join her at the end of the show to perform the song "Sing."
"I love to feature other singers in my show as part of my message, supporting and lifting each other up," she said.
Even though there was a sadness to Karen Carpenter due to her battle with anorexia, Roldan feels that the Carpenter legacy is ultimately uplifting.
"She was one of the greatest singers of all time," said Roldan. "She captivated people with her unique, soothing, smooth voice."
Laurie Roldan sings 'A Song for You: A Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter,' August 17 at 7pm, August 25 at 3pm, Gateway Theater, 215 Jackson St. $39-$49.
42ndstmoon.vbotickets.com
www.laurieroldan.com
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