Cost: $23 The State Theatre 130 West College Ave. State College, PA 814-272-0606 http://www.thestatetheatre.org/Events/ Raised in Gause, Texas, a small town 180 miles southeast of Dallas, Foster grew up surrounded by the rich, soulful sounds of gospel and blues. Her outstanding voice and original music are influenced by the sounds of Sam Cooke, Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Thorpe, Sarah Vaughn, Etta James, and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Although, perhaps no one has influenced Foster like her mother, Shirley Jones, who urged her to, “Open your mouth and sing, girl!” Ruthie Foster’s songs are a remarkable hybrid of blues, gospel, roots and folk music rich with honest spirituality and emotion. Her simply amazing vocal abilities have critics comparing her to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Ruthie’s passionate songs and scintillating live performances attract both the young and old for an uplifting experience of dancing, listening, laughing and even some crying; especially when Foster rounds out the joyous occasion with her versions of show-stopping gospel standards. “Foster’s deeply soulful vocals dip into gospel and swing toward contemporary folk with R&B panache. When she sings a cappella, the heavens part.” - Margaret Moser, Austin Chronicle “Foster is a natural-born singer with a voice that is potent, unfussy, and, at times, deeply moving.” - Renee Graham, Boston Globe JT Blues JTBlues is a keyboard player and singer in the central Pennsylvania music scene. He performs solo at many clubs and events, and also plays regularly with three different bands - Maxwell Strait and The Triple A Blues Band. His own group The JTBlues Band plays many events throughout the year. JT is also a member and officer of AFM Local 660.