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Danny Zelisko presents Valley legend Jerry Riopelle at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 31st at the intimate Celebrity Theatre-in-the-round.  

There’s no mistaking Jerry Riopelle’s distinctive brand of hard driving roots rock. Heavy doses of rhythm and blues, rock and country, flavored with a unique mix of jazz and reggae sounds.

In 1974, following the release of Riopelle’s third album Saving Grace, he performed as the support act for Dr. John at the legendary Celebrity Theatre on New Year’s Eve. That, coupled with the heavy radio play of Riopelle’s hits including "Walkin’ on Water," "Blues on my Table," "Red Ball Texas Flyer" and "Naomi’s Song" ensured that would be the last time Riopelle would be the opening act for anyone again in Arizona. Up until his recent state of “semi-retirement,” Riopelle played almost every New Year’s Eve in Phoenix, and to this day still has an extremely loyal following.

In 2005, Phoenix mayor, Phil Gordon, proclaimed Dec. 31st ‘Jerry Riopelle Day.’ In 2007, Riopelle was inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. His songs have been covered by numerous artists including Herb Alpert, Joan Baez, Leon Russell, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge and Meat Loaf.

Riopelle chose the Valley of the Sun, where his headlining New Year’s Eve gigs are the stuff of legend, over Silicon Valley to set up his company, Beamz Interactive. He splits his time between his residence in Scottsdale and his home in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets ($55 and $95) are on sale now at Celebrity Theatre or online at www.celebritytheatre.com. To charge by phone, call 602-267-1600 ext.1. All tickets are subject to a surcharge. Celebrity Theatre is located at 440 N. 32nd St., in Phoenix.

Contact Info cost Website: www.celebritytheatre.com