January 22. An undisputed gospel giant, Mavis Staples rose to prominence as the arresting lead voice of the legendary Staple Singers (1971’s “Respect Yourself”). Although the Staples Singers have been less active since the 2000 passing of founder Roebuck “Pops” Staples, Mavis, who this month performs at the Mahawie Theater, has remained a favorite on the soul circuit and at festivals and concert halls. She connected with a new audience in 2010 with You Are Not Alone, a set produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. (The Met Opera’s “The Enchanted Island” screens live in HD January 21 and 25; the Paul Winter Consort arrives February 4.) 7pm. $40, $45, $70. Great Barrington, Massachusetts. (419) 528-0100; www.mahaiwe.org.
This article appears in January 2012.
