Natalie Cole brief

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

8 p.m. Wednesday, Englewood

Cole covers crooners

Natalie Cole sings her own hits alongside the tunes of Bruce Springsteen and Nat King Cole.

TELL ME MORE: Natalie Cole might always be remembered for her 1991 duet with a recording of her late father on "Unforgettable."

But the eight-time Grammy winner will be singing her own hits at bergenPAC, as well as more unexpected covers such as Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac."

In her 2006 studio album "Leavin'," Cole moved from the jazz standards she has done for about 15 years to cover R&B and pop tunes such as Fiona Apple's "Criminal," "Day Dreaming" by Aretha Franklin and even a surprisingly rich rendition of "Old Man" by Neil Young.

A sprightly 58, Cole has remained an active performer. Earlier this year, she sang for an Alberta Cancer Foundation benefit in Canada and performed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She was also in the news after the 2008 Grammy Awards for questioning Amy Winehouse's many wins.

"We have to stop rewarding bad behavior," Cole was quoted as saying. In her 2000 memoir "Angel on My Shoulder," Cole recounted her own struggle with drug addiction.

But Cole isn't one to dwell on the past — not exclusively, anyway. Her latest album, "Forgiveness," was released Sunday.

DETAILS: $37 to $127. BergenPAC, 30 N. Van Brunt St. Call 201-816-8160 or visit bergenpac.org.

— Evelyn Shih