by Brittney Williams 

Michael Bolton, the soulful, multi-Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter will be performing for the first time on stage in the Bronx on Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m. 

The performance will be at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West in Bedford Park.

Before Bolton plays, jazz pianist Chris Gillespie will warm up the crowd with a small performance as part of the pre-concert benefit reception. The event kicks off at 6pm at Lehman Center’s lobby.

Michael Bolton, born Michael Bolotin, learned how to play the saxophone at age seven and taught himself the guitar at age 14.  He started off playing in a rock band called the Nomads, but soon realized his earning power came from songwriting. During the 80’s, Bolton wrote several hit songs for stars such as Cher and Barbara Streisand, later releasing a romantic ballad, “That’s What Love Is All About.” The song reached the top of the singles chart. With his success, he changed his style to writing and singing pop ballads and classical songs.

With his newfound calling, he became more successful than he had ever been. He has sold over 53 million albums and singles, won 6 American Music Awards on top of multiple Grammys and recorded eight top 10 albums. His opera song, “My Secret Passion,” stayed number one of the Billboard classical chart for seven consecutive weeks, a first for a pop singer.

This concert is one of many on Bolton’s world tour. The international vocalist will be performing hits such as “When a Man loves a Woman” and “Georgia on My Mind.”  Other than performing worldwide, Bolton writes songs, records and occasionally makes appearances in films and television.

Tickets are $65, $85, $100, and $125. They can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to 5 p.m, and 12 noon on June 7th, or online at www.LehmanCenter.org.