Singer-songwriter Alfie Zappacosta is continually challenging himself to evolve.
“You should be testing yourself if you love it,” said Zappacosta about music. “It is just constantly learning.”
He said he grabs his guitar every day to ensure he’s evolving as an artist and can give fans the best performances when they see him live.
Zappacosta hasn’t visited Nanaimo in quite some time, but said he’s looking forward to saying ‘hello’ and singing the songs people love when he performs at Simon Holt on Sunday (Dec. 6).
“If you can’t entertain people with your art … then you don’t belong here,” he said.
He’ll be strumming on guitar, accompanied by piano player Andrew Glover.
“He’s a wonderful jazz pianist,” said Zappacosta.
It’s an acoustic performance with an emphasis on lyrics.
“I’ve been doing a stripped-down version of my stuff for a long time,” said Zappacosta. “There is something wonderful about having it stripped down.”
Zappacosta, who started his music career in his teens, gained fame early in his career for his baritone voice. In 1990 he took to the stage and portrayed Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar and Che Guevara in Evita.
“I did a lot of theatre. It’s a crazy business,” said Zappacosta. “It was a rewarding time in my life doing the theatre gigs.”
Zappacosta has been working on a new album he plans to release in the new year. It takes a look back over his 40-year career and the songs people remember and cherish, such as We Should Be Lovers.
“There was a passion and a simplicity of words,” said Zappacosta about the song.
Zappacosta performs at 7:30 p.m. with special guest Teri Puckett. Tickets are $22 and are available by calling 250-933-3338, at the restaurant and at the door.
For more information about Zappacosta please go to www.iamzappacosta.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com