Legend to play Maryhill Winery

For those not familiar with the Winery and the state-of-the art amphitheater built last year (replacing the temporary staging the winery has used in the past) -- concert goers will be in for a significant surprise.

Winery founder Craig Luethold built the concert facility with one goal in mind -- to attract the top touring acts in the world to his winery and to host thousands of wine and music fans during the concerts.

John Legend tickets are priced from $46 to $65 plus service charges.

Whether you call it "fate" or "destiny" or "a calling," the fact is that some people are born to sing and create music. If you ask any of the "legends" in the music business, chances are you'll get a variation on the idea that music is and always has been the artist's most natural expression.

The industry's latest "legend" -- John Legend, actually -- reveals that from the age of five or six, he expected to be "discovered."

"I used to watch Michael Jackson on television and I figured I could do what he was doing." Music has been the central theme in the life of Legend (born John Stephens) for as long as he can remember and now, some 20-odd years later, this multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, arranger and producer is fulfilling his childhood dreams and ambitions.

Legend demonstrates a rare ability to fuse the "feel" and vibe of classic old school soul music with the edgy flavor of 21st century hip-hop. While the romantic themes of traditional R&B permeate Legend's 2004 release of Get Lifted, there's also a street-worthy hip-ness and confidence: the sensuality of Marvin Gaye and the sincerity of Stevie Wonder merging with the directness of Snoop Dogg and the wit of Kanye West.

Yet, Legend is very much his own artist, gifted with singular talents and a unique sensibility. With his latest album -- Evolver -- released in late 2008, Legend brings soulfulness and comforting quality -- which is why the Obama Campaign unofficially chose "If You're Out There" as a theme song. Legend appeared during the Democratic National Convention playing the song to a world wide viewing audience.

Now, Legend is coming to the Maryhill Winery to perform from his three top selling albums.

Opening for John Legend will be India.Arie -- the Grammy Award winning artist brings her soulful songwriting talents along a new album: "Testimony: Vol 2 '' Love and Politics."