Kyle Riabko, nationally-acclaimed singer/actor of Broadway’s “Hair” and “Spring Awakening,” will perform songs from his latest album Richard Rodgers Reimagined at The Berman Center For the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Riabko takes classic favorites and reinterprets them with pop/rock elements. His latest album, Richard Rodgers Reimagined, was inspired by a “fan letter” Rodgers had written to Burt Bacharach. In the album, Riabko deftly explores an icon of American music, creatively reinterpreting Rodgers’ classics through how own energetic pop/rock aesthetic.

Here is a preview of the album.

Here’s a little more about Riabko.

How did you get your start as a musician?

I grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and there is an amazing music scene in that city. It’s the home of Joni Mitchell – she grew up there. So I started out playing in Blues Bars and cafes in Saskatoon from the age of 10, and spent years honing my craft in front of an audience. Then at the age of 16, I signed a record deal with Columbia records in New York, which really pushed me forward into the music world, and allowed me to tour the world, mostly as an opening act for musicians and bands like John Mayer, James Brown, Jason Mraz, BB King and Maroon 5.

What was it like performing on Broadway in “Hair” and “Spring Awakening”?

It was great! I didn’t grow up knowing anything about theater, so these things sort of happened by accident – I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and those two shows were more geared towards a “pop/rock” sound.

What inspired you to write “Richard Rodgers Reimagined”?

I’ll tell the story at the show on Saturday, but basically it was an outgrowth of my time spent with the brilliant songwriter Burt Bacharach, who has become a mentor of mine over the last six years. I developed a show called Bacharach Reimagined with him, and during that process I found out that he and Richard Rodgers had a mutual admiration for each other, so I thought it only made sense to focus my energy on Rodgers’ music.

What makes a song special to you? If someone were to write you a song, what would really knock you off your feet?

Any song with a great, simple melody and truthful lyrics is special to me. That could be anything from a Bob Dylan three-chord special to a beautiful Rodgers and Hart ballad. I just love music.

Are you excited to visit Detroit?

Very much so! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Detroit many times over the years and I’ve always had great experiences there … and great food.

What should audiences know about your live performance this weekend?

They should come ready for some fresh new interpretations of songs they know and love. I’ll sing some songs, tell some stories, and let loose on a few guitar solos here and there. It should be a really fun time.

Anything else you want to share with us?

I’m just thankful to be invited to play in Detroit and looking forward to sharing my music with you guys. See you soon!

Kyle Riabko: Richard Rodgers Reimagined
Saturday, October 27/8:00 p.m.
Admission: $43 – $50
Jewish Community Center members: $38 – $45
Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.  Call (248) 661-1900 for more information.

  BB King, Broadway stars, Burt Bacharach, Hair, James Brown, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Kyle Riabko, Maroon 5, Richard Rogers Reimagined, Spring Awakening, The Berman