Staff Report
Sheila E., who turns pop, jazz, and Latin sounds into energetic hits, will perform July 14 at the Santa Barbara County Fair.
She is the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter behind hits that include “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre,” but also a world-class drummer and percussionist who has worked with Beyoncé, Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Herbie Hancock, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan and George Duke.
“Sheila E. expertly blends a variety of musical styles and delivers them in a dynamic performance. We’re looking forward to the energy she’ll bring to her performance at the fair,” said Santa Maria Fairpark CEO Richard Persons.
Her collaboration with Prince helped launch her to stardom. Their Purple Rain recording sessions — including her vocals on the 1984 classic “Erotic City” — helped launch her solo career.
Her debut album, “The Glamorous Life,” spun off the Grammy Award-nominated top 10 hit of the same name along with a second top 40 single, “The Belle of St. Mark.” While a drummer, songwriter, and musical director for Prince’s backup band, she released three solo albums.
She has also released two Latin jazz albums under the name E Train, has acted in films, and published her autobiography, “The Beat of My Own Drum.”
Concert admission is free with admission to the fair, which will run from July 11-15. This year’s theme celebrates “Cowboys and Carousels.”
For more information, visit www.santamariafairpark.com or Like the fair’s Facebook page.
