Up and coming soul songstress Goapele comes to Montgomery tonight for a show at Trendz Bar and Grill, 1355 East Blvd.

Goapele (pronounced "gwa-PAY-lay") has been getting critical acclaim from publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard Essence and Vibe for her releases, including her debut EP, "Closer," the follow-up album "Even Closer" and her latest album, "Change It All."

The Oakland native is also a favorite of some of her musical peers, including The Roots, Talib Kweli, Magic Johnson, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

The granddaughter of German holocaust survivors and South Africans who lived through apartheid, Goapele puts emotion into her music and has several songs that encourage community action in taking care of local neighborhoods and the planet's resources.

She and the people at her family-owned record label, SkyBlaze Recordings, have founded an online community, ChangeItAll.org, which presents Goapele's musical message, highlights political and social change-makers and provides a forum for her fans to network and create ways to promote action and creativity.

The night will open up with a meet and greet with singer Avant.

Avant, who's previous hits include "My First Love," "Makin' Good Love" and "Don't Say No, Just Say Yes," is currently on the charts with a guest appearance on the remix to the Pussycat Dolls' "Stickwitu."

His latest release, "Director," hits stores on March 28.

Doors open tonight at 7 p.m. and the first 50 ladies get in free.
-- Montgomery Advertiser