Southern California singer Candye Kane has long been a powerhouse blues vocalist, capable of bringing down the house with her own style of American roots music.
Her friendship with local promoter Jeb Schoonover has meant regular visits to the Old Pueblo over the past two decades.
She’ll continue the tradition when she performs at El Casino Ballroom as part of KXCI’s “House Rockin’ Halloween” fundraiser Friday night.
The pilgrimage to Tucson is one of several appearances Kane has made to town since she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008.
Kane tours these days, not only to entertain, but to inspire others.
“A lot of people see cancer as the end,” Kane said in a phone interview from Colorado last week. “Many people will stay home and not do anything. I want to let people know that there is life after a cancer diagnosis.”
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As part of her new musical mission, Kane is touring with the album “The Power in You,” a compilation of songs taken from her previous 13 albums that she felt were the most empowering and uplifting in her repertoire.
Kane believes the tracks will help people on their journey, whatever that journey might be.
“People are experiencing financial troubles, health issues, cancer,” Kane said. “The messages in the songs are universal during difficult times.”
Purchasing the album also helps Kane pay for her medical insurance and other associated costs, according to her website, candyekane.com online.
Kane has been in and out of hospitals, undergoing extensive procedures and chemotherapy treatments since her diagnosis.
In addition to “The Power in You,” fans can also expect to hear tracks from Kane’s widely praised 2013 release, “Coming out Swingin,’” which earned the performer a “contemporary blues female artist of the year” nomination at the 2014 Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee.
Kane is appearing as part of a double bill, alongside The Paladins, San Diego’s answer to raw and raucous jump blues and rockabilly.
“I am grateful for the chance to see the towns I am accustomed to seeing and the fans that I love,” Kane said. “They give me power and make me feel better.”
