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Best-selling artist Richard Marx coming to JPAC in September

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Richard Marx

JANESVILLE — The singer of late-'80s hit love songs "Hold On to the Nights" and "Right Here Waiting" will take the stage at Janesville Performing Arts Center in September.

Solo artist Richard Marx will be the 7th anniversary celebration artist for two shows Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18. Janesville's Sapphire String Quartet will accompany him.

Executive Director Emily Gruenewald announced the artist for the JPAC fundraiser at a reveal party Wednesday night. The fundraiser brings in 25 to 30 percent of the performing art center's annual budget, she said.

JPAC featured tribute bands ABBA Mania and American English the last two years, which were fun, she said.

"But we really wanted to go with a standalone artist this year," she said.

The best-selling adult contemporary artist will be a good fit for Janesville, she said.

Marx has sold more than 30 million albums and written 13 No. 1 songs. Aside from his own hits, Marx became a top producer working with artists including 'N Sync, Barbra Streisand, Josh Groban, Vince Gill, Luther Vandross and Kenny Rogers. More recently, he has written and produced records for Daughtry, Leann Rimes, Travis Tritt, Emerson Drive, Natalie Cole, Keith Urban, Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton and actor Hugh Jackman.

Tickets for Sunday's show will again be $10 each, which has resulted in sold-out shows the last two years.

"I do expect it to be a sell-out again," Gruenewald said.

Presenting sponsors Blain's Farm & Fleet and M&I Bank, as well as supporting sponsors Johnson Bank, Baker Tilly and Ace Hardware, make the show possible, she said.