Roberta Flack Kills 'Em Softly at Calgary Folk Festival

Legendary R&B singer/songwriter Roberta Flack brought the 31st Calgary Folk Festival to a close with a note-perfect set that provided a common ground for the various generations of fans that gathered at Prince's Island Park over the previous four days. Described by Festival general manager Kerry Clarke as the only "household name" at the event, Flack managed to please both ardent and casual fans with some classic hits and a surprise Bob Marley cover.

Flack, an effervescent and spry 73-year-old, didn't shy away from the hits that made her a chart regular across three decades. She pulled out the big guns early and often, including her 1983 hit (and Peabo Bryson duet) 'Tonight, I Celebrate My Love' and her signature tune, 'Killing Me Softly.' As well, her smooth cover of Bob Marley's 'No Woman, No Cry' could be interpreted as a nod to the Fugees, who also covered the Marley classic and revived Flack's career with their own version of 'Killing Me Softly' in 1996.

While her band sometimes flirted with cheesy musical interplay, Flack's astounding voice and piano virtuosity never let it slip into casino act territory. And, though she may have lacked the bravado of the weekend's other headliners, the legendary diva brought the festival to an end with elegance and class.