Critic's Pick: Sarah Potenza

Soul singer Sarah Potenza will perform a special Valentine’s Eve show at City Winery Friday night. “I’ll be doing all my favorite love songs,” Potenza tells the Scene. “And we’ve got some dedications, too.” In advance of the show, Potenza gave her fans the chance to dedicate a special number to their partners, and she’ll also be performing those selections. Potenza will be backed at the show by John Paciga on piano, John Allen on upright bass and Jon Radford on drums. The powerhouse vocalist first gained national recognition as a contestant on Season 8 of NBC’s The Voice, which led to recording and touring opportunities. After releasing a pair of well-regarded bluesy rock records — Monster and Road to Rome — Potenza has transitioned into what she calls her “disco diva” phase. She’s working with producer/remixer Dave Audé, who has had more No. 1 hits on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart than any other producer. The pair has released several singles over the past two years and they are currently working on new recordings. “It’s the first time in my life that the big persona I have fits the music,” she says.

7 p.m. at City Winery

609 Lafayette St.