Tenderly: The Life & Times of Nat King Cole

Tenderly is such an inspirational and moving show! A beautifully presented tribute to Nat King Cole and other influential performers of the time. Duane's respect for this legendary icon shines a beautiful light throughout the show! ... full review

Every second was engaging. Duane Forrest is as magnetic as he is talented. He invoked not just Nat King Cole, but Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong as well, and tied it all together with his own personal experiences. Moving and tragic and poignant and important. ... full review

Well researched and thoughtfully chosen music... full review

Well-paced and well-told story. Smooth music performance.... full review

This show was absolutely incredible. The title would have you reasonably believe this was a show entirely focused on Nat King Cole, which is already a huge draw, but it was so much more. Structured as a tribute to Cole, presented by talented musician Duane Forrest, this show moves seamlessly between the life and times of Nat King Cole as promised, Black history and the struggle for equality, and Forrest’s own personal stories of being a Black musician in Toronto, born to Jamaican parents. Forrest talks about other Black musicians, like Louis Armstrong who inspired Nat King Cole, his contemporary Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, and many more. He showcases his amazing musical talents, weaving his renditions of the songs of Cole and the other musi... full review

We loved the show. The music was lovely and the stories were moving. ... full review

Duane is absolutely charming. His singing and storytelling totally engage the audience and draw you in. So glad we ventured out to see this Canadian artist perform. Welcome to LA, Duane!... full review

Through chatting and performing classic American vocal jazz standards, Duane Forrest grapples with the times we are living in whilst looking back to the Civil Rights era as his own music career evolves in the present and the memory of Nat King Cole lingers long after the song has ended. “The music is the magic through a raging storm.” — Abbey Lincoln "The answer to injustice is not to silence the critic but to end the injustice." — Paul Robeson ... full review