Review and photographs by Fred Rudofsky

The toughest girl alive, indeed…

Exuding power, resilience, courage, optimism and a pure joy in living, Candye Kane’s voice rang through the length and width of Pauly’s Hotel in Albany. It was a Saturday night of blues music to spend with the self-described “toughest girl alive,” two sets that no one who attended will ever forget.

With more than 10 albums to her credit, Kane has a deep repetoire. On this particular night, in songs and stories, she often drew upon her experiences growing up in southern California – and especially the recent crisis she has faced – in candid, life-affirming ways.

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