An act well known for her soulful performance two years ago will make a return to the State Theatre, bringing a blend of blues.

Singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster will perform at 8 tonight at the State Theatre. Tickets are on sale for $23.

Mike Negra, executive director of the State Theatre, said Foster's last performance in October 2007 was one of the "top three" concerts he has seen at the venue.

"Her voice and attitude make her have a fabulous stage presence," Negra said. "The State Theatre is a perfect venue to see her."

Foster, born in central Texas, has a voice that has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. After taking in a variety of musical genres, she began to write her own songs, learn the guitar and the play the piano at age 11.

She's joined by opening act and local mainstay John Thompson, known as JT Blues, who performs in Central Pennsylvania as a blues keyboard player.

A student of the blues himself, JT Blues left his home in Bellefonte to perform in the South for nearly 30 years before returning home to Pennsylvania. JT Blues now plays local venues.

JT Blues said he received a call from the State Theatre offering him a spot to open for Foster.

"I've been on their radar for a while, and they thought this was a good fit for me," JT Blues said.

He's known about Foster's work for several years, and he thinks his bluesy piano style will mesh well with hers.

Negra doesn't expect the show to sell out, but he said this is a great opportunity to discover a new artist.

"It's a rare opportunity to see her in a small venue," Negra said.