BENTON HARBOR — Prominent singer Art Garfunkel kicked off 2017 by launching his In Close-Up tour that opened with three sold-out shows, followed by a string of dates in the U.S., France, and Italy. He brings his live concert tour to The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26.

Garfunkel’s tour, with guitarist Tab Laven and keyboardist Dave Mackay, encompasses his solo hits, Simon & Garfunkel songs, cuts from his favorite songwriters — Jimmy Webb, Randy Newman and George Gershwin — and parts of his newly released autobiography.

Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Arts officials said Garfunkel’s recent tour showed himself to be an artist of note and a singer whose voice can still resonate extraordinary songs.

Blessed with what The New York Times described as a “beautiful countertenor,” Garfunkel’s legacy has made a mark on the music world as both a solo artist and half of the unrivaled Simon & Garfunkel. He has also enjoyed a film career, published a book of prose poems, and released 12 original solo albums, the most recent being “Some Enchanted Evening.” Then, in 2012, he most proudly released his life’s body of work, a 2-CD compendium, “The Singer.”

In 2016 Garfunkel toured heavily and continued work on his book, “What Is It All but Luminous (Notes from an Underground Man),” which was released this September by Alfred A. Knopf. The book covers the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member and Diamond-selling singer’s eclectic life encompassing early memories growing up in Queens, New York, success with Simon & Garfunkel, his foray into acting in the 1970s and ‘80s, as well as poetic ruminations on love, loss, and fatherhood.

Those interested in learning more can visit Garfunkel’s website, where he chronicles – in order – every book he has read since 1968 (all 1,246 of them), his 60 favorite songs of all time, acting credits, poetry, and discography: www.artgarfunkel.com

Tickets for Art Garfunkel: In-Close Up are on sale at TheMendelCenter.com, through The Mendel Center box office at (269) 927-8700, option 1, and in person weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the box office located in The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Discounts are available for seniors, students and children, active military members, and veterans.

Groups of 10 or more receive discounts when orders are placed through The Mendel Center box office or online. Contact the box office about reserving private pre- and post-show party areas and transform your show experience into an employee appreciation party, a gathering of good friends, or other celebration.

This performance is sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation and The Herald Palladium.

The 1,559-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theatre offers state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating in elegant surroundings. Other amenities include a new assistive listening system, free parking, handicap accessibility, and an array of special services including valet parking, catering and bar service for private pre- and post-show events, booster seats for children, non-spill cups for beverages inside the theatre, and premium seats in the Stage Side section.

The Mendel Center is located on the Lake Michigan College campus at 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. The Mendel Center is one mile east of I-94 (Exit 30) and one mile west of the US 31 Bypass (exit 24).

For more information, visit: Facebook @mendelcenter; Instagram @TheMendelCenter; Twitter @TheMendelCenter or TheMendelCenter.com.

If you go:

What: Art Garfunkel: In-Close Up

Where: The Mendel Center Mainstage at Lake Michigan College

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, 2018

Cost: $38, $52, $66, $80