Melissa Etheridge rocks MGM Grand at Foxwoods

Melissa Etheridge called her 2011 hits collection "Icon" and, as a confessional rock singer-songwriter and a gay rights activist, the title is completely appropriate.

Her indelible and powerful voice, which rains melodies even though she sounds like she's gargling cracker crumbs while she sings, has such tunes as "Similar Features," "Bring Me Some Water" and "Ain't It Heavy."

"Fearless Love" is the title of her lastest album of new material.

Along the way, she's won two Grammys, numerous Billboard Music Awards and even a Best Original Song Oscar for "I Need to Wake Up" from the film "An Inconvenient Truth." She's also survived breast cancer and penned a bestselling memoir.

Fans suggest her greatest strength, though, may be performing onstage. You can compare and contrast Sunday when Etheridge appears at the MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods.

- RICK KOSTER

Melissa Etheridge, 7 p.m. Sunday, MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods; $25-$45; 1-800-200-2882, foxwoods.com.