Patti cake

After rising to fame fronting the girl group The Blue Belles in the 1960s and turning towards the futuristic funk of the trio Labelle during the front half of the ‘70s, Patti LaBelle was well bred for solo stardom. Stepping aside from the group format proved to be her best career move, if only for a broadened fanbase that’s straddled the lines of straight-up soul, R&B, and pop over the past three-and-a-half decades.

Even at 67, Philly’s supreme diva still packs plenty of punch and vocal prowess, often sculpting set lists around her ‘80s and ‘90s crests, but also sprinkling in some even older schooled classics on occasion. In other words, expect everything from the funky workout “New Attitude,” to booming ballads “If You Asked Me To” and “On My Own,” plus the golden oldie “Lady Marmalade” (which was more recently revived by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink in Moulin Rouge!).

It’s also a safe bet that the vivacious performer will sport a barrage of costume changes, an even larger assortment of high-heeled shoes, and on a more serious note, impromptu gospel segments peppered with off-the-cuff morsels of inspiration. And if faithful are lucky, LaBelle will cover her colorful rendition of “Over The Rainbow,” which has become just as much of a signature song as her myriad originals. (Saturday@The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, IN.)

— Andy Argyrakis

Tags: Patti LaBelle

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly