Stage Buzz – Preview & (Updated) Photo Gallery: Patti LaBelle
Sheās spent more than 50 years in the music industry and sold over 50 million albums in the process, but even at 70-years-old, Patti LaBelleās concert calendar is just as active as ever. Given that lengthy tenure spanning an immensely fruitful solo career, the futuristic funk of Labelle (also featuring Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash), plus those same three ladiesā original incarnation as The Blue Belles (complete with Cindy Birdsong prior to her joining The Supremes), thereās plenty of material to pull from during this retrospective show.
So what specifically might the Grammy Award winner dig out of her soulful treasure chest at the Star Plaza? From the golden years of those two girl groups, thereās āDown The Aisle (The Wedding Song),ā a revered cover of āOver The Rainbowā and the ā70s smash āLady Marmaladeā (which found new life at the top of the millennium thanks to a collaborative cover by Christina Aguilera, Lilā Kim, Mya and Pink). And individually speaking, R&B powerhouses include āIf You Only Knew,ā āLove, Need and Want You,ā āNew Attitudeā and āIf You Asked Me To,ā alongside the Prince-penned/produced āYo Misterā and the massive crossover duet with Michael McDonald āOn My Own.ā
Though the Grammy winnerās output of traditional studio albums has simmered over the past decade, she did drop the cheekily titled inspirational disc The Gospel According To Patti LaBelle (with contributions as diverse as Kanye West, Wynonna Judd and Mary Mary), followed by Miss Pattiās Christmas, which considering this show takes place in December, makes either spiritually-themed collection just as timely as the classic tunes. Regardless of what lands on the final set list, this member of the Grammy Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Apollo Hall of Fame and Songwritersā Hall of Fame is one of the most legendary divas of all time who rarely disappoints.
Appearing: Friday, December 5 at Star Plaza Theatre (www.starplazatheatre.com) in Merrillville, IN
-Andy Argyrakis
Updated December 7 with show wrap and photo gallery by Andy Argyrakis
At ā70-years-young,ā Patti LaBelleās still going strong, as evidenced Friday night at a packed Star Plaza (now sporting a superb new sound system) during her retrospective-themed āPlatinumā Tour. From āNew Attitudeā to āLady Marmalade,ā she highlighted much of her five decade history, displaying plenty of impressive vocal acrobats that proved so passionate at one point they sent both of her high heels flying straight into the adoring audience.
Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly