“It was worth the wait!”
That’s how a lifelong fan of Patti LaBelle described the diva’s performance at the Riverside Saturday night.
Indeed, the smiling fan was correct.
The ‘Queen of R&B’ proved to exuberant fans at the downtown theater that she still has ‘it’ at age 78 and can style and profile as she did 40 years and 50 million record sales ago.
Patti didn’t jump as high or as long but could still hit and sustain notes that defied musical limits.
The much-anticipated return of Patti after her December show at the same venue was cut short after three songs by a bomb threat; she left her muti-ethnic audience—mostly made up of middle age fans who appreciate traditional R&B—literally dancing in their seats.
Most of the crowd were returnees whose tickets were reissued after the December show was cut shot.
A large crowd from Chicago and a significant number of White R&B lovers took advantage of the scheduling to fill out the audience.
No one was disappointed, as the legend opened with a stirring rendition of The Oz tune ‘Over the Rainbow.’
Sending chills through the audience, she strutted on stage in 5-inch high heels that made older women in the crowd envious.
I dubbed my first Patti show nearly 30 years ago one of the best I’ve ever attended.
Her performance at Disney’s Epcot for a select audience of media provided a gimmick my wife and I still talk about
The ‘Godmother of Soul’ as she is referred to ended a song with one of her signature falsetto screaks that woke up the heavens as she walked off stage.
Much to the surprise of audience members, she maintained that note behind the curtains and returned to the stage a minute later in a new outfit.
Stocked and in awe, the audience went wild.
At the Riverside this past weekend, her backup singers accommodated the audience and filled that three-minute time slot as she sneaked off stage for one of her three outfit changes.
At the Disney performance, Patti introduced her then-new album featuring my two all-time favorites, ‘If Only You Knew’ and ‘Somebody Loves You.’
Apparently, audience members agreed with my selections as those who didn’t dance in the aisles moved to the beats in their seats as she performed those two classics.
Patti took us through a half-century of top hits, from her early hit ‘Lady Marmalade,’ made with her group LaBelle, to her Number One Pop and R&B hit with Michael McDonald, ‘On My Own.’
She added a couple of gospel songs to the show, igniting a church-like atmosphere to round out her performance.
When not belting out the hits or strutting across the stage, Patti engaged the audience, asking questions, and, at one point, allowed a group of men on stage to sing along with her.
Sensuous and sexy at an age when many are in rocking chairs, Patti is set to release an album by year’s end.
It was said this would be her last concert tour. We can only hope it’s not, and even though the diva turned 79 yesterday, she proved she still got ‘it.’
By Mikel Holt
WEEKENDWEEKEND
EDITIONEDITION
MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY JOURNAL
VOL. XXIX NO.49 MAY26, 2023 50 CENTS
BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN PERMIT 4668
Kicks Off 2023 Concert
Season at Henry Maier
Festival Park on May 28
Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) and FPC Live are excited to kick off the 2023 concert season at Henry Maier Festival Park at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater and BMO Pavilion.
The first show of the season features Global icon Janet Jackson and her Together Again Tour at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on Sunday, May 28, with special guest Ludacris. Currently, the season runs through late September.
The diverse lineup for 2023, before and after Summerfest, includes Barenaked Ladies, Louis Tomlinson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Whiskey Myers, Big Time Rush, Pantera, Nickelback, Darius Rucker, Ghost, Godsmack and Staind, Jelly Roll, Mastodon and Gojira, Los Bukis, The Lumineers, The Offspring, Pentatonix, and Nathaniel Rateliff.
“Live outdoor music at the lakefront is an experience unlike any other in Milwaukee. We look forward to welcoming thousands of concert-goers to our venues this season and encourage them to arrive early and enjoy the lakeside ambiance and views, play outdoor games, and sample local food and drink,” said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
“Nothing beats the experience of seeing world-class artists on Milwaukee’s Lakefront,” said Charlie Goldstone, President of FPC Live.
“We cannot wait to host everyone for an incredible season.”
MWF and FPC Live joined forces to ensure the community has access to unforgettable live entertainment, while celebrating the various cultural festivals this year in Milwaukee.
Concert-goers who purchase tickets to Jelly Roll at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on August 18 will receive free admission to Irish Fest the day of the show. Plus, ticket holders for the LOS BUKIS concert at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on August 25, which is kicking off the 50th anniversary celebration of Mexican Fiesta, will also receive free admission to the festival ‘s opening day on August 25.
Concert-goers attending The Lumineers on August 26 at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater will also receive free admission to Mexican Fiesta, the day of the show.
New for 2023, fans attending concerts this season at American Family Insurance Amphitheater have the option to purchase an AMPED UP concert upgrade at the Jeffers Terrace, a new premium VIP area within the venue. It includes private access to the area, three complimentary beverages, early entry, and complimentary parking. For more information visit AmFamAmp.com.
For more information and the current 2023 concert season lineup visit AmFamAmp.com and BMOPavilion.com.