Review: AN EVENING WITH THE INCOMPARABLE PATTI LABELLE!

"Somebody Loves You, Baby!" What a perfect backdrop to a lovely "pre- Valentine's" evening. Ms. Patti LaBelle (a.k.a. "Lady Marmalade") made a royalty entrance onto the stage of the "Queen City's" Belk Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, as her silky voice filled the atmosphere, while anxious fans stood and cheered, waiting for her to emerge. Dressed in a black asymmetrical black and silver button-front outfit (exposing her fabulous legs with her 'shoe game' on point), Patti came out grooving to her hit song, "Feel Like Another One", that she originally collaborated with rapper, Big Daddy Kane, in 1991. Yes, indeed, Ms. LaBelle got this party started right. It was incredible. She was SO personable - engaging with the audience - she invited a beautiful, young princess (around nine years old) and her grandmother to sit in two empty front row seats. Patti allowed audience members to take selfies/pictures with her as she graciously received gifts/flowers from her fans. It was an amazing experience. Not to mention, the hugs she gave after inviting fans on stage to sing "Lady Marmalade". This spectacular night was a mixture of incredible singing accompanied by melodious renditions by her fabulous background singers. And that band...from the keyboardist to the drummer (who was B. Slade, formerly known as gospel artist, Tonex), were "off the chain". HOWEVER...none of them could TOP the angelic voice of Ms. "Patti, Patti". And when she belted out one of my favorites, "If Only You Knew", I was standing and singing...mesmerized by the moment. At seventy-four years of maturity...Ms. Patti was as youthful as that little princess she honored with premiere seats. My sister-friend who accompanied me said, "I want to look like that at her age!" Not to mention, she is a fashionista - her costume change was very much a part of the excitement for me as much as her singing.

Ms. Patti certainly delivered a "top notched" experience that touched many hearts. She was graceful, endearing, kind, beautiful, classy, and the accolades goes on and on. Ms. LaBelle is certainly a musical legend with a proven track record, integrity, and work ethic that speaks loudly to ANY generation! Yes, a one of a kind...sophisticated lady! Yes, "somebody loves you, Ms. Patti...and you know who it is?" It's ME! And I can speak for those in attendance at the Belk Theater tonight...Charlotte, North Carolina loves you, too!