I really hoped that Richie was sick with the flu this night I last saw him, and that was the reason the set-list was only 5 or 6 songs. Reading the reviewer from Gainesville also, I realize this is not an isolated incident.
I've seen Richie three other times in Florida, and his performances each time would inspire awe !! I saw him at Indian River Festival in 1992, Clearwater Ruth Eckerd Hall in 1996, and again in Clearwater Coachman Park at a free jazz festival in 1998ish? Each time his stories were thought-provoking, and relevant. On this particular Jan. night in Florida however, it had been super cold, and I really assumed he had just been sick, but performed anyway. Later that week was Richie's 69th birthday, and I just thought how lucky I was to see a living legend ! He has definetly lost a step, but what a gracious man to sign each and every thing people brought him ! I realize also now, that he spent more time after the show autographing, than performing. Richie Havens to me will always be a very generous, respected & entertaining performer.