No more results on this page
MAVIS STAPLES IN CONCERT:
Gospel and R&B icon Mavis Staples gives fans a funky piece of her mind every time she takes the stage to perform her empowering and soulful songs. Staplesí commanding voice and confident showmanship is legendaryóin the early ë60s she caught the eye of folk hero Bob Dylan, and the two briefly dated before their paths diverged in the middle of the decade. Now theyíre embarking on a different kind of relationshipóas tour mates. Staples will accompany Dylan on his summer 2016 tour, treating ticket buyers to a powerhouse double billing that combines the best of folk and R&B. In concert Staples is a force of nature, delivering her world-wise lyrics with plenty of passion and attitude while her backing band kicks out red-hot grooves. Itís a sultry, sassy, and majorly soulful concert experience that leaves no doubt Staples remains at the height of her powers.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Chicago-born Mavis Staples grew up performing in her familyís gospel band The Staples, singing at local churches and appearing on regional radio programs. The family scored a hit in 1956 with ìUncloudy Dayî, and when Mavis graduated high school the following year they went on tour. Thanks to Mavisí powerful voice and her fatherís sharp songwriting, the group enjoyed widespread success in the mid-ë60s, becoming one of the primary musical voices of the civil rights movement. Around that time Mavis struck up a relationship with Bob Dylan, who even proposed to her before she married Spencer Leak in 1964. Mavis made her solo debut in 1969 with a self-titled release on Stax Records then went on to collaborate with Curtis Mayfield in the ë70s, and in the ë80s she joined forces with Prince, who produced 1989ís funky Time Waits for No One and 1993ís critically acclaimed The Voice. In addition to her spiritual gospel output Mavis has remained musically adventurous over the years, collaborating with Bob Dylan on the GRAMMY-nominated 2003 song ìGotta Change My Way of Thinkingî and even making a foray into Americana with Jeff Tweedy, who produced her GRAMMY Award-winning 2010 album You Are Not Alone.
Mavis was wonderful! She (& the audience) had a great time for almost 2 hours. At 75 years old she needed a short break about halfway thru. She didn't leave the stage, she took a seat in the back corner and listened to her wonderful guitar player, bass player, & drummer. Classy! Sound reinforcement was a C, at best. Her vocals and the backing vocals (also world class) should have been much more out front.
I cannot think of enough wonderful things to say about Mavis Staples and the her band.
When Mavis was helped out onto the stage with walking stick in hand at the beginning of the show, I was expecting one of those nostalgia concerts where the person has already had their day. With Mavis though, it seems like she's at the top of her game right now, at the ripe old age of 74! She brought so much energy and soul, and you could feel how she wanted to share herself and her love for the music through her performance. There were a few songs where she had to sit down to rest (which is understandable for anyone doing a 1 hour 45 minute set!), but she just wanted to sing and make music so much that by the end of those tunes, she was already back on her feet again! Her band was also super tight, and she had some really solid BVs to round it out. It was a riveting performance, and I would say it's literally one of the best gigs I've ever been to over the past 15 years. The small venue also definitely helped give her a whole extra level of intimacy. By the end of the show, everyone was cheering for more, even though she couldn't make it back out for an encore. She was brilliant!
The concert was amazing and Mavis Staples is truly an inspiration. The band was incredible and overall was great. I love it and so does my husband.
She makes a claim for joy, happiness, inspiration and positive vibrations. She definitely delivers! Her band and back-up singers are tight and talented. She brings funk, soul and gospel with a direct channel straight from her higher power to her audience. And she is so much fun! An unforgettable evening!
She was wonderful, the venue was small and cozy and relax and her performance was electric. Did not like the opening act, it was too long and boring
Music was great. Mavis and Dr. John are both legends and their music complimented each other.
Friday night, Mavis was giving us all she had,,, there just wasn't that much to give. Ms. Staples was far from top form due to what appeared to be a chest cold/sore throat and possibly the fact that the venue was less than half full. At least I hope they were the reasons. She missed her notes and lost her breath numerous times and fortunately had band and back-up to cover for her. They were all exceptional. Her bass player switched over to slide guitar for a solo instrumental and completely blew me away . He was,,, Beyond Excellent! Oh, a little side note: No 'professional cameras allowed' ? By the size of the crowd, Ms. Stapless should start getting used to the fact that, well,,, she's not that big of a star.
Love Mavis!!! I enjoyed the show and cant wait to see her again!
THE CLIPS OF MARTIN LUTHER WERE WELL CHOSEN AND POWERFUL AND MOVING-I MISS HIM, SUCH A GREAT LOSS FOR ALL OF US. HOWEVER, THERE IS COMFORT AND AFFIRMATION TO HEAR HIM SPEAK IN THESE CLIPS. THIS WAS A WONDERFUL EVENING THE CHILDRENS CHOIR WAS CHARMING AND FUN. THE LEADER IS A MARVEL TO TAKE THAT MANY CHILDREN AND HAVE THEM ALL BE SO ENTHUSIASTIC IS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE. LOVED THIS! I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF THE INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR..THEY ROCK YOUR WHOLE BEING. MAVIS WHAT CAN I SAY AMAZING.. BARBARA RODGERS SIMPLY MARVELOUS BARBARA LEE WHATS NOT TO LOVE THE YOUNG BAND..SO MUCH TALENT THERE THEY REMIND THAT MOST YOUNG FOLKS ARE FINDING POSITIVE WAYS TO LIVE THEIR LIVES. TO STACY, WHAT AN AMAZING DEDICATED HUMAN BRAVO KUDOS AND THANKS TO THE RECIPIENT OF THE AWARD DERRICK JOHNSON THANK YOU FOR BEING A SOLID SUPPORTIVE CARING PERSON.
I came to the show to see Mavis Staples, who was fantastic of course, but the real surprise was the pre-Mavis lineup. Local artists of all ages absolutely astounded me. The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir was alone was worth the price of admission, and POPLYFE -- unbelievable for such young musicians! A worthy tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I'll definitely be attending next year, no matter who is headlining.
the show very good, touch my heart in so many way.
From the opening with the voices of the Oakland children's choir, this program was lively, entertaining, and well worth attending. Audience members showed their appreciation by listening attentively, applauding often and standing to give special homage. What a wonderful role model the humanitarian awardee, Derreck Johnson, was. Living the dream and offering the opportunity for recent parolees to have employment while readjusting to being outside of the penal system lifted Mr. Johnson above and beyond what is expected. Thank you to all who participated in the entertainment and selection process for the humanitarian award, for we thoroughly enjoyed everything, including the video clips of Dr King. BART was easy as for as transportation; 19th St station was within easy walking distance.
Fabulous show. Much more meaningful and moving than anticipated. Mavis Staples is fantastic, she seems to be getting younger and more energetic as the years go by. POPLYFE was a surprise prize. (we don't follow america's got talent). Both the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and the Oakland Children's Community Choir were delightful. Finally the poetry readings from Youth Speaks were moving and powerful.
Melanie DeMore is always amazing but her chorus of children is beyond imagining! From the opening curtain with their bright shirts in every color of the rainbow through their extremely tight musical performance they amazed, delighted, and inspired. I sing in an adult choir and I wish we were as disciplined and dedicated to making music sound this good. The only problem then, and throughout the evening was the sound system was overwhelming. Turning it down a notch would have saved our ears and let us understand the lyrics. It might have been the location of our seats in row HH, under the balcony, but I suspect it was just too loud; sound distorts when it's too loud. The poetry was an unexpected heart wrenching moment and a nice juxtaposition with the music. Poplyfe blew me, and my friends away with the quality of their artistry and their enthusiasm. They were fantastic. And witnessing they Humanitarian award given to Derreck B Johnson gave hope for the future of this wonderful but star-crossed city. As for Mavis Staples, I could have stayed the rest of the night to hear her sing with her marvelous backup band. She is a national treasure.
Loved Dawes the best, what an energetic band. Have not been to the Beacon in years, what a wonderful venue. But Josh Ritter is so endearing,
I had high expectations walking into this concert, and I wasn't disappointed. I had a blast - and all of those artists are so talented. Dawes was even better live, in my opinion. The Head and the Heart were adorably passionate, and I bought one of their tee shirts. Josh Ritter was funny, and it was good to see him briefly. Mavis Staples was incredible for a lady who must be fairly old - she can sing! I didn't actually know what she looked like or how sassy she is! Overall, the concert was fabulous.
My sweetie and I attended this unforgetable event. It was my first and my sweetie has been going since the idea began. He promised I would love it and he was sooo right. Dawes was fun, The Head and the Heart were so energectic you couldn't help but caught up. Josh Ritter was adorable, and the amazing Ms. Staples was incredible. This certainly will not be my last show, I look forward to many more years of attending these shows. Thank you to all the stars and most of all to the efforts of the FUV folks , it was so fun. Happy Holidays
Great show- Dawes was my favorite, but all were great.
Mavis Staples deserves the four star status. She could have filled the bill herself. Josh Ritter, adorable. Lovely having him alone onstage after the garbled performance of the Hand and the Heart. Overall enjoyed, and have enjoyed the Holiday Cheer program for the last seven years!
