Mavis Staples Tickets

Great concert with awesome groups. The Head and the Heart were great, as was Dawes. Mavis Staples got the place moving too!

Everyone in the NY metro area knows that WFUV is a shining gem that saves our souls. This huge gala event truly fit the bill. Every performance was inspiring and reflected the diversity of this magnificent station. It doesn't get better than this.......

Bragg was right on was his observations about American politics and life in general. His voice is amazing, and he has a fantastic stage presence. Mavis was another story. She seemed to be going through the paces, and her disappearance for 15 minutes during a set that was to be pretty short (her band noodled around until she came back) was a little strange, though she probably needed to rest after singing for 30 minutes or so.

I thought this was an odd but intriguing double bill, and although I was really only going to see Mavis Staples, I expected to enjoy Billy Bragg, having seen him once live in London in the 80s; however I was quickly bored with the one-socialist-and-a-guitar schtick; the between-song banter was a tiresome political rant (though thankfully peppered with bits of genuine wit), and with the exception of the last one he played, melodically the songs are all totally forgettable. Still, the people who came to see him seemed to enjoy him, and unfortunately many of them left before Mavis Staples hit the stage. Mavis Staples possesses a simply amazing voice, and she sure has still got it; the new material was top-rate and she rocked a few of the classics as well, but made the mistake of taking a too-long break in the middle of her set while the band played on without clearly indicating that she was coming back, and it was a real momentum-killer. At 70+ she hasn't really got the stamina for a full-length concert but even a little bit of that voice live is worth the price. There were times when she and the band were really cooking and in another venue people would surely have been on their feet, but the audience were sadly not up to it, and the comfy auditorium seating was more suited to Bragg's set than to Staples'.

An inspirational show on many levels - musically, spiritually, morally and a whole lot of fun!

Having the opportunity to see and listen to Mavis Staples was an event to not allow to pass by. If anyone connects at all to the civil rights movement of the 60's, she projects the deep spiritual base of its intent and direction. Billy Bragg was very entertaining and has a lot of thought and cleverness in his lyrics. One does not have to agree with his politics to still enjoy the show. Of course, seeing them at my alma mater in Royce Hall at UCLA was a bonus for my wife and me.

I can't understand this pairing. Billy was awesome, but I really shouldn't review Ms. Staples as I think her entire genre is unappealing (that's as nice as i can be). Good musicians, bad music.

It was a rainy Monday night in Portland - but a nice crowd showed up at the Crystal Ballroom for Mavis Staples and her opening act Billy Bragg. On the eve of the elections (and San Francisco winning the World Series) Bragg was serious yet his usual witty and upbeat self, a fitting opening act for Mavis. Mavis was simply amazing. This woman is on her own crusade to bring positivity and hope to everyone who takes the time to listen. A 90 minute punch of energy - new fangled arrangements of old gospel songs, a crackerjack band, and the power of her voice and presence left everyone tapping their feet and waving their hands. Her collaboration with Jeff Tweedy is brilliant. Young and old - take the time to listen to her message, and you will come away with a smile on your face and love in your heart. She'll take you there!

It was a wonderful show!!! I would recommend this event to all my friends and colleagues!

I enjoyed both performances. I now see what I had been missing with Bettye LaVette. What I appreciated was her vocal talent and to be an older entertainer her showomanship was invigorating. The Legendary Ms. Mavis Staples and her Band were AWESOME!!! The Harmonizing was sooo sweet to my ears. Definitely one for your "bucket list'!!

When I saw that I could get great seats for this show there was no question I was going. I've always wanted to see both of these soul divas and the wait was worth it. Bettye Lavette opened the show. At the end of her set the thought I had was that Mavis Staples was going to have a hard time making the audience as happy as Bettye did. For the most part she showcased the tunes off of her latest album: Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook. Her take on some legendary British rock songs. I can't be sure but I think she performed all but one or two of the songs from the album. Most were only recognizable by the lyrics and she made each of them her own. After the fourth song the audience gave her a standing ovation (the first of several). Accompanied by an excellent 4-piece band, this 64 year old's dancing (bumps, grinds, jumps, and more) brought a smile to many faces, her singing brought a tear to many eyes, and the audience didn't want it to end. For her encore she sang a stunning acapella version of Sinead O’Connor’s “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.” At the end she put the microphone down on the stage floor and walked away to another standing ovation. Mavis was going to have to deliver, and she did, in her own way. The 71 year old daughter of Roebuck "Pop's" Staples performed both secular and popular songs, including "The Weight," and several songs from her latest album, produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Her 3-piece band did a ten-minute instrumental set of their own while Mavis took a short break. Guitarist Rick Holstrum (Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Jody Williams, R.L. Burnside) who employs heavy use of his right-hand had heads shaking at his energy and taste. During this time, the bassist, Jeff Turmes performed a slide guitar tune that was intriguing and tasteful. This funky and rocking trio, along with 3 backup singers, showed why they were backing up a legend. Mavis came back with "I'll Take You There" and went on to finish her show with more of her powerful, gravelly voiced singing, on her politically and spiritually based material. There was an encore and at the end, and this time the audience didn't want to leave. This was the best $45 dollars I've ever spent. I'd do it again tomorrow.

Both Bette and Mavis rocked Lisner, both embody real soul, combining emotional power with great chops. Both shows were really well paced, produced and songs were well chosen. I had front row seats and it was a treat to be in the presence of such real talent, the person I went with turned to me in the middle of the show and just said...YUM. And that about sums it up. Go see these two while you can.

These two ladies will leave you pumped up and ready to take on the world!

What a treat to see two legends of soul on the same stage. And they have more talent in their pinkies than today's pop stars have in their whole bodies.

Anyone who ever gets the chance should go see see Bettye Lavette. She deserves to be the headliner. One hour of incredible music and singing. Mavis was good, had a great band, but Bettye stole the show.

Absolutely loved this great display of long-standing talent. what a trip down memory lane with these two blessed voices! These two brought heart and soul to an appreciative audience, with whom they connected with in a magical way. Really enjoyed the show

Bettye LaVette and Mavis Staples put on an amazing show at GW University's Lisner Auditorium on Saturday night. The only problem was that not enough people got to see and hear it. About a half room full of people got to see a sensational show of R&B, soul and gospel belted out by two living legends backed by crack bands. Although many of the people I spoke with were secretly hoping that Jeff Tweedy, the Wilco frontman who produced the most recent Mavis Staples album would make an appearance they were not disappointed. I would recommend this show to just about anyone. Bring your friends next time; there will probably be plenty of tickets.

Great performance. I have been a fan for over 40 years. While bringing back cherished memories, it is great to see her move in different directions and not remain in the past as some in the audience advocated. I purchased her CD and play it at least once a day. I only regret that more Durhamites did not attend and sell out the venue. Now, can book Al Green.

Excellent show. Would have liked it to last longer, but Mavis is 71 after all.

She wowed me with her stage presence and vocal prowess - her tone and husky low growls deliver! She adeptly bridges the gospel and blues music styles. Her band and backup singers were awesome. A very uplifting and satisfying experience overall. Don't miss her.