Melissa Etheridge - Awesome
by DebiB on 7/16/09The Venue - HammondWe have seen her before with the full band and although we liked the full band better, no one is a better entertainer than Melissa Etheridge.
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Melissa Etheridge in Concert
For more than three decades, Melissa Etheridge has been one of folk-rock's most resonant voices, offering comfort and solace to listeners while also serving as a defiant beacon of hope. The Kansas-born Etheridge initially studied music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, dropping out to pursue her dreams while playing sets in Southern California's lesbian bars. Etheridge's 1988 self-titled debut—which she recorded in four days—went double-platinum and was hailed widely by critics for its stripped-down take on roots rock, which recalled fellow Midwesterner John Cougar Mellencamp while also channeling the passion of Janis Joplin. Its blues-tinged single "Bring Me Some Water" was nominated for the Best Female Rock Vocal Performance Grammy, one of 15 nominations she's received over the course of her career.
One of her two wins was in honor of "Come to My Window," a single from her fourth album ‘Yes I Am’ that was released after she came out of the closet in 1993. That jangly anthem for self-acceptance, and its stunning video starring Juliette Lewis, remains one of the 1990s' most beloved singles; in 2001 when she performed it at The Concert For New York City the audience happily filled in after a mic glitch left her inaudible, while in 2017 she celebrated Independence Day with a stirring performance fronting the famed orchestra The Boston Pops.
Etheridge's career has been a testament to tenacity and honesty, with her rich, raspy voice making her forthright lyrics land even more powerfully. The bluesy, sultry "Window" follow-up "I'm the Only One" peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100; her 2006 song "I Need to Wake Up," which accompanied the environmentally conscious film ‘An Inconvenient Truth,’ became the first song from a documentary to win the Best Original Song Oscar, and in 2014 she launched ME Records, her own record label, through which she's released projects like her Stax Records salute ‘MEmphis Rock and Soul.’ On her forthcoming tour of the U.S. and Europe, Etheridge is celebrating the 25th anniversary of ‘Yes I Am’—and a career defined by a willingness to say "yes" to her artistic and personal desires.
We have seen her before with the full band and although we liked the full band better, no one is a better entertainer than Melissa Etheridge.
It was a great show. The room was perfect for this event.
Really enjoyed this concert. Was a little concerned she would spend too much time talking about all her causes , which is fine, but wanted to hear her music with just a little politics thrown in. She did a great job. The entire concert was fun. Loved the stand alone, just her and her guitar.
I am impressed with Melissa Etheridge's musicality. Listening to her CDs is no comparison to seeing her live. Her voice is just as amazing live as on the CD, but her love of music and her talents as a musician really come across in the live performance.
Really what concert of her's is not AWESOME! However, the atmosphere was relaxing and enjoyable. The seating was comfortable and eveyone had a great time!
Seeing Melissa in a smaller venue, alone with her guitar onstage was incredible! She is the consummate performer-better live and alone than with her band and recorded!!!!!!
Melissa plays to her audience and gets you engaged in the concert. She lets you in to who she is and you feel connected and that makes the event even more enloyable and personable. I took a friend who was not familar with her and he came away raving what a neat concert it was and what a Great performance.
Melissa puts on a great show and is one of the few performers that sounds BETTER live than she does on CD. She sings fast songs slow - and slow songs fast - talks about her songs and why she wrote them - and is just a great artist. You don't have to be a big melissa fan to enjoy her show. She's fantastic!
Melissa put on a fantastic acoustic preformance. She sang for over two hours without a break.
I was blown away! Not expecting Melissa to be the only one up there, I had some reservations when I saw no band. Boy, I sure did not have to worry, she rocked the house! I loved every minute of it and the Venue is a fantastic place to see any show.
Melissa's flight got cancelled! It was something out of her control - I understand that but at least play a couple of extra songs maybe to make up for it - to show you truly are sorry and you do love your fans like you claim? I travelled 4 hours to go see her - she cancelled - I ended up staying an extra two days since she 'rescheduled' from Friday to Sunday. The hassle of rearrainging my 'life' back home, the expense of the hotel - food - etc...all for a 90 minute show on Sunday in which she did more talking than singing. The actual performance was good but was it worth it - the jury is still out on that one. p.s. - the venue was very good - all good seats - initmate setting
As always her show is outstanding! Seeing her at the Venue was even better! The Theater is small enough that you are close wherever you are. It is just her and her instruments! I plan to see her every time she comes to the area! I highly recommend seeing her to everyone!!
great concert, Melissa was SPOT ON! only complaint was the security at the Avelon Theater at Fallsview Casino. Melissa NEVER stops her fans from Rockin' out or taking pictures. The security made it a more docile event, not the real depiction of hw a MLE concert actually is. With that said, I woudl go regardless of the security and savor the last 3 songs when she dismisses the security and allows the fans to rush the stage and jam with her.
I had never seen this performer before. She was introduced to me as a favorite of one of my best friends. Consequently, while I knew I would be on a trip to Chicago, I learned that she would be playing at a "venue" nearby. I purchased tickets to attend with my sister and my friend. The concert was far more spectacular than I expected. To see Melissa play the guitar and piano with such precision and passion was a treat I never expected. Subsequent to the concert, I can now say I too am a fan of her music. Her talent is a joy to experience and I am certain I will purchase tickets to see her in the future as well.
The service was great. the concert was incredible.
Great show. Loved the idea of the one woman show!! She really rocked the house as usual. Sound system at the Venue is great which made it great to hear the acoustic guitar as well as the piano. can't wait to see her again!!!!!
Parking at The Venue (indiana) was a little confusing. Once inside, you have to walk through the casino floor, and upstairs to get to The Venue. Drinks are a little pricey, but remember, you are in a casino. Going to the city (chicago) wouldn't be any different. The show was not packed ; so although my tickets were for seats between a bunch of people, I was able to relocate to somewhere more comfortable. No one seemed to mind. The show was amazing. That was the first concert I have been to where it was just a performer and an acoustic guitar. No backup band, no tricky vocal effects. Melissa is a talented guitarist and an amazing singer. Melissa told some jokes throughout the show and did a little dancing on stage as well. Awesome! I left after what I thought was the final song, only to hear the encore begin. At this point, I was on the first floor and the ushers/security had no problem with everyone rushing the stage. A great night. Can't wait to see her again.
What a great way to see Melissa! Solo, with no accompaniment. She just played guitar (and occasionally piano), and sang only the way she can. And what a great venue! Not a bad seat in the house. Very intimate for its size. We even were the lucky recipients of a brand new song that she sang for the first time (Indiana). Can't say enough. SEE HER if you can! (p.s: this review is from a straight male)
Had seen melissa years ago and wondered if she could still rock. Didn't know she would play an intimate venue without a backup band. Her talents are unmatched. Charisma, personality and good old rock!!
If you have not seen this show, run as fast as you can, and purchase tickets to her remaining shows. She is phenomenal. This was my third concert with Melissa and it was by far, the bes one yet. All Melissa and nothing else, no band to distract, pure Melissa. WOW WOW WOW