Chaka Khan and Sheila E. Live!
AVA Amphitheatre
Tucson, AZ
September 3, 2021
By Mary Andrews
It is rare to have two music legends on the same bill, but to have them on the bill for the first show since the pandemic started was stellar. Both of these stars are over 60 years in age, but one would not be able to tell with the energy and exuberance displayed during the evening.
The ‘Queen of Percussion’ started the festivities.
Sheila E immediately commented on the fact that many people were still arriving in the outdoor venue when she started her set. She and her dynamo band went into overdrive getting the show started leaving those who did not arrive on time disappointed. The crowd was out of their seats dancing and swaying to the music from start to finish.
Sheila mentioned that she usually doesn’t talk much during the show but this time it was different. She spoke about her bout with Covid in two months ago. Sheila is normally physically fit and she has worked hard to be able to be on stage again. No one would know of her illness based on her show tonight.
Songs covered were “Come Together,” “America” “U Got the Look,” and “The Glamorous Life.’ Much of the set paid homage to her lifelong friend and mentor, Prince.
Sheila’s background vocalists also had a chance to sing solo spots. There was not a minute wasted during the 50-minute set.
Covid or not Covid, very few artists have the spunk and talent that Sheila E. has and her shows are not to be missed.
The Queen of Funk thrilled
The fans were revved up as Chaka Khan stepped on stage. And she immediately started singing “This is my Night” to keep up the momentum as she strutted across the stage with one of her infamous fans. It must be stated from the start that I have been a fan of Chaka Khan since the early days of Rufus. Seeing her live again was nothing short of enchanting.
Early in the set, Khan asked how many people in the crowd were affiliated to the military. This seemed to be an ‘ice-breaker’ before she started to sing the next song. Khan was backed by a killer four-piece band and three background singers. All had an ample opportunity to show their immense talent during the show.
As a side note, Khan was also a longtime friend and collaborator with Prince. In an interview, Khan revealed that she used to play basketball with Prince. Khan’s hit “I Feel For U” was composed by Prince. They collaborated on the Come 2 My House CD. Khan entered rehab for an addiction to pain pills shortly after the death of Prince.
The show found the ten-time Grammy-winner delivering one classic song after another including “Tell Me Something Good,” “Whatcha Gonna Do for Me, “and “I Feel For You.” The only song that was not in the Rufus/Khan songbook was Rogers and Hart’s “My Funny Valentine.” Her performance was stellar on the classic song. Of course, there was the female empowerment anthem, “I’m Every Woman.”
There was one episode of Khan not being able to hear the difference between the keyboardist and the bass player. The issue was fixed during the instrumental “Night in Tunisia” while Khan was off stage.
Even though the fans were experiencing the Arizona heat, most fans continued to stand throughout the concert as they danced to the music. Nothing was going to hamper the groove of the show.
Khan’s vocals were as impeccable as her stage presence as she enthralled the thousands of fans. In the end, that’s all that matters.
For a complete set list, click here:
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