The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, made her 3rd appearance in 4 years in the Western New York (WNY) area by gracing the outdoor stage at Artpark in Lewiston this past Tuesday. Anytime she comes around the area, it’s a big event. Besides Aretha and her few touring musicians including musical conductor H.B. Barnum, local musicians filled in the orchestra.
Taking the stage in a flowing white evening gown, Franklin joined in the uplifting song “Higher and Higher.” For those who don’t know, it’s been chronicled that Franklin enjoyed her early years spending summers here with her mother in Buffalo. Her best friend was from Tonawanda, NY, and she told everyone that when she was growing up, that’s where she wanted to live. She thought the name was lovely! Her affinity for the area spilled over throughout her set as numerous mentions of WNY and her time spent here rang through loud and clear.
Aretha sprinkled in songs from the Blues Brothers movie she appeared in back in 1980. She sang “Think” and the song James Brown covered “Old Landmark.” She showed her love for her longtime conductor H.B. Barnum by singing “Happy Birthday” to him with a cake and the ensemble broke into the current Pharrel Williams smash hit “Happy.” I should mention that it was a hot and humid day of around 87 degrees and Franklin took about a 10-15 minute break before coming out with the cake to sing for Barnum.
Franklin added the Barbara Streisand classic “The Way We Were” as an encore. I think that just summed up her appreciation not only for the area but the fans that still come to support her at the young age of 71. She may not have the stamina or energy that she once did but she still commands the stage with her elegance and professionalism that others should take note of.
Setlist:
Your Love keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (Jackie Wilson cover)
Until You Come Back to Me
Angel
Think
Sweet Sixteen
Chain of Fools
Happy Birthday to H.B Barnum /Happy (Pharrel Williams cover)
Old Landmark (W. Herbert Brewster)
Day Dreaming
Today I Sing the Blues
Brand New Me
Baby, Baby, Baby
Freeway of Love
Encore 1:
Respect
Encore 2:
The Way We Were (Barbara Streisand cover)
We would like to thank Maria Hays from Artpark for her assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
