Aretha Franklin made her 2nd stop in 2 years to the WNY area as she graced the stage at the Seneca Events Center this past Saturday night. Anytime an artist with the credentials of Aretha Franklin comes into town, it is a major event (17 time Grammy award winner, first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, etc.) The sold out crowd enjoyed an hour and 20 minute performance of Aretha’s hits.
She took the stage at 8:15pm in an elegant blue gown and went into the Jackie Wilson cover “(Your Love Keeps Liftin’ Me) Higher.” Backed by a 17-piece band, mostly consisting of local musicians from the local area, Aretha and her band had many dancing in the aisles and in the back of the room during her entire performance. The band was conducted by Chicago’s Fred Nelson.
Franklin was very endearing to the crowd, telling stories of her past ties to Buffalo, which were plentiful. She visited her mom here during the summers when she was very young. Franklin had a brother who went to City Honors (formerly Masten High School.) Besides stories of her younger years in Buffalo and honing her skills up and down Main Street, she told jokes and really made a connection with the crowd. Even though Buffalo doesn’t lay claim to Franklin, they may feel she is like one of their own.
She incorporated a tribute to Whitney Houston as she went behind the piano and sang the Dolly Parton song “I Will Always Love You,” that Houston made her own. The screen showed various photos of Houston throughout her career as Franklin sang.
If you witnessed her performance last time around, you can tell that this time she had more stamina and her voice held up, especially on the song “One Night with the King.” This was simply breath taking. At 70 years young, the Queen of soul showed she still has what it takes to perform live, and at a quality level.
Set List:
Your Love Keeps Liftin’ Me) Higher (Jackie Wilson cover)
Skylark
Think
Hooked on Your Love
Ain’t No Way
Chain of Fools
Sweet 16 (BB King cover)
Colors of the Wind (Whitney Houston cover)
I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston tribute-Dolly Parton cover)
I Adore You
One Night with the King
Freeway of Love
Encore:
Respect
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review the show.
