Patti LaBelle Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Hollywood Florida, October 8, 2009

There are only a handful of female artists than can truly be labeled a "Diva." Cher, Mariah, Celine, Tina, Barbra: all legends, all unmistakable not only in style but grace. Patti LaBelle most certainly among the top ten. I had the pleasure of seeing the reunion tour of the group LaBelle earlier this year. Tonight was my first time seeing Queen Patti solo. Right from the get go there was no doubt this was going to be quite a fun evening. Her nine piece band, including 3 backup singers, played tight as a drum. The musicianship was first rate. After all, Patti would accept nothing less. The lady graced the stage to one of her biggest hits, "New Attitude." Strutting effortlessly across the stage in a silver layered wrapped dress, glittery high heeled pumps, and short hair style (the feathers seem to be gone for now) there was no doubt this woman commanded the floor she danced and walked upon.One of the highlights for me watching Patti over the years has always been the kicking off of her shoes. I didn't have to wait long. This time was different however. Nursing a sprained ankle, Ms. LaBelle gently removed her shoes after the first song, explaining her rather subdued placing of the heels. They have been known to go flying through the air seemingly with wings of their own. Patti's interaction with her audience has always been a wonderful staple of every show. There is a deep appreciation on both sides of the stage, tonight was no different.

There were some wonderful musical highlights during her ninety minute show. "If You Asked Me To," (also recorded by Celine Dion - Patti did it first thank you) rang strongly throughout the hall. Her voice once again was flawless on this night, bad ankle or not. "On My Own," another top ten hit brought the audience to their feet. Her musical monologue during the end of the song was a crowd pleaser and quite humorous. As the final notes rang out she gratefully received flowers from an audience member, then paused for a moment to look at herself in a handheld mirror. A Diva move if I ever saw one. She moved onto "If You Don't Know Me By Now." Originally recorded twenty-six years previous live at the Constitution Hall - off went the shoes. LaBelle has always brought incredible passion to every performance. This was never more evident as she began her dialogue about loss: the painful loss of all of her immediate family to cancer, the loss of friends Luther Vandross and James Brown, among others. She related her own personal health struggles as the audience paused and hung on every word as the first chords of the gospel song "Walk Around Heaven," began. By the end of the song the religious revival was into full swing as she was met with thunderous applause.

Her segway into "Lady Marmalade," could not have been better placed. It brought a great deal of fun and energy back into the audience. Bringing up 3 men to the stage to 'sing and dance,' actually this time around 4 showed up. Two of the guys absolutely stole the spotlight as Patti stood by like a proud parent at her child's school play. One of the guys even managed to get a picture with the Diva as he ran back down the aisle through the audience. What a story he has to tell tomorrow. It was amazing to watch this 65 year old legend (she gave her own age away so don't write me) after all these years in the business still revel in absolute joy singing and entertaining. Her dialogues between songs were funny and touching at the same time. She mentioned on a couple of occassions her 'menopausal' moments, which I believe we witnessed first hand. There was something everyone could relate to no matter the age or gender. Her first encore included the classic "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." No one sings this song with more conviction and passion as LaBelle. It was a truly inspiring moment. As she returned to the stage for her final encore, visibly limping she gently began a musical version of "The Lord's Prayer," which she dedicated to our soldiers so far away from home. I came away from this show with a greater appreciation of Patti LaBelle's incredibly flawless voice and stage presence. I always knew she was something special. Once again she proved me right.