Rod Stewart performing at The Climate Pledge Arena – photo by Alex Crick
Rod Stewart – all photos by Alex Crick
Rod Stewart, a renowned English vocalist and songwriter, has graced the stage intermittently since the 1970s. Now 78, he showcased his ability to captivate the audience, delivering an electrifying performance during his latest global tour at the Climate Pledge Arena
The iconic rock and roll group, Cheap Trick, took the stage as the opening act for Rod Stewart.
Andrea Bocelli killed it for a fashionable audience at Climate Pledge Arena on Mother’s Day 2023.
To say the performance was heavenly would be an understatement! Bocelli’s voice soared with clarity and elegance that few artists can match. The symphony warmed us up with the classically dramatic “O Fortuna.” This piece was so powerful that I expected to see knights invade Climate Pledge Arena. Bocelli was joined on the stage by Isabel Leonard to perform a masterful rendition of “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici.”
I love it when performers transport the audience to a different time and space. Bocelli and Leonard did just that. It sounds cliché’ to use phrases like “Out of Body” but that is exactly what it was. Isabel Leonard’s voice, timbre, and control were so precise, that it was hard to comprehend.
Edward Parks joined Bocelli on Carmen‘s “Habanera.” Parks’ rich tones were easily a match for Bocelli’s clear voice. At one point, they held a note that seemed to last forever. Parks’ deep, rich voice grabbed the soul of the fans, and they were such willing participants.
What can be said about the orchestra and the choir? They never missed a beat. The show would not have been the same with a lesser orchestra.
After a 20-minute intermission, the orchestra slowly took the stage, playing a Harry Potter medley with strings, horns, and percussion that took us on a journey through a mysterious forest. The conductor sometimes encouraged the audience to clap in time with the orchestra.
Bocelli joined the orchestra on stage in a blue jacket and wished the mothers in the audience a happy Mother’s Day. While singing “Mamma” during his Mother’s Day celebration, the backdrop visually changed to a black and white photos of Sophia Loren and other mothers. The images of mothers included US WWII G.I.s in WWII, ending with a beautiful photo of Bocelli and “mamma” Andrea Bocelli.
The choir joined Bocelli singing “Funiculì, funiculà,” with images of Italy playing on the back screen. Sexy male and female Flamenco dancers entered the stage on opposite sides dancing dramatically until they embraced on stage left as the light changed to red.
Bocelli and Amy Manford sang a sexy as-hell duet “Maria” while an elegant female Ballet dancer danced with a partner. At the end of “Maria”, the Ballerina placed her head on Bocelli’s shoulder romantically. Manford and Bocelli sang “Tonight” from West Side Story.
Zucchero Fornaciari sang “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker in a way that would have made Cocker proud. His gravelly voice matched his appearance. The crowd loved it. Zucchero then started singing in Italian.
Zucchero brought out an acoustic guitar signing with Bocelli, the ballerina joining them. The crowd began clapping in time with them. As Zucchero and Bocelli sang, the fans lit their phone lights like fireflies or stars. A tribute to Luciano Pavarotti appeared on the backdrop.
As you can imagine, this show at Climate Pledge Arena was a major sensory overload of greatness. Right when I thought I saw everything I could handle, Bocelli sang one of my favorite songs, “Nessun Dorma.” I just love that song and Bocelli was perfect like he was all night. It was truly a wonderful experience.
Filipino-English singer/songwriter beabadoobee makes an appearance this Friday to headline the Paramount! Born Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus (hey, Beatrices of the world unite! It’s Princess Beatrice’s birthday today, coincidentally, she of one of the best birthdates ever: 8/8/88) beabadoobee got a tremendous nod this year as an opener of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. Her second album, Beatopia, helped lead to spots at Glastonbury and Coachella, as well as additional festival. She also worked with the 1975’s Matt Healy and George Daniel on the album, which makes her even extra fabulous in my book. Check out her latest single “the way things go” and its video (hit the photo below for that)!
For tickets & more information, please click here.
In just a single night, a man can experience an entire lifetime. This sentiment seems to perfectly encapsulate George Clinton’s remarkable journey over the past six decades. Touring the world countless times, he has shared his infectious grooves with audiences far and wide. From his modest doo-wap beginnings to earning the title “Father of Funk,” George Clinton’s existence has been synonymous with the stage. However, this chapter is drawing to a close, as he graced The Paramount Theatre with a final performance on his nationwide farewell tour.
George Clinton energizing a packed house at The Paramount Theatre.
Despite being 82 years old, George Clinton’s energy showed no sign of slowing down as he sang, danced, and grooved alongside his band, the Parliament Funkadelic. Functioning as both a lead singer and a dynamic band leader, he guided the ensemble through a setlist that could have easily constituted a greatest hits compilation. The evening kicked off with the aptly chosen track from 1975, “Get Off Your Ass and Jam.” And indeed, that’s precisely what he did. Donning a captain’s hat and a resplendent sequined coat, he jammed harmoniously with the band, whose members were often half his age.
George Clinton performing with the Parliament Funkadelic.
The night pressed on, delivering iconic hits like “One Nation Under Groove,” “Flashlight,” and, naturally, “Give Up the Funk.” The performance was punctuated by spirited renditions of “Atomic Dog” and the soulful “Maggot Brain.” Throughout the night, George Clinton encouraged various members of his entourage to embark on solo improvisations. This not only showcased the individual talents of these artists but also offered the audience a glimpse into the forthcoming generation of musicians. The only thing that could have enhanced the evening was the legendary Mothership, a psychedelic, smoke-filled silver spaceship that featured prominently during ’70’s era shows. While it might not have been part of this evening, it’s well preserved, like Clinton’s timeless music as part of the Smithsonian’s permanent collection.
The show concluded, seamlessly weaving itself into the rich tapestry of George Clinton’s extensive and storied history. As he embarks on his retirement from touring, his absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt and missed
George Clinton @ the Paramount Theatre – all photos by Alex Crick
Superstar/Superb Songwriter/Fabulous Performer Taylor Swift was in Seattle over the weekend! We’re going to have a full review up sooner than you can say “Gorgeous,” but first here’s a Kirk Stauffer gallery of Swift during night one. Oh, and by the way, all the Swifties beat the famous “Beast Quake” of 2011 with a thundering “Swift Quake.” Excellent.
