Queen Latifah at UPAC, Kingston

___________________________ QUEEN LATIFAH'S NATIONAL TOUR DRAWS RAVES! No Hip Hop All Smooth Jazz
Sunday, September 30,2007
By LORRIE IRBY JACKSON / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
Dallas' Majestic Theatre was transformed into royal court Saturday night as Queen Latifah took to center stage and performed jazz and soul classics for nearly 1,500 fans of all creeds, colors and ages. The concert, entitled Harmony in the House, was more than a kick-off for a national tour. Proceeds benefited the Family Place, a Dallas shelter for survivors of domestic violence. The New Jersey native and one-woman entertainment empire, stunning and statuesque in a floor-length black gown, earned her first standing ovation. The audience's diversity offered unspoken testament to her crossover appeal. The bold and brassy "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die" was the opening number. With a warm "What's up Dallas?" the queen regaled with nimble nuances, her strong soprano and impeccable timing. She performed no hip-hop, but street swagger was never too far away, evident in sassy shoulder rolls, the way she kept the beat on her hips and her impromptu dancing with her three background singers and eight-piece band. The Queen made smooth segues from one selection into the next, delivering tunes as faithfully as she could to the recorded versions. "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" was declared "my daddy's song." Her father, Lance Owens, emerged from stage right and waved. . She worked the crowd, eliciting participation for sing-alongs, hand-claps and finger snaps. Her ballads were also things of beauty. "Georgia Rose" was conveyed from atop a stool in the center spotlight, delicately rendered. Trav'lin Light's title track was soothing and sultry all at once. Hairspray's big number, "I Know Where I've Been," earned the first standing ovation. Before her false exit ("Just one more and it's bedtime for you!" she playfully scolded when a loud encore plea drove her back to perform "Lush Life"), the tone turned grown-up and sexy when she and male singer Romeo broke down "Simply Beautiful," earning squeals of delight. Two female singers earned their own shine for their version of Luther Vandross' "Creepin.' " By the time the lights rose, fans had witnessed a great show for a great cause and what a woman can embody when she uses strength and confidence to break barriers.

To listen to an interview with Queen Latifah and hear her music visit the
NPR website

This presentation is supported by The New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

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