Diana Ross came out April 29-30 at the Chicago Theatre. Crowds would have a "Love Hangover" the day after this concert, thanks to this pro. Also, the Supremes era came alive and well with songs "Baby Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love."
The crowd danced around waving their boas to "Stop! In the Name of Love." Drag queens were in attendance in addition to a wide age range of gay fellas.
There was a tribute to Billie Holiday, with "Don't Explain" from her Lady Sings the Blues. The Boss' movie roles continued to have a nice presence with "Ease on Down the Road" from The Wiz, "Endless Love" from the same title and the "Theme from Mahogany ( "Do You Know Where You're Going To?" ).
Aretha Franklin arrived May 3 decked in a red dress and looking slim from her recent weight loss. She opened with "( Your Love Keep Lifting Me ) Higher and Higher" backed with a large band complete with bongo player.
During "Ain't No Way," she mentioned was written by her sister, as pictures flashed of her behind on a movie screen. Franklin did try to modernize things with a band rendition of Pharrell Williams' "Happy."
Chicago 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti stopped the show to read a proclamation in her honor; then dancers sang with her for "Giving Him Something He Can Feel." ( According to The Chicago Tribune, she also received a proclaimation from the Illinois Senate. )
The "Queen of Soul" was ever the pro throughout her show with her impressive vocal gymnastics.
Ross and Franklin had much in common with continuing costume changes throughout their sets. Both ladies have had gay hits for their fan base in the past with, respectively, "I'm Coming Out" and "Pride ( A Deeper Love )," although Franklin did not sing it that night.
Age seems to only be a number with these dames, who don't look like they are stopping from performing live anytime soon. Ross sang Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," ending her night which seemed completely fitting.
Text and photos by Jerry Nunn
Diana Ross came out April 29-30 at the Chicago Theatre. Crowds would have a "Love Hangover" the day after this concert, thanks to this pro. Also, the Supremes era came alive and well with songs "Baby Love" and "You Can't Hurry Love."
The crowd danced around waving their boas to "Stop! In the Name of Love." Drag queens were in attendance in addition to a wide age range of gay fellas.
There was a tribute to Billie Holiday, with "Don't Explain" from her Lady Sings the Blues. The Boss' movie roles continued to have a nice presence with "Ease on Down the Road" from The Wiz, "Endless Love" from the same title and the "Theme from Mahogany ( "Do You Know Where You're Going To?" ).
Aretha Franklin arrived May 3 decked in a red dress and looking slim from her recent weight loss. She opened with "( Your Love Keep Lifting Me ) Higher and Higher" backed with a large band complete with bongo player.
During "Ain't No Way," she mentioned was written by her sister, as pictures flashed of her behind on a movie screen. Franklin did try to modernize things with a band rendition of Pharrell Williams' "Happy."
Chicago 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti stopped the show to read a proclamation in her honor; then dancers sang with her for "Giving Him Something He Can Feel." ( According to The Chicago Tribune, she also received a proclaimation from the Illinois Senate. )
The "Queen of Soul" was ever the pro throughout her show with her impressive vocal gymnastics.
Ross and Franklin had much in common with continuing costume changes throughout their sets. Both ladies have had gay hits for their fan base in the past with, respectively, "I'm Coming Out" and "Pride ( A Deeper Love )," although Franklin did not sing it that night.
Age seems to only be a number with these dames, who don't look like they are stopping from performing live anytime soon. Ross sang Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," ending her night which seemed completely fitting.
Text and photos by Jerry Nunn
