BB King Blues Festival

BB is 87 years old (he made reference to it several times). If anyone is expecting a show from 30 years ago, you will be disappointed. There times in the show when his voice came out like he was a younger man, and it was incredible when that happened. His guitar playing is still a force to be reckoned with, however not what he used to be. That said, his tone and vibrato are still better than all but a handful of guitarists can ever hope to achieve. Show lasted for just over an hour. I can now add BB to my list of all-time greats that I have seen, and I am glad I went. I just wish I could have seen him in his prime.

My grandson, 15, and I attended this festival to enjoy a piece of living musical history. The place was packed but even from the highest seat, the sound and the view were good. The band played many sets before BB arrived on the stage...to a standing ovation, no less. BB talked a lot but that's okay, I came to see the man not just hear the music. Lucille and BB wooed us. His showmanship and interaction with the audience was unique. It would have been more enjoyable if we could have also interacted...but we were too far back. I wanted my grandson to meet him, since he also plays guitar, but sadly, that didn't happen.

It was worth every penny... we had a great time!!!

Saw BB King in Buffalo. Unfortunately BB King talked more than he played - but he didn't talk into the microphone so we couldn't hear him. We DID hear him blow his nose, however, because he did do that right into the microphone. BB maybe played 2 whole songs all together, but he was drowned out by his horn section (and they seemed bored and looked like they didn't want to be there). Everyone was so excited and warmly welcomed BB to the stage - and kept waiting right to the end hoping to hear him play - but everyone left disappointed and deflated. We definitely had the BLUES when we left. Wanted to ask for my money back. Wished I had read the other reviews before I bought my tickets. It would have been better to remember BB King the way he was, when he actually played guitar - rather than waste our money on his large entourage.

great artistry, great venue. great overall program.

BB's band was great - his reminiscing was the best part. Reminded us of his life and times. He even played enough to make it us think back on all of his music

Although this man has been the "King" of the blues for decades, I was unimpressed with this concert. He needs to retire. There was hardly any guitar playing on his part and he sat the entire time. He did a lot of talking which at times was unheard because he kept moving the microphone around.

Great show. BB King is showing his age but that was understood going into this event. His interaction with the band and audience was very entertaining. The music selection was great and his commentaries hold true to the gentleman he is. I only wish I could have seen him in his prime.

BB King is an amazing singer. I would have liked to hear him sing more and talk less. I didn't need to hear all the stories of his band members. For his age his voice is phenominal but unfortunately we were not able to hear it as much as I would have liked to.

I've seen BB King at least eight times since 1969. It's always been a pure joy. But something has happened at this concert and at least some of the others on his current tour. I guess at 85 age is catching up to him. Even in his old age and sitting on stage he was the master showman in recent years. This time he babbled on and played little, hardly ever finishing a song. But at least you could tell, regardless of the diminished performance, that he really appreciated the people who came to see him. He still has a big heart. I never thought I'd ever give him any less that five stars. He just was not the same and it was so sad. But it's been an honor to have experienced his musical gift to the world... thank God for people like him, not just for his talent but for the fine human being he is.

For his age, BB King still has a terrific voice and plays his guitar spectacularly, and he is such a warm person, I just thought it was a little too dragged out in the first half of his performance, he played his guitar and sang wonderfully in the last half hour, I just wished we could have more of that throughout the performance. My husband loves blues and always wanted to see him. Also, BB King's talking voice could not be heard at times, I think he needs a mc right on him, kept tipping the mic to his left side and sometimes didn't talk right into it. One thing I have to say is I don't like the appearance of any performers before the BB King show, or any show for that matter, but that's me, I'm totally bored with it and it was way tooooo long. If I buy tickets, I just want to see the main performer.

Murali Coryell and Joe Lewis Walker put on an amazing performance. They were just fantastic in the songs chosen and feeling with which they delivered the Blues. BB King is my idol - he was cordial and beautiful in speech and performance. It's unfortunate the crowd was less than respectful as the preponderance of alcohol served made for an obnoxious and unruly bunch that Shea was unable to deal with. The sound engineer was spoken to but seemed equally ill-equipped in managing the house system as we could barely hear Joe Lewis Walker play. The drums were Booming throughout the arena and BBKing was just a whisper. Use of a compressor would have made all the difference

It was wonderful to see BB King in person. His voice is as powerful as ever. A few lead guitar solos that make the man famous and constantly copied. I was disappointed that he performed only a few songs. He spent most of the concert time introducing his band members, who are all brilliant musicians, and wasting time talking senselessly to the audience. The only reason I would rate this performance with four stars is because it was a pleasure to see the great BB King in person.

This was a total waste of my money. I kept waiting for the concert to get started and couldn't believe it when BB started thanking us for coming. Did he even play three songs? Too much unintelligible banter among BB and his band. I guess you were just supposed to be in awe of being in his presence that he didn't have to actually play music!

Missed a lot of what he said with the way the mic was set up.. BUT...the music ! WOW ! It was better than WONDERFUL ! You'd never know BB King was 85 the way he was moving those fingers! And the whole group. None of them were what I'd call "young", but they sure had the moves and the music going !... I'd say, better than the rock groups. And it didn't just sound like wang wang, and NOT what I would call "music". The whole audience was moving right along with BB and his bunch! What a wonderful way to perk up the night ! I didn't want it to end. And even when BB King came to an end...he still didn't. He was gracious in sitting for quite some time and talking and giving autographs. Great, great night ! Would love to have him back again SOON !

This is the first time I have seen B. B. King in concert. I have enjoyed his music for many years but never was able to see him in concert. It was a very enjoyable evening. listen to him play. His keen wit and humor is why I think he is a legend. His connection to the audience made the evening very entertaining. The only down side to the concert was the actions of a few individuals that kept yelling their affections to Mr. King. Even Mr. King got fed up with it and said if they wanted to yell and talk then he would just sit there and listen. He handled the situation like a profession he is. I saw the ushers and security looking for the individuals which I thought was very good of Shea's Theater. The personnel was obviously concerned about the rest of the audience to make a serious effort to find the individual. I will definitely come back to Shea's fvor more entertainment!

A little too chatty with the audience but the music was great and I'm proud to say I have seen the Master and Lucille LIVE!!!!!!

A Classic historic event. B.B. King is an adorable gentleman. I only wish there was a bit more playing and less talking. The opening event was wonderful as well.

SAD TO SEE A PERFORMER AT THIS STATE OF HIS CAREER. JUST THE SAME, IT WAS IHARD TO TO SIT THRU THIS SHOW WITHOUT FEELING INSULTED. 6OR 8 SONGS IN AN HOUR & A HALF? THE REST BEING DISJOINTED BLATHER. L O L.

very disappointing- headliner did 5 songs if that...too much chatter with band and audience...probably time to hang it up - a legend yes- a disappoint ? yes as well

Great to see him alive but he is not playing and singing very well anymore.

Great show and great atmosphere. I love BB King and it is great to see him going strong!

For an eighty five year old gentleman he hasn't lost a thing as far as his voice goes. I do wish he had sung a little more and talked a little less. One of the few songs he did do a full version of was The Thrill Is Gone--which was fantastic. Truly enjoyed Murali Coryell and Joe Lewis Walker...they were worth the cost of admission. All in all in was a great show and the Shea Theater is absolutely beautiful.

BB King was so soulful and his touch on Lucile was as good as you can imagine. He was fantastic. While his band was really, really good,.......I gotta say, his voice and guitar sound is so timeless and it made you very aware that you were in the presence of a legend. I will remember this night forever.

BB was really great! Awesome to finally hear Lucille in person.we enjoyed his banter In between songs. What a good night. Seats were comfortable. Staff was friendly and drinks were reasonably priced. The opening band was so great. Really warmed up the crowd for the King!

The start up band was wayyyyyyy too loud, you couldn't understand the singer hardly. It was like she was yelling and screaming instead of singing. BB King and his crew were really good. He gave a nice show as well as his entire crew. He has some great musicians, along with himself,of course. The show could have been a little longer.The people at the Effingham Performance Center were very nice people and very accommodating . Was a nice place to visit with nice people working there. Our seating person, a nice lady called BJ, was very nice and caring. This was a birthday gift and it was nice to deal with nice people!!!!!!!!

I would have to agree with most of the reviews of recent shows I read before seeing BB King in Effingham IL. He is a classy guy and a true professional. But unfortunately, he has lost his ability to play the guitar like one would expect to see when attending a concert of a great guitar player. BB opened up most songs with a few licks and tried to close most of the songs with his own guitar playing but he missed notes and parts in obvious ways and then tried to redo those licks with not much luck. BB has another guitar player behind him, sometimes playing note for note so that when BB misses something, you can still hear something close to what was expected. However, whenever BB was "on", there was an obvious signature to his playing and tone. that "sound" is exactly what I wanted to hear -- it's just that I only got to hear that sound intermittently throughout the show rather than "for the whole show". I'm glad I got to see him but I won't go again.

The venue was intimate and comfortable, BB King and his band blew us away with their talent. Even at 87 years old, BB King played the entire show and really outdid himself by not only playing, but interacting with his audience. This man is a living legend, and if you have a chance to see him while he's still well enough to tour, you should take it!

These tickets were purchased for my Inlaws for their 40th wedding anniversary. They said they really enjoyed themselves. They talked about what a great show it was and would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to see BB King live. They were both so glad we purchased these tickets for them. Well worth the money for us.

A humble and gracious entertainer. This man can still rock. Sure the show wasnt 12 or 15 songs like the old days, but the tunes Mr King did play were wonderful, and his voice still sounds as good as it did the first time we saw him many years ago. We've seen him many times, and every show is different, but amazing. His banter with the audience was fun, and to honest, i'd pay money to sit on a stool next to him to hear more of his stories. The audience showed him respect with oviations and applause. They didnt want him to leave. God Bless you BB KIng, and all of your bandmates.

He only completed one song during the entire concert which lasted only one hour, half of which was taken up introducing and discussing the Band Members. Poor presentation. Must have been saving his best for the President as we most definitely did not get it ! Would demand refund if I had any thought I would be heard. Will never attend another concert of his!

It was entertaining to see BB King and Bobby Bland reminisce, but I paid for top dollar seats to go see and hear BB King sing and play. Disappointing in that more time was spent joking and talking to Bobby Bland. Not one full set of just BB King music which is what I wanted to see and hear. This was perhaps my one and only chance to see BB King - I wish he would have played more of his songs, and especially wish he would have played more of his guitar. Still love BB King - and I know he and Bobby Bland have a long friendship and history - it was entertaining - just not what I was expecting or what I paid to see and hear. I took my 16 and 12 year old kids to this concert to let them see and hear BB King. Both enjoyed it, but agreed more songs and music from BB King would have made it much better.

We were so excited to finally see BB King on stage and our excitement rapidly turned to disapointment. BB King hardly sang, hardly played the guitar (Lucille), lots of talking, too much talking with his friend Bobby Bland (sp?)...... Extremely disapointed.

The concert was wonderful. I had wanted to see BB King. He didn't disappoint. He just enjoyed the crowd and made my birthday weekend so enjoyable.

He was ok. Never finished a song and alot of talking and not so much playing.

Don't think he played more than 8 songs and did not finish them. Mostly just sat in chair and shot the breeze with Bobby Bland. Interesting but not a concert. BB's best years definitely in the rear view mirror. Don't waste your money. Buy a CD

BB King was absolutely amazing. The sound guys needed to do a better job. Overall it was really good but too short. Guess that happens when the artist is 85 years young.

I went to this show to see an outstanding blues singer. The only song he sang was The thrill is gone. The rest of the time he was talking and partially singing songs. I guess for 85 years old though it is what it is. Lucille had quite a bit of dust on it as it was lightly used.

Mr. King's guitar playing is intoxicating. Listening to him live has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The musicians in the BB King Blues Band are amazing-- each very talented in their own right. The best concert experience I've attended.

Music was good, enjoyed BB and his band and the humor. Concert could have been a little longer, maybe a lead act. Poor seating, need a venue not lawn chairs where you can't see around the "big" guy in front of you.

An act peppered with witty banter, soulful and sexy blues, who knew this octogenarian could still belt it? The thrill is definitely not gone! Winner of medal of freedom, a living legend...BB King.

Been waiting along time to see BB King live always something would interfere work/time so when my friend mentioned him being in Cabazon at Morongo I jumped on the band wagon.My wife and I were very excited and happy we were able to be there since he isn't getting any younger it was a dream come true regardless if I didn't get one of his guitar picks my wife and I just sat enjoying every moment.The venue was very private and comfortable much nicer then any stadium or arena...Very personable and enjoyable.

Let's be honest, this is nothing more than a tribute to a legend but NOT a concert. We arrived at a ballroom style venue that was supposed to be sold-out, but was just over half full. BB King arrives and throws guitar picks to the fans for 5 minutes, then sits down and tells stories that only he can understand. He never completed a song (in fact, some songs went by so quickly that you weren't sure what they were). Every song was interrupted by a monologue or discussion with audience members. As a tribute to BB King, we sat for an hour through what was definitely our worst concert experience. Please BB, for the sake of your fans, just call it a day.

Seating at Morongo Casino was a little tight and the stage wasn't set high enough for viewing; however, the acoustic overall was pretty good, though there were a few episodes of squeeling. The King though put on a dynamic show. At 85 and he is still going strong. He had the crowd captivated the whole show. What's even more amazing, there were a fair number of 20 - 35 year olds in the audience digging his performance.

I am so glad my husband and I got a chance to see BB King before he retires! What a voice - I mean strong voice for 85 years old. I don't think the ballroom at the Morongo is large enough to capture the strength of this concert. BB King and his band were both professionally looking and prompt to start. Well done.

This Festival was truly unforgettable! The opening act was really good, I felt a great honor being in the room with a legend.

BB King is a legend! I am so happy I was able to see him before he decides to retire. The band was amazing, songs were wonderful, and BB King was adorable! :) Just like the concerts I've seen on TV, or at Crossroads, BB and Lucille are the perfect pair. He has a great sense of humor, and loves interacting with the audience. I loved all his stories, and I hope I get to see him again soon. If you ever have the chance to see BB King in person, do it! I know that I will Never forget this experience! *I've heard some people are not happy with how long BB talks during the concert, but in his 50+ years playing, and the 85 years he's been on this earth, he has earned the right to speak his mind. His stories are wonderful, and his band doesn't seem to mind. I think they all have fun just chillin with the King and playing background.

The opening act set the tone for the night. When I think of the blues I think about amazing guitars. I was not disappointed at all, the show had me on the edge of my seat. It was a blessing to hear B.B. play. I would recommend if you get the chance check out the king of the blues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. King is 85 years old and is less active in the show than he was when he was 70, which is the last time that I saw his performance. Our third row seats allowed us to take in a few of his senior moments which at the age of 85 is only natural. At this point in BB's life he needs to be supported by an array of other talented musicians and fortunately this is the case. A good portion of the show was spent with him introducing the band members whether he could remember thier names or not. Each musician seemed to excell in his instrument. Each musician also had a chance for a solo exhibition at center stage prior to Mr. King joining them on stage. The venue was a classic Art Deco music hall. Unfortunaely there was a very drunk woman that bellowed throughout the performance from the back of the room that she loved BB. Sometimes she would yell at people that were asking her to be quiet. This not only disturbed the crowd, but it also disturbed Mr. King, which at one point stopped the performance and told her that he would just listen to her (since she did not want to listen to him, or let any one else listen to him). All in all I found the show some what disappointing. This was anything but a traditional blues show. ANY WAY.......Long live BB King.

I had great expectation because of the legendary songs, performances etc. It has come to an end. He should stop embarrassing himself in public. The band is OK but he mostly talks.