Mavis Staples

The Family Stone played nonstop hits and had the whole place dancing before the show was over. The replacement for Sly did such a good job I had to make sure it wasn't actually Sly. His range wasn't quite what Sly's used to be but then Sly is about 70 now, right? Sly's daughter was the female vocalist and has a powerful voice and presence. Overall a group of talented people representing the hits well. On the other hand was Mavis Staples who either had pneumonia or COPD or both. Her voice was hoarse and she had trouble making it through her shortened set. I was disappointed but love what she represents and give her compliments for not cancelling. She obviously loves to perform and never said she was less than 100% even when she took a 5 min break from stage.

It was an honor and a privilege to listen to the legendary Mavis Staples render songs with rich African American roots. If you missed this concert than you really missed an awesome event. I could listen to her sing her songs over and over again....thank you Mavis for taking us there!

She makes a claim for joy, happiness, inspiration and positive vibrations. She definitely delivers! Her band and back-up singers are tight and talented. She brings funk, soul and gospel with a direct channel straight from her higher power to her audience. And she is so much fun! An unforgettable evening!

Excellent show. Would have liked it to last longer, but Mavis is 71 after all.

She wowed me with her stage presence and vocal prowess - her tone and husky low growls deliver! She adeptly bridges the gospel and blues music styles. Her band and backup singers were awesome. A very uplifting and satisfying experience overall. Don't miss her.

Some people get better with age, Mavis Staples brought the house down! The energy this woman displayed was amazing.

Fantastic show, from the singing to the band. Enjoyed every minute of it. Only downside was that it didn't last longer!

I came to the show to see Mavis Staples, who was fantastic of course, but the real surprise was the pre-Mavis lineup. Local artists of all ages absolutely astounded me. The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir was alone was worth the price of admission, and POPLYFE -- unbelievable for such young musicians! A worthy tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I'll definitely be attending next year, no matter who is headlining.

the show very good, touch my heart in so many way.

From the opening with the voices of the Oakland children's choir, this program was lively, entertaining, and well worth attending. Audience members showed their appreciation by listening attentively, applauding often and standing to give special homage. What a wonderful role model the humanitarian awardee, Derreck Johnson, was. Living the dream and offering the opportunity for recent parolees to have employment while readjusting to being outside of the penal system lifted Mr. Johnson above and beyond what is expected. Thank you to all who participated in the entertainment and selection process for the humanitarian award, for we thoroughly enjoyed everything, including the video clips of Dr King. BART was easy as for as transportation; 19th St station was within easy walking distance.

Fabulous show. Much more meaningful and moving than anticipated. Mavis Staples is fantastic, she seems to be getting younger and more energetic as the years go by. POPLYFE was a surprise prize. (we don't follow america's got talent). Both the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and the Oakland Children's Community Choir were delightful. Finally the poetry readings from Youth Speaks were moving and powerful.

Melanie DeMore is always amazing but her chorus of children is beyond imagining! From the opening curtain with their bright shirts in every color of the rainbow through their extremely tight musical performance they amazed, delighted, and inspired. I sing in an adult choir and I wish we were as disciplined and dedicated to making music sound this good. The only problem then, and throughout the evening was the sound system was overwhelming. Turning it down a notch would have saved our ears and let us understand the lyrics. It might have been the location of our seats in row HH, under the balcony, but I suspect it was just too loud; sound distorts when it's too loud. The poetry was an unexpected heart wrenching moment and a nice juxtaposition with the music. Poplyfe blew me, and my friends away with the quality of their artistry and their enthusiasm. They were fantastic. And witnessing they Humanitarian award given to Derreck B Johnson gave hope for the future of this wonderful but star-crossed city. As for Mavis Staples, I could have stayed the rest of the night to hear her sing with her marvelous backup band. She is a national treasure.

Loved Dawes the best, what an energetic band. Have not been to the Beacon in years, what a wonderful venue. But Josh Ritter is so endearing,

I had high expectations walking into this concert, and I wasn't disappointed. I had a blast - and all of those artists are so talented. Dawes was even better live, in my opinion. The Head and the Heart were adorably passionate, and I bought one of their tee shirts. Josh Ritter was funny, and it was good to see him briefly. Mavis Staples was incredible for a lady who must be fairly old - she can sing! I didn't actually know what she looked like or how sassy she is! Overall, the concert was fabulous.

My sweetie and I attended this unforgetable event. It was my first and my sweetie has been going since the idea began. He promised I would love it and he was sooo right. Dawes was fun, The Head and the Heart were so energectic you couldn't help but caught up. Josh Ritter was adorable, and the amazing Ms. Staples was incredible. This certainly will not be my last show, I look forward to many more years of attending these shows. Thank you to all the stars and most of all to the efforts of the FUV folks , it was so fun. Happy Holidays

Great show- Dawes was my favorite, but all were great.

Mavis Staples deserves the four star status. She could have filled the bill herself. Josh Ritter, adorable. Lovely having him alone onstage after the garbled performance of the Hand and the Heart. Overall enjoyed, and have enjoyed the Holiday Cheer program for the last seven years!

I loved meeting my favorite DJ's who I have driven to work with for years. The Head and the Heart were amazing ! Great spirit , energy and sound. Chemistry with the audience was clear. Mavis...love her. Love my new button, and the Chapstick ...amazing.( only kidding). Would've loved to but some WFUV t-shirts, hats bumper stickers etc.

Everyone was great, Mavis, the Head and the Heart, but Dawes stole the show. The sound, the harmonies, not to mention the lyrics were great!

Great concert with awesome groups. The Head and the Heart were great, as was Dawes. Mavis Staples got the place moving too!

Everyone in the NY metro area knows that WFUV is a shining gem that saves our souls. This huge gala event truly fit the bill. Every performance was inspiring and reflected the diversity of this magnificent station. It doesn't get better than this.......

Bragg was right on was his observations about American politics and life in general. His voice is amazing, and he has a fantastic stage presence. Mavis was another story. She seemed to be going through the paces, and her disappearance for 15 minutes during a set that was to be pretty short (her band noodled around until she came back) was a little strange, though she probably needed to rest after singing for 30 minutes or so.

I thought this was an odd but intriguing double bill, and although I was really only going to see Mavis Staples, I expected to enjoy Billy Bragg, having seen him once live in London in the 80s; however I was quickly bored with the one-socialist-and-a-guitar schtick; the between-song banter was a tiresome political rant (though thankfully peppered with bits of genuine wit), and with the exception of the last one he played, melodically the songs are all totally forgettable. Still, the people who came to see him seemed to enjoy him, and unfortunately many of them left before Mavis Staples hit the stage. Mavis Staples possesses a simply amazing voice, and she sure has still got it; the new material was top-rate and she rocked a few of the classics as well, but made the mistake of taking a too-long break in the middle of her set while the band played on without clearly indicating that she was coming back, and it was a real momentum-killer. At 70+ she hasn't really got the stamina for a full-length concert but even a little bit of that voice live is worth the price. There were times when she and the band were really cooking and in another venue people would surely have been on their feet, but the audience were sadly not up to it, and the comfy auditorium seating was more suited to Bragg's set than to Staples'.

An inspirational show on many levels - musically, spiritually, morally and a whole lot of fun!

Having the opportunity to see and listen to Mavis Staples was an event to not allow to pass by. If anyone connects at all to the civil rights movement of the 60's, she projects the deep spiritual base of its intent and direction. Billy Bragg was very entertaining and has a lot of thought and cleverness in his lyrics. One does not have to agree with his politics to still enjoy the show. Of course, seeing them at my alma mater in Royce Hall at UCLA was a bonus for my wife and me.

I can't understand this pairing. Billy was awesome, but I really shouldn't review Ms. Staples as I think her entire genre is unappealing (that's as nice as i can be). Good musicians, bad music.

It was a rainy Monday night in Portland - but a nice crowd showed up at the Crystal Ballroom for Mavis Staples and her opening act Billy Bragg. On the eve of the elections (and San Francisco winning the World Series) Bragg was serious yet his usual witty and upbeat self, a fitting opening act for Mavis. Mavis was simply amazing. This woman is on her own crusade to bring positivity and hope to everyone who takes the time to listen. A 90 minute punch of energy - new fangled arrangements of old gospel songs, a crackerjack band, and the power of her voice and presence left everyone tapping their feet and waving their hands. Her collaboration with Jeff Tweedy is brilliant. Young and old - take the time to listen to her message, and you will come away with a smile on your face and love in your heart. She'll take you there!

It was a wonderful show!!! I would recommend this event to all my friends and colleagues!

I enjoyed both performances. I now see what I had been missing with Bettye LaVette. What I appreciated was her vocal talent and to be an older entertainer her showomanship was invigorating. The Legendary Ms. Mavis Staples and her Band were AWESOME!!! The Harmonizing was sooo sweet to my ears. Definitely one for your "bucket list'!!

When I saw that I could get great seats for this show there was no question I was going. I've always wanted to see both of these soul divas and the wait was worth it. Bettye Lavette opened the show. At the end of her set the thought I had was that Mavis Staples was going to have a hard time making the audience as happy as Bettye did. For the most part she showcased the tunes off of her latest album: Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook. Her take on some legendary British rock songs. I can't be sure but I think she performed all but one or two of the songs from the album. Most were only recognizable by the lyrics and she made each of them her own. After the fourth song the audience gave her a standing ovation (the first of several). Accompanied by an excellent 4-piece band, this 64 year old's dancing (bumps, grinds, jumps, and more) brought a smile to many faces, her singing brought a tear to many eyes, and the audience didn't want it to end. For her encore she sang a stunning acapella version of Sinead O Connor s I Do Not Want What I Haven t Got. At the end she put the microphone down on the stage floor and walked away to another standing ovation. Mavis was going to have to deliver, and she did, in her own way. The 71 year old daughter of Roebuck "Pop's" Staples performed both secular and popular songs, including "The Weight," and several songs from her latest album, produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Her 3-piece band did a ten-minute instrumental set of their own while Mavis took a short break. Guitarist Rick Holstrum (Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Jody Williams, R.L. Burnside) who employs heavy use of his right-hand had heads shaking at his energy and taste. During this time, the bassist, Jeff Turmes performed a slide guitar tune that was intriguing and tasteful. This funky and rocking trio, along with 3 backup singers, showed why they were backing up a legend. Mavis came back with "I'll Take You There" and went on to finish her show with more of her powerful, gravelly voiced singing, on her politically and spiritually based material. There was an encore and at the end, and this time the audience didn't want to leave. This was the best $45 dollars I've ever spent. I'd do it again tomorrow.

Both Bette and Mavis rocked Lisner, both embody real soul, combining emotional power with great chops. Both shows were really well paced, produced and songs were well chosen. I had front row seats and it was a treat to be in the presence of such real talent, the person I went with turned to me in the middle of the show and just said...YUM. And that about sums it up. Go see these two while you can.

These two ladies will leave you pumped up and ready to take on the world!

What a treat to see two legends of soul on the same stage. And they have more talent in their pinkies than today's pop stars have in their whole bodies.

Anyone who ever gets the chance should go see see Bettye Lavette. She deserves to be the headliner. One hour of incredible music and singing. Mavis was good, had a great band, but Bettye stole the show.

Absolutely loved this great display of long-standing talent. what a trip down memory lane with these two blessed voices! These two brought heart and soul to an appreciative audience, with whom they connected with in a magical way. Really enjoyed the show

Bettye LaVette and Mavis Staples put on an amazing show at GW University's Lisner Auditorium on Saturday night. The only problem was that not enough people got to see and hear it. About a half room full of people got to see a sensational show of R&B, soul and gospel belted out by two living legends backed by crack bands. Although many of the people I spoke with were secretly hoping that Jeff Tweedy, the Wilco frontman who produced the most recent Mavis Staples album would make an appearance they were not disappointed. I would recommend this show to just about anyone. Bring your friends next time; there will probably be plenty of tickets.

Great performance. I have been a fan for over 40 years. While bringing back cherished memories, it is great to see her move in different directions and not remain in the past as some in the audience advocated. I purchased her CD and play it at least once a day. I only regret that more Durhamites did not attend and sell out the venue. Now, can book Al Green.

Despite a really bad cold, Mavis Staples performed admirably Sunday night. 78 years old and still belting out meaningful songs and interacting beautifully with the audience.

Have listened to the Staple Singers all my life. Respect is still one of my favorite songs, along with, I'll take you there. Classic, Never Old . Music.

Great entertainer, kept audience on there feet. Never a lull in the show. She will take you there !!!!

Mavis was amazing!! And her band was also fantastic. What a heart and soul that gal has! Only goofy thing was the seats, small and so close together, but I got up and danced in the edge isle so, no complaints!!!!

Mavis and her team were simply fabulous. A great show from a legendary performer.

Great night out with my moms. She enjoyed every minute of it. Mavis put on a great show, worth every penny. Would love to see her come back to Indianapolis again!

Awesome time enjoyed the entire event! My wife even had a good time!

This was a great paring. Mavis was energetic, and talkative, and a great act one to Dylan's act two. Dylan was Dylan, as far as non-song words spoke to the audience, was "Thank you" and "we will take a short break" during his intermission. Bob was spot on, and yes articulate weaving thru his songbook and from other American greats. No fancy sets, just the music. A joyous Mavis and a Stoic Dylan.

Mavis Staples is celebrating her 75th birthday and she's got energy to burn! What a wonderful, thrilling, and uplifting show. She is so warm and personable that the entire audience gets involved in every song. With a musical history stretching back nearly 65 years, Ms Mavis brings us all to the table in fine form. A crack band held down by Steve Dodge on drums and Jeff Turmes on bass, both from the James Harman Band, along with several "Cousins" singing and playing guitar, Ms Mavis got the crowd up and yelling for more. She invited opener Joan Osborne to sing with her onstage, (come on, that is a great double bill!) and the placed rock itself on the high way to heaven. She is on tour with Joan Osborne for the next two months, don;t miss them. I said, Don't Miss Them!"

Joan Osborne sounded fantastic and the energy that Mavis brought was beautiful. We really enjoyed the night. I only wish I could have heard more Joan Osborne.

Joan and Mavis were in great voice! Joan used Mavis' three piece band. They were so tight you would think they were hers. They played for one hour and a forty-five minutes straight. Mavis added two additional vocalists to the mix. We were all uplifted by the end.

Mavis Staples was awesome and a living legend. But Joan Osborne has a great body of work also and did not have time to shine and was reduced to a warm up act. They should of been co-billed. Can you imagine Joan and Mavis singing "What's become of the Brokenhearted" or just a little Motown stuff.

All great but Mavis Staples was a force of nature!

Opening act Amy Helm is very good and worth catching now if you can, with her first CD just released. She has a great lead guitarist! I love Patty Griffin, but disappointed that she played none of her early work and few of her beloved songs, focusing mostly on new work to be released in September. And after mentioning her connecting with Mavis Stapes and the thrill of working with her in the studio, they didn't sing anything together. Kinda surprising. And Mavis is still a big voice onstage, but wasn't on stage long as the closing act. The songs from the 60s got young and old going, containing lyrics from the 60s that were applicable today with all the racial tension in our large cities. All in all, an enjoyable evening but not what i expected.

Mavis and her band were fantastic as usual. The venue was friendly and small so every seat was a good seat. The warm up band were very enjoyable and talented. Anytime Mavis and her band are playing, I want to be there!!!

I hope Norfolk brings a legend like this back again!

Show was good- Mavis's singing and music was a blessing to my soul! Mavis is talented still at this age. She had a cold or cough but still put on a good show. Wish I could have seen her 10 years ago.

Mavis Staples was wonderful. She performed wonderfully, even though she wasn't feeling her best.

Energizing, captivating, and impossible to do justice in words. The close proximity to this living legend (MAVIS STAPLES), the casual interplay between performers and audience, the intimate venue, an unforgettable set list and the top-notch band, this was a show for the ages. We were privileged to be in attendance and thank Mavis et al and the Library of Congress for affording this opportunity to witness the pinnacle of music. Question: Will it be archived for future listening/viewing by those who were not privileged enough to attend?

Mavis and her band are musically vital, an inspiration in times of trouble, and a joy to spend an evening with. Her voice remains mighty, and her backup singers bring clear elations - and at time enticing ecstasy - to their work. Instrumentally, the virtuosity of her trio underpins the deceptively simple arrangements of her musical statements, but they are given room to shine while channeling the spirit of "Pops" Staples with their own enormous talent and vitality. Simply put: an energizing evening from an overlooked and humane voice in the world of heart-lifting music.

Great concert, awesome venue. LOC concerts are the best.

Mavis was wonderful! She (& the audience) had a great time for almost 2 hours. At 75 years old she needed a short break about halfway thru. She didn't leave the stage, she took a seat in the back corner and listened to her wonderful guitar player, bass player, & drummer. Classy! Sound reinforcement was a C, at best. Her vocals and the backing vocals (also world class) should have been much more out front.

I cannot think of enough wonderful things to say about Mavis Staples and the her band.

When Mavis was helped out onto the stage with walking stick in hand at the beginning of the show, I was expecting one of those nostalgia concerts where the person has already had their day. With Mavis though, it seems like she's at the top of her game right now, at the ripe old age of 74! She brought so much energy and soul, and you could feel how she wanted to share herself and her love for the music through her performance. There were a few songs where she had to sit down to rest (which is understandable for anyone doing a 1 hour 45 minute set!), but she just wanted to sing and make music so much that by the end of those tunes, she was already back on her feet again! Her band was also super tight, and she had some really solid BVs to round it out. It was a riveting performance, and I would say it's literally one of the best gigs I've ever been to over the past 15 years. The small venue also definitely helped give her a whole extra level of intimacy. By the end of the show, everyone was cheering for more, even though she couldn't make it back out for an encore. She was brilliant!

The concert was amazing and Mavis Staples is truly an inspiration. The band was incredible and overall was great. I love it and so does my husband.

She was wonderful, the venue was small and cozy and relax and her performance was electric. Did not like the opening act, it was too long and boring

Music was great. Mavis and Dr. John are both legends and their music complimented each other.

Friday night, Mavis was giving us all she had,,, there just wasn't that much to give. Ms. Staples was far from top form due to what appeared to be a chest cold/sore throat and possibly the fact that the venue was less than half full. At least I hope they were the reasons. She missed her notes and lost her breath numerous times and fortunately had band and back-up to cover for her. They were all exceptional. Her bass player switched over to slide guitar for a solo instrumental and completely blew me away . He was,,, Beyond Excellent! Oh, a little side note: No 'professional cameras allowed' ? By the size of the crowd, Ms. Stapless should start getting used to the fact that, well,,, she's not that big of a star.

Love Mavis!!! I enjoyed the show and cant wait to see her again!

THE CLIPS OF MARTIN LUTHER WERE WELL CHOSEN AND POWERFUL AND MOVING-I MISS HIM, SUCH A GREAT LOSS FOR ALL OF US. HOWEVER, THERE IS COMFORT AND AFFIRMATION TO HEAR HIM SPEAK IN THESE CLIPS. THIS WAS A WONDERFUL EVENING THE CHILDRENS CHOIR WAS CHARMING AND FUN. THE LEADER IS A MARVEL TO TAKE THAT MANY CHILDREN AND HAVE THEM ALL BE SO ENTHUSIASTIC IS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE. LOVED THIS! I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF THE INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR..THEY ROCK YOUR WHOLE BEING. MAVIS WHAT CAN I SAY AMAZING.. BARBARA RODGERS SIMPLY MARVELOUS BARBARA LEE WHATS NOT TO LOVE THE YOUNG BAND..SO MUCH TALENT THERE THEY REMIND THAT MOST YOUNG FOLKS ARE FINDING POSITIVE WAYS TO LIVE THEIR LIVES. TO STACY, WHAT AN AMAZING DEDICATED HUMAN BRAVO KUDOS AND THANKS TO THE RECIPIENT OF THE AWARD DERRICK JOHNSON THANK YOU FOR BEING A SOLID SUPPORTIVE CARING PERSON.