Can We Talk?
Known for her catchphrase “Can We Talk?” comedian and host of E! Entertainment’s “Fashion Police” Joan Rivers was in town recently performing stand-up comedy at The Wilbur Theatre. The octogenarian hit the stage dressed in all black topped by a very sparkly purple sequined floor-length coat with a high cut boa framing her face. The petite powerhouse packed a playful punch as she paced back and forth on the stage shooting one-liners out at the crowd. Rivers commanded the stage throughout her set with non-stop energy as she talked about “hating” singers Rihanna, Adele and Taylor Swift to discussing Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian to wishing she had a gay grandson, who would ask her questions about Judy Garland and Liza Minelli. The “Joan Rangers” lapped up the all-in-jest, ribald set and at the end of the show, a fan presented her with flowers for the night of laughter.
Nothin’ But Love…
India.Arie’s recent concert at The Wilbur thrilled the audience with the singer and musician performing old hits and new songs. The event was the last night of her 29-city U.S. tour.
It was an evening of music and emotion and fun and dare I say “songversation?” as so aptly stated by India.Arie. Her recent concert was absolutely amazing and inspirational. Arie hit The Wilbur stage with her seven-piece band ready to create a space of love and positivity. It was the final night of her 29-city U.S. tour and you could feel the audience brimming with anticipation for the show to begin. Her message of love and knowing oneself was reinforced by quotes from musicians, authors and leaders on screens throughout the evening and filled the two-hour plus show. In between songs she talked about her “breakdown, her break through, breaking the shell, elevating and eventually flying.” Backed by a very talented band, she performed most of the songs from her new album SongVersation. Arie opened with “I Am Light” and threw in some of her nuggets like “Video” and “I Am Not My Hair.” She brought the house down when at the end of “I Am Not My Hair” she unwrapped her braids and threw her wig (who knew?) up into the air to the delight and surprise of her fans. The crowd roared back with appreciation and laughter. But it was music that took center stage all night long as Arie smoothly segued from new songs “Moved By You” and “Flowers” to “Brothers’ Keeper” and the reggae groove “Thy Will Be Done,” where she was joined on stage by Gramps Morgan for the duet. She closed the show and the theatre down with a heartfelt rendition of “Ready for Love” to by this point, a standing room only crowd.
Coming Up …
The Urban Nutcracker kicks off the 2013 season this Friday, Dec. 6 at the John Hancock Hall and runs through Dec. 22. For tickets and show times, visit www.urbannutcracker.com.
Lauryn Hill performs at Royale on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets: General Admission, $75. It’s an 18+ show. To order, go online at www.ticketmaster.com.
The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour starring Beyoncé lands at the TD Garden on Friday, Dec. 20. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.
The House of Blues in association with Ingenious Concepts presents rapper/actor Common on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $36 General Admission Standing; and $49.50 for VIP seating. For tickets: www.livenation.com.
If you would like me to cover or write about your event, email me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.
