Disco diva Donna Summer played two sold-out nights at the Hollywood Bowl over this past weekend. The mixed crowd of youngish flamboyant gays and older sequin wearing disco queens from decades past packed the infamous Hollywood arena to see the queen of disco in the flesh. Playing from a great collection of 17 years of disco, pop and dance, Summer pulled from her new album Crayons as well as her older more famous disco tracks.
The first act was lackluster with her newer song’s failing to connect with the audience. Donna herself looked great throughout her numerous costume changes going from an orange African inspired dress to a swanky purple full-length. But her performance was stiff and she didn’t actually dance at all. Although she kind of waddled around, the stage design was quite innovative with hi-resolution screens changing colors and shapes to match the vibe of each song. The band was of course, quite good, as is to be expected for such a legacy artist.
By the time her second act rolled around, Donna began to loosen up, playing the old sexy beat-pumping disco fans had come to see. She raged through classics “No More Tears,” “She Works Hard for the Money,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff” bringing fans to their feet for some booty shaking. Playing “Last Dance” as her encore (duh), Donna left a good impression overall but there were still some kinks with her performance. What distinguishes Summer from other artists in her age group—Cher, Tina Turner, Madonna—is that her age has actually seemed to slow her down. In short, she’s not really working hard for her money, but it still won’t be her last dance.
Words: Nick Rabinovitch
I saw the show and thought Donna’s singing was great! Which is what I pay to hear. Not sure what you are referring to as “lackluster”? As for your reference to others in her age group, these women range in age from 50 – 68, I’d hardly call that an “age group” nor have I heard any of the others, each of whom I have seen in concert, sound anywhere near as good vocally. For my money, you can keep the lights, dancers and costumes.. but, you better sing!
I saw the show and thought Donna’s singing was great! Which is what I pay to hear. Not sure what you are referring to as “lackluster”? As for your reference to others in her age group, these women range in age from 50 – 68, I’d hardly call that an “age group” nor have I heard any of the others, each of whom I have seen in concert, sound anywhere near as good vocally. For my money, you can keep the lights, dancers and costumes.. but, you better sing!
Unfortunately miss Summer sang mostly to a track for the 1st half of the performance; hence that lack of connection to the audience. When she did actual sing she was great. Unfortunately as well, the Bowl was having syncing issues with the picture screens. Overall, it was enjoyable evening.
Having seen both Donna Summer and Diana Ross at the Bowl, I have to give it to Diana Ross for still having phenomenal singing chops and for singing throughout the entire concert – at 60+, PHENOMENAL!
Unfortunately miss Summer sang mostly to a track for the 1st half of the performance; hence that lack of connection to the audience. When she did actual sing she was great. Unfortunately as well, the Bowl was having syncing issues with the picture screens. Overall, it was enjoyable evening.
Having seen both Donna Summer and Diana Ross at the Bowl, I have to give it to Diana Ross for still having phenomenal singing chops and for singing throughout the entire concert – at 60+, PHENOMENAL!
Donna doesn’t do tracks, its always live…and amazing!
Donna doesn’t do tracks, its always live…and amazing!
Craig needs to go get his ears cleaned out obviously. None of those songs were done to a track, good lord man, is something wrong with you? With all due respect to Ross, her voice will never measure up to Donna Summer. Ross might look great and put on a great show, Summer also looks great even with the extra weight, put on a great show AND STILL outsing just about anyone around today.
Craig needs to go get his ears cleaned out obviously. None of those songs were done to a track, good lord man, is something wrong with you? With all due respect to Ross, her voice will never measure up to Donna Summer. Ross might look great and put on a great show, Summer also looks great even with the extra weight, put on a great show AND STILL outsing just about anyone around today.