Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre
When: Sunday, June 26, 2016
The summer is subject to a bevy of hot events, and one that cannot be missed is the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival. June 24 – July 3 in Vancouver is home to amazing talent that plays at various venues throughout the city. I always tell urge people to attend a show or two because they won’t regret it. This year’s festival has been no exception when it comes to the talent. Without digressing too much, let me get back on topic.
The Queen Elizabeth Theatre was a sold out venue for Ms. Hill and it wasn’t a surprise. Nor was it a surprise that given it was a Sunday night, she would make her audience wait. And wait. And wait. *Snooze fest. Not to mention my light buzz wore off after a while*
Her opening act was so good and they definitely set the mood and tone of the evening.
*Rant begins *
Now, I love a good show, but while this waiting game is her “thing”, I wasn’t impressed. Myself and two girlfriends paid top dollar for her show (and so did everyone else), and we were left unimpressed by such behaviour. She is an artist who needs to work on time management because, I (fan girl me), appreciate punctuality at these types of things, especially when I’ve paid serious $$$ to be there. Not disrespecting her talent, but she just needs to work on her time management.
*Rant over*
When she finally appeared, dressed as the queen that she is, she did not fail to deliver. She started out slow and led into this crescendo of sound. I watched in awe as magic spun right before me. She is a performer on another level – and when I say this, you really need to see her live. With her band, she listens to them individually, and adjusts them accordingly, while delivering a show. She pays attention to the minute details, and the result is … magic. She commanded the stage, and created a presence that took the whole venue from the subdued crowd it was, and turned it into an underground music dance arena. She had everybody on their feet, dancing and having a great time as she filled the space with her sound. She delivered a fantastic set.
A lover of her sound and albums, I feel that I got my money’s worth. People who know me, know that I love live shows. Period. It’s a true experience. And Ms. Hill was no exception to this. If you ever get the chance, I urge you to go and see her!
Update:
Vancouver you are in luck! She will be back with the Ms. Lauryn Hill – The MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre again on November 8, 2016. Get your tickets and go see a show you won’t regret. Just be prepared to wait!
... S. xo