There were three strikes against Diana Ross until she even came on stage in Red Rocks Monday night.
Her people didn’t allow any media to photograph the show — a pity, really, because Ross’ 75th birthday bash at the prestigious place was a historic moment that had been documented much better than with fuzzy iPhone pictures. Strike 1.
The 7:30 show didn’t even begin till 8:15, for no clear reason apart from trying fans’ patience. It definitely wasn’t even the weatherA late afternoon rainstorm gave way to clear skies hours earlier. When there wasn’t any legitimate reason for the delay — state, audience members arriving late, or equipment woes — a statement should have been made. (Sure, late concert starts may be common, but it never hurts to show that your fans some esteem.) Naturally, the Motown legend could have been displaying her divaness. Strike two.
When actors finally arrived on stage, the sole Ross among them was Rhonda Ross, Diana’s girl using Motown mogul Berry Gordy. But the self-described singer-songwriter has been wincingly pitchy and screechy and dared to do Leonard Bernstein’s timeless “Somewhere” out of “West Side Story,” also as Adele’s “Rollin’ In the Deep” in her brief set. She completed both . Not even a darling introduction from her youthful son can rescue the unfortunate opening action. Strike 3.
Then, after a quick set change at approximately 8:45, the initial notes ”I’m Coming Out” were discovered out of off-stage, and Ross herself (covered in yards and yards of red satin and tulle) swept onto stage.
And all was forgiven.
Inspired by a potent group and four stellar backup singers, Ross kept the hits coming “Stop! In the Name of Love,” & & ldquo;Baby Love,” & & ldquo;See About Me” “Can& & rsquo;t Hurry Love” “Touch Me In the Morning” & “Love Child. ”
This was an intoxicating mixture of Motown, disco, fashion, funk and wafts of weed smoke from the enchanting place.
Ross made sure she looked great for this diamond anniversary trip, culminating at four costume changes — all with fluttering, fitting lovers. But these disruptions were readily confused because the lead singer of the Supremes in the 1960s and longtime solo artist demonstrated she still has the pipes.
At one point, Ross proudly tossed aside her flowing wrapping for a dancing, shaking and shimmying and exhorting the audience to get up and move. “If I can move and I’m 47, so can you. ” Laughter. “You gotta go. ”
“OK, so that it ’s my own diamond jubilee,” she quipped. “I’m 75 and feeling great. ”
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She even did the Floss with her grandson, Raif-Henok Kendrick, online stage. Whoa.
Following the Floss, there were hits: “Upside Down,” & & rdquo;Love Hangover” and “Ease on Down the Road,” which she first recorded in 1977 as a duet by Michael Jackson for “The Wiz. ”
And … yet another costume change. Another enthusiast that is fitting.
She got back on stage for the gorgeous Burt Bacharach song “The Look of Love,” with melting sax, also “Why Do Fools Fall in Love. ”
And hellip; yet another costume change. (See what I mean about the excess?)
This sartorial swap has been followed by & & ldquo;Do You know Where You& & rsquo;re Going To,” & & ldquo;Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and Gloria Gaynor’s & & ldquo;I Will Survive. ”
Onto the encore and — surprise! — one last costume change, into blue taffeta. Matching enthusiast? Check.
The group played ldquo;Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” sotto voce.
“You are a blessing,” Ross told the audience. “What a remarkable night this really is. Amazing. ”
This show marked with her third concert in Red Rocks, the singer stated. “The first was in 1961, then again in 1985. I made sure I didn’t even wear the very exact gowns. ” Laughter.
Then Ross invited her daughter and grandson to join her on stage, to ldquo;state grace for us. ” Kendrick intoned: “Let us give thanks this our spirit and our soul is with us constantly, amen. ”
“Reach out and touch,” Ross explained. “Move the power in the room. ”
It was very kumbaya.
Then — oh, no — Rhonda Ross grabbed the mic, and the charm was broken.
&ldquoWe thank you, Lord, to the birds and the bees … we all thank youwe thank you. ” Blah, blah, blah.
It was a sweet time taken too much, to absurd extremes. I wanted to shout: ldquo;Just quit, dear, and give the spotlight back to a mom, where it goes. ”
And, as though she noticed me, Diana spared the night with those last words“If you want me, call mepersonally. ”
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