Mavis Staples made an appearance tonight in Albuquerque for a concert. Sadly, I bet there were less that 100 people in attendance, but it made for a very intimate show. The fact I had FRONT ROW, center seats was a huge plus too! She looked fantastic and her voice... just as good as on her albums!

Her show was scheduled at 7:30, and while the doors into the auditorium were not open, everyone could wait in the lobby. At about 7:10, into the lobby front doors walked Mavis, carrying shopping bags and a garmet bag! She mingled with the crowd, shaking hands and giving hugs as she went into a private door out of the lobby.

Her sister, Yvonne, sang back-up and the band was just two guitar players and a drummer -- all excellent musicians. She started the set with "Come Go With Me" and did about four songs from her most recent CD. She asked if we all had purchased it yet. Some guys shouted out "I got mine right here!" holding it up. She said she would sign it, and everyone elses, in the lobby after the show.

She made reference to how difficult the record industry is these days, saying all they want is younger and younger singers. She said this last album almost didn't get made because they told her she was "old skool." She then made a reference to Beyonce, saying that she was once like Beyonce and that one day... Beyonce would be like her now, then she could be "old skool" too!

"God Is Not Sleeping" was very poignant and perhaps was the setlist highlight, as she was very emotional with the somber moment of the song.

She also did the more famous Staples Singers' songs, like "Respect Yourself, "Take a Load Off Annie," "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," and of course "I'll Take You There." For her encore, she came out and sang "Reach Out and Find Yourself a Friend" (I'm not sure what the actual title was -- so I am sorry if I butchered that.) It was during that song that Mavis came to the edge of the stage and motioned for us to come forward so she could shake her hand. I nearly wet myself as she not only shook it, but HELD my hand for an extended period of the chorus!

It was a great night and I am glad she made it to this rinky dink town. If she comes to your city, please make an effort to see her perform!

1st!
I saw Mavis on Prince's Nude tour in Ireland back in 1990 and it was a great show.

did she sing any prince tunes at this show?

*pout* I wanna see Mavis Staples...she's AWESOME

very cool!

Yeah, I saw Mavis back in July 06 in S.F. and she did the same rant about Beyonce back then, but it was done in amusing way and had everyone laughing. She still has a lot of gusto for her performances but it was sad not seeing her with all her family and pops like the last time I saw them.

OH!!!!! OOOH!!!!!
"I'll Take You There"

Did she mention Prince by any chance?

Unfortunately, she did not sing any Prince songs. She did, however, mention that she is grateful she has lasted a lifetime long enough to work with some inspiring people she loves. She mentioned the Wynnans, Patti Labelle, AND Prince. But nothing was sung from "The Voice, "Time Waits For No One," or "Melody Cool."

She also did the more famous Staples Singers' songs, like
"Take a Load Off Annie,"


you mean "The Weight" and it was originally recorded by "The band" in 68

I'd love to see Mavis. That lady was extraordinary waaay before P came along.

She is one cool lady,
I saw her perform GOD IS ALIVE on the LOVESEXY tour when it was in London.