1. A varied setlist. She could do 1998’s majestic The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill start to finish every night and still draw, that album’s resonance undiminished nearly two decades later and its artistry unparalleled during that same time period. But the frequently touring Hill has been smart to mix up the program, which means not only refreshed versions of her biggest hits, but selections from 2002’s Unplugged album, a handful of Fugees chestnuts and a few covers (including songs from reggae king Bob Marley and R&B singer Sade). Thankfully, she’s been including her stunning take on Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” one of six songs she cut for the 2015 Oscar-nominated/Emmy-winning documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?
2. Some culture—and the progeny of a prodigy. Hill’s tour is billed as the MLH Caravan: A Diaspora Calling! Concert Series, which features global guest performers of African heritage in an attempt to share positive, cross-cultural messages. For the Vegas date, the opener is none other than Nigerian singer Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer and political icon Fela Kuti, whose Egypt 80 band Seun now leads. The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree, and just as he has exhibited his talents to thousands of American music fans through appearances at festivals like Coachella, he’ll introduce himself Saturday to Las Vegas, where his own saxophone-fronted update of Afrobeat ought to sound like a revelation.
3. She’ll show up—eventually. Locals burned by Hill’s infamous 2007 no-show at Rio’s then-named Club 3121 should know she has hit the stage at every announced local concert since—hell, she’s done four of them in five years. She performs on Hill Time, however (see also: Axl Rose, Rihanna, Madonna), so bring some money for drinks and a fully charged phone battery in case her legendary tardiness arises.
Lauryn Hill with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80. November 12, doors at 7:30 p.m., $67. The Foundry, 702-761-7617.
