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Aretha Franklin (4 stars)—House of Blues, September 24-25

Carla Zvosec

You'd think that when concert-hall planners make the effort to bring in a legend like Aretha Franklin, they'd at least turn on the freakin' AC for the show. After all, it's not like the Queen of Soul—with her ability to fluctuate from smooth, jazzy, love-themed ballads to passionate, gritty, blues vocals—doesn't spark enough heat all on her own.


But in all fairness, it was a packed house for Aretha's show Saturday at the House of Blues. And, despite a room temperature that felt like it exceeded the 100-degree mark, the crowd was a-rockin'. The audience, ranging from twenty-somethings to those who probably remember when the now-62-year-old music goddess began making a name for herself in the late '50s, vigorously welcomed Aretha with admiration and enthusiasm.


Wearing a yellow muu-muu-style dress with sparkling rhinestone neckline and sporting a short, retro-looking 'do, Aretha appeared onstage after an opening medley performed by her three backup singers. Accompanied by more than 20 instrumentalists, including 13 Las Vegas musicians, the singers presented a blend of some of Aretha's most popular hits while some of her album covers flashed on the screen above the stage.


Aretha was joined onstage by her singer-songwriter son, Teddy Richards, who opened the show with his own 30-minute set, then lent his guitar-playing to his mom's performance. With her vocals powerful and right on target, Aretha beautifully belted out such hits as "A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Respect" and "Freeway of Love," which all brought cheering audience members to their feet.


The fact that she played several of her most popular songs and poured her heart and soul into her performance despite the sweltering temps (at one point, when she wiped the sweat from her face, she asked, "Is there any water around here," evoking a good laugh from the audience) wasn't necessarily what hit home with her adoring listeners. What was truly heartwarming was that this mega star seemed just as enthralled to be amongst her fans: "I'm so damn happy to be back in Las Vegas. I didn't know if I'd ever make it back, but God is good, and I'm here."


She also showed an honest appreciation for the people who packed themselves in like sardines to see her, telling the crowd a couple of times, "You're wonderful" and "Remember to believe in yourself; I believe in you."


Right back at you, Ms. Franklin, right back at you.

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