By Sally W.
Mavis Staples! The music icon had arrived! The star of R & B and gospel singing with her beautiful voice! Mavis Staples had taken the stage at Koerner Hall. She joined her bandmates – guitarist, bassist, drummer and two backup singers already on the stage. And she received a thunderous applause – a very warm welcome – from the nearly sold-out show at Koerner Hall.The concert venue was filled with Mavis Staples fans. Mavis was in full form with her voice as strong and rhythmic as ever. She spoke between the songs and created a warm, friendly interaction with the audience. You could’ve heard a pin drop, the audience was so enraptured by Mavis’ presence. 84 year old Mavis rested often, having a sip of her tea. “I’m drinking tea. It’s just tea” she said, with laughter. All her songs were beautiful with the added talent of the guitarist and amazing back up singers, bassist and drummer. And the rapport between Mavis and her band members was wonderful to see.
Mavis Staples, the American R & B and gospel singer, is also a Civil Rights Activist. She became famous as a part of her family’s band The Staple Singers. Hit singles I’ll Take You There and Let’s Do It Again, were recorded during her time with the group. And the audience loved hearing The Staple Singers’ song Respect Yourself.
Koerner Hall is located conveniently near TTC subway at 273 Bloor Street West close to the ROM. It is a beautiful venue with so many glassed spaces to look out at the surrounding forested area. The concert hall is gorgeous with a great view from every seat. Even those sitting behind the stage had a close-up back view of Mavis in her beautiful, blue flowing blouse, and her amazing band. Mavis Staples made a concerted effort to turn around and wave warmly to the concert-goers behind the stage… which they loved! Mavis said it’d been a while since her last time in Toronto. “Toronto next time we’re not gonna wait to be invited!…we’re just gonna come!” We sure hope we don’t have to wait to see Mavis again because it was a superlative concert – over too soon. What an honour for us all to see Mavis Staples in concert.
After the concert attendees were able to enjoy a drink or coffee from the bar while listening to Trombone Charlotte and the band. Great music in a wonderful foyer venue!
Future concerts in the 2023 – 2024 season at Koerner Hall include… Holly Cole: A Swinging Christmas with The Royal Conservatory, Alex Cuba and Raul Midon, Kuné with special guests Meesha Shafi and Jesse Cook, Oumou Sangaré, to name a few. Please check out Koerner Hall’s website for more music events. Complete concert programs and details are online at rcmusic.com/performance
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