From ingenue to contemporary diva, it's an arduous journey as vocalist with Michael Jackson to rock n' roll royalty, the pathway of the heart for femme fatale Sheryl Crow. There would be no cursory performance by Sheryl as she was feted and admired by an adoring contingent rarely seen in this demographic area.

Amidst a brisk Spring day and 4,200 fans that clamored into Harrah's newest opulent outdoor facility in Elizabeth, Indiana, the anticipation and expectations were answered by a resounding ninety minute performance of neoteric tunes from the new Detours CD and the classic songs of a well documented past. Charismatic and controversial, Sheryl Crow has amassed a personal cult following in an era where solo women artists are not saturating the genre. Visual allure augmented with a provocative demeanor, stage presence and a gifted band punctuate one of the great live performances of rock n' roll. Tunes that reflect conviction for universal peace, anti-war, cultural acceptance and personal tragedy seemed to convey a distinct kinetic energy between the band and the pouporri of metropolitan Louisville and Southern Indiana. Occasional bantering with the crowd in reference to Lance Armstrong affair, engagement, their separation, her medicinal battle with breast cancer and adoption of a child seemd to link her to the masses as she briefly adorned the connotations of "mainstream" trials and tribulations. Although most in attendance were there to hear the myriad of tunes that have defined her years as a high profile entertainer, the more heartfelt lyrics of the current release seemed more captivating and etheral. Sensationalism can be both detrimental and advantageous but in reference to the impending Spring and Summer tour of Sheryl Crow, skepticism and disparaging thoughts will not become a factor for this musical equasion. Ascertained from the visual effect and the sound that resonated throughout the midwest last night, this is indeed a concert that personifies "you get what you paid for".

It has been quite some time since this area has maximized the chance to book bands of given magnitude, those that have and had made a difference in their chosen art form so, kudos to Harrah's and "those that be", to Audrey Hager and her ability to be a visionary in booking those that appease the burgeoning hordes that are now attending these classic events, Jessica for her diligence in an environment where everyone wants something immediately upon request and others who are making a niche that could conceivably make this venue a landmark facility in the music industry.

Cheers
Don Aters - Haight Street Music News

Cheers Don