A music legend took the stage in Cranston on Sunday, November 17, for a special show commemorating the 100th anniversary of the city’s Park Theatre. Dionne Warwick pulled out all the stops in an impressive performance before a near-sell-out crowd of longtime fans, held spellbound through her 90-minute set.
Warwick’s credentials are well-established – she’s a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, an inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a member of the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame with over 60 singles in the Billboard Hot 100 between 1962-1999. On top a memorable career, Warwick was a leading voice in the struggle against AIDS, and a leader in numerous other charitable endeavors.
Her show Sunday night, which she dubbed “a walk down memory lane,” included a number of songs penned by songwriting greats like Bert Bacharach and Hal David. Highlights were numerous; the opener “Walk on By” was delightfully familiar while others like the classic “Do You Know the Way to San Jose? ” done bossa nova style, were adeptly re-arranged, the singer offering fresh takes on classic tunes.
Other highlights included Bachrach’s “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again,” “Alfie,” a sing-a-long of “What the World Needs Now,” and the absolutely beautiful soft rock gem “99 Miles from L.A.,” a song originally recorded by Johnny Mathis.
Warwick’s voice was solid, but not overpowering, throughout the evening. She may not have the lungs of an artist half her age, but her harmonic instincts and stage presence remain strong. She sprinkled in stories about her songs, while chatting it up with enthusiastic fans. Her talented backing band was adept but never overpowering, playing their role perfectly.
Toward the end of the show, Warwick was joined by her accomplished son David Elliott for a pair of tunes that included a duet of “I Say a Little Prayer,” and the closer “That’s What Friends Are For,” her Grammy Award-winning hit that she recorded in 1982 with Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder.
WUN Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams was there and shares a few photos of a great night of music below.
