Summer With Summer

Donna Summer performs at the Hollywood Bowl.
(with apologies for the blurry jumbotron screen caps).

One of the most anticipated concerts of the 2008 summer season is Donna Summer's concert at the Hollywood Bowl.


The event is sold out, which means the bowl is filled to its 17,000++ capacity.


There was no L.A. Philharmonic prelude to the concert. Her flautist played the national anthem (quite beautifully) and the show started.


Donna had an excellent stage with multiple screens, 3 backup singers and 3 backup dancers.


The center screen panel rotated to reveal the diva herself singing"The Queen is Back" from her new album - Crayons. She is wearing a very regal purple dress.


I must say those multiple screen panels in the background were very effective and flashed visuals relevant to the songs she was singing. Like a radio dial for "On The Radio" or rain for "Enough is Enough" or even a park for "Macarthur Park".

Let's stop here for a minute to say that I adore Donna Summer and her music and I do understand that at nearly 60 years of age, one may acquire some protective padding here and there but if and when that DOES happen - at least get a competent costume designer!


First costume change was this printed dress - meh!
The song she sang, "Sand on My Feet" was much better!

And then it was - oh no she dee-ent!

Da Who advised Miss Summer to wear a big red ill-fitting pantsuit? (and I mean BIG - the jumbotron turned all RED for a second).   I've seen her in a pantsuit before when she did a surprise guest stint at Barry Manilow's concert in Vegas and it didn't work out then (let's just say that there was a collective gasp when the cameraman inadvertently focused on Miss Summer's derriere).


This part was completely confusing to me. Her Hattie Mae segment where she wears a big white hat. Did I miss something?


Her voice was in fine form specially for the disco hits "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff", one of the most applauded segments of the evening.


I'm sure a lot of people were there for the disco hits of the 70's. And I do appreciate Miss Summer's efffort to expand her range with her new album but somehow the show seemed all over the place. There are some pretty good danceable tunes from her new album but I'm still wondering what that Hattie Mae stuff was about.

Overall, it was an enjoyable evening and I'm happy to see such a wonderful and talented performer. I can't wait for her next album.  And this time - I hope it won't take 17 years!

Hey Donna, call me!