Posted by By Lorrie Irby Jackson – Dallas South News Contributor
The target demographic may have been the old school set, but that didn’t keep The Bar-Kays, Ohio Players, Lakeside, Con Funk Shun or the headliner, Charlie Wilson, from funking the house down at Dallas’ Convention Center on Saturday night.
Mr. Wilson, who was just deemed an icon during the last month’s Soul Train Awards, had multiple sets of sharp threads, high spirits and infectious energy, a band (made almost exclusively of cousins and nephews) and four female dancers that charged to center stage. During his nearly two-hour set, the two time Grammy nominee artfully blended the old favorites with the newer hits (“Musta Heard,”“Burn Rubber [Why You Wanna Hurt Me],” “Magic”).
Wilson enthralled adoring fans with enthusiastic choreography and flawless vocals. “Outstanding,” “Early In The Morning” and “Yearning For Your Love” turned the arena into an instant party, while he demonstrated his range by turning “Let’s Chill” into a sensual slow burn and adding southern flair to Prince’s “Baby I’m a Star.”
Mr. Wilson also infused gospel-esque testimony to the show by “giving Him some praise” for his recent Grammy nods, helping him remaining clean and sober for over a decade, overcoming prostate cancer, and for nearly 30 years of longevity in the music business. It was hard to tell which was greater: the fans’ satisfaction when he sung “First Name Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” “Can’t Live Without You” and his chart-topping smash, “There Goes My Baby,” or the awe and joy on his face when they parroted back every note and verse.
The four bands also enthralled the crowd: although their sets were dubiously paced (each act sang a couple of songs before giving the mics over to the next—to allow rest between numbers, perhaps?), which led to notable songs being left off the set list (“Fire,” “Fantastic Voyage”). The Bar-Kays reduced the audience to swoons with “Anticipation,” while Lakeside, easily the most energetic of the four, brought the noise with “Raid” and “All The Way Live.” Con Funk Shun got the hips swaying with “Shake And Dance With Me” and a note-for-note perfect version of “Love’s Train.” The irrepressible Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner of the Ohio Players stalked the stage like a feline during “Roller Coaster” and “I Want to Be Free” before teasing the ladies with his bare chest and flickering tongue during “Skin Tight.”
The spirit of the late Michael Jackson was evoked when Zachary Sowell, a twelve-year-old from Houston, TX., impressively channeled the superstar’s moves during a 30 minute medley that included “Smooth Criminal,” “Dangerous” and “Billie Jean,” with the sequined glove, socks, and even the tossed fedora to boot.
Lorrie Irby Jackson is a freelance journalist based in Dallas and has covered entertainment professionally for several years, writing many for The Dallas Morning News. Her e-mail address is lorrie.irby@gmail.com.
Photos by Dallas South Contributor Byron K. Watters of 3D Sports Visuals.
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