The BCPA Underground kicked off with a spectacular concert by Ruthie Foster last Thursday night.This was the first concert in this new series, which is being held in a club-style setting within the BCPA's 11,000 square foot ballroom. The goal being to present some of today's most buzzworthy musicians in space where you can sit back and relax with a drink, or get up and dance.
Tricia Stiller, who contributes concert reviews to the Pantagraph, summed the evening up best in this write up she has also submitted to the paper:
Last night the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts launched it's newest entertainment offering, BCPA Underground with a captivating performance by the 'phenomenal' Ruthie Foster. Guitar in hand, the tiny Foster took to the stage in the modestly transformed ballroom, accompanied by Samantha Banks, on drums, and Tonya Richardson on the 5 string bass.
Foster's guitar work was inspired, fingers flying across the fret board with an indescribable ease, which,when accompanied by her deeply soulful vocals, exuded great warmth - like an old friend.
Between numbers, a very personable Foster shared stories of her varied influences, and of her home life, and only once or twice asked guests to take her home with them - she had CD's for sale. Foster embodied what the BCPA Underground is all about. The casual ambiance, created with lighting and family-style seating, encouraged this experience be shared and enjoyed and remembered. The 150 lucky folks who attended last night have earned boasting rights at the water cooler today. Like any moment in history, we can all say ' hey...I was there, man!'
But it was Foster herself, quite coincidentally, who summed it all up with her second number of the evening, when she sang, 'I do believe my soul's found a happy home.'
Indeed, Foster was great! And I already talked to her tour manager about our interest in bringing her back in a couple of years. Everyone who was there would undoubtedly go again ... and bring a friend!
Were you there? Submit your comments below. We'd love to hear about your experience.
2 comments:
I wasn't there, but I did have the great pleasure of seeing Ruthie Foster perform earlier this year in Albquerque. It sounds like we had similar experiences. I'd never heard of her before this spring, and now she's one of my favorite performers.
I was there and Ruthie was incredible. She not only entertains you, she touches your soul! Thanks for bringing her to Bloomington, I will return to see her again. I love the "underground" format...keep up the good work!!
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