Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind, and Fire in Louisville: A review and photos

Lionel Richie’s “Sing A Song All Night Long” tour, with the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire as the opening act, was nothing short of a musical juggernaut, leaving the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville reverberating with energy and soul. The sell-out concert was a testament to the enduring appeal of these icons, whose performance was so powerful it could have sent shockwaves through the Clark Memorial Bridge.

The evening kicked off with Earth, Wind & Fire, setting the stage ablaze with their timeless hits. The band’s setlist was a journey through their illustrious career, featuring classics like “Shining Star,” “Serpentine Fire,” and a Beatles cover that had the audience grooving along. Their performance was a fitting tribute to their legacy, a fusion of funk, soul, and R&B that has influenced generations.

As for Lionel Richie, the maestro did not disappoint. Backed by his touring band, Richie delivered a set that was both intimate and electrifying.

The band, featuring the likes of guitarist Ben Mauro, saxophonist Dino Soldo, drummer Oscar Seaton, keyboardist Chuckii Booker, and bassist Ethan Farmer, brought a level of musicianship that complemented Richie’s smooth vocals perfectly. Each member shone in their specialty, from Mauro’s guitar riffs to Soldo’s saxophone solos, Seaton’s rhythmic precision, Booker’s keys, and Farmer’s bass grooves.

Richie’s setlist was a celebration of his career, with hits spanning from his Commodores days to his solo triumphs. Songs like “Easy,” “All Night Long,” and “Hello” were performed with such passion and energy that they felt fresh and new. The crowd sang along to every word, a collective voice in the night that resonated with decades of memories and melodies.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly a heartfelt narrative from a master storyteller. Lionel has a way of captivating audiences not just with his songs, but with his stories. In his recent shows, Richie has been sharing a talk titled “Those People,” a narrative that delves into the themes of unity, compassion, and understanding that have become increasingly relevant in today’s world, without a word about politics.

He says that during COVID, he took two years off, and in so doing, gave deep thought to what brought people together. Families. Mothers. Fathers, Aunts. Uncles, Sons, daughters, and grandparents.

They all wanted to be happy, to have love and belonging. He said people, in the course of everyday life experienced joy, heartbreak, sadness, and loss, but they stayed together, supporting each other through life, good and bad times.. Family.

Then, he realized in the very recent years, a phenomenon called “Those People.”

What about “Those People?” He said he had to go deeper into that, in his heart, to find out about “Those People.”

He thought on it more and more, and realized that “Those People, who may or may not look different, were just Families. Mothers, Fathers. Aunts. Uncles, Sons, daughters, and grandparents. Loved ones.

What he concluded was that every single one of us in this arena, are “Those People”, and tonight, we’d all come together, for joy. For love. For Family.

Richie’s talk is a poignant reminder of the power of music to bring people together. He reflects on his experiences with the iconic song “We Are the World,” which he co-wrote with Michael Jackson. The song, a charity single that sold over 20 million copies, united 46 musical stars from Michael Jackson to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Diana Ross in an all-night recording session that has since become a historic moment in pop culture.

He used that moment of applause to segway into a sing-a-long of “We are the World”. And it was amazing.

The encore, where Richie and his band brought the house down with an extended version of “All Night Long.” It was a moment of pure joy, a culmination of the night’s spirit, where every attendee danced and sang as if the music would never end.

The concert at the KFC Yum! Center was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of music’s power to unite and uplift. As the final notes rang out and the crowd dispersed, there was a palpable sense of satisfaction in the air. It was a night that those lucky enough to attend will not soon forget.

For those who missed out, fear not, for the “Sing A Song All Night Long” tour continues to bring its magic to cities across the nation.

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