The PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) celebrates its 100th anniversary! So, in addition to the rides, exhibits, food and some old fashion family fun, came great summer night concert line-ups. I had quite the surprise to find Cyndi Lauper would be gracing the stage; I had not followed her closely over the last few years but knew she had expanded into another genre. We stood for well over an hour to assume our position on a narrow path, surrounded by hundreds of other people of all ages and ethnicity’s. Then the crowd roared as Cyndi Lauper took to the stage to give Vancouver a real treat, a chance to groove to the blues.

Her CD Memphis Blues is the number one top selling blues album according to Billboard.com and we certainly got a glimpse as to how it climbed to the top. Ms. Lauper has an incredible voice; you can tell she loves the blues. She feels it and each word is given deeper meaning. There were many times when her vocal talents truly stood out, hitting a note, holding it, mirroring the band she kept you riveted to her presence on the stage.

The musicians that accompanied her were phenomenal! The best of the best and we felt fortunate to be watching and listening to their talent. Charlie Musslewhite was so impressive on the harmonica, he is a well honored blues man who draws you in on the first note. Steve Pottz was like an octopus on the drums, it looked effortless and yet we knew what he was doing was what others can only aspire to achieve. Archie Turner – keyboardist was impressive to see live; with the guitarists and pianist also capturing every one’s attention.  The mix on this show allowed each musician to be featured. These legendary performers/musicians were appreciated by many in the audience and certainly by Cyndi herself.

At one point she was right down with the audience and stopped the song…people were flashing their cameras and recording on their phones her performance. She got right in their face and to summarize (and paraphrase) her message Cyndi let them know “whether you are You-Tubing or whatever… spending time filming means you are not in the moment… appreciating the great blues musicians that you likely have never seen and will never see again!”  She said what many of us would love to say but can’t. We live in the sea of cell phones and have grown accustom to the positioning of these people who can’t seem to take the time to just enjoy a concert without thrusting their phones out in front of our faces and spaces.

Ms. Lauper opened her musical vault at the end giving the audience a chance to revisit some of her old songs like “She Bop, Time After Time, Girls Just Want to Have Fun and True Colors.”  True Colors was particularly moving to hear, as the audience embraced the song in such a way that it felt very much like an anthem.

For the price of a ticket to the PNE we managed to take in so many things we enjoy but most memorable for me will be standing next to my man, with such a diverse crowd, enjoying the music on a hot summer night with Cyndi Lauper. Next on my list of things to do…buy her CD.

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