Unbelievable. That's the only word I can use to describe Sharon Jones, The Dap Kings, Black Joe Lewis, and The Honeybears. The magnificent Alix Goolden Hall was filled with vats of energy. The openers Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears had big shoes to fill being on stage before the lovely Sharon Jones, and filled them they did. Southern boys playing funky dixie music to a crowd who was just aching to dance. During their last song the sweat was trickling and the entire hall was filled with anticipation. After a lively and original introduction from Binky and the rest of the Dap Kings, Sharon Jones strutted onto the stage and began one of the most entertaining and fulfilling shows I've seen. Facing reality after a couple songs, she kicked off her heels and danced everything from the mashed potato to her ancestor's cotton field rhythms. A vivacious woman of 55 (!!!), she has and will stand the test of time. Herself, as well as the Dap Kings and BJL & the Honeybears, are the queen and "Kings" of this revivalist movement and I am ever so happy to bow down to them. Hot dog! I would lie awake 100 days, 100 nights to witness this show again.
I tried out this old school Argus to photograph this show, and the results aren't what I was expecting. I am not disappointed whatsoever, and I think this was the best choice to capture the spirit of Sharon Jones, the Dap Kings, Black Joe Lewis, and the Honeybears. The colors melt into one another (the best example being the way the purple and pink form one watercolor dress on Ms. Sharon Jones). The closeups emit an almost eerie burning candle reminiscent of the beautiful but tragic Billie Holiday. With these images you can't quite see the beauty that is Alix Goolden Hall, with it's stained glass panels and wood beams. Thank you PDX I am very pleased I scooped up this camera!
