Ladysmith Black Mambazo (1988)

The best part about this show was seeing it with my father. I only saw two shows with my dad (the other being 10,000 Maniacs). This show happened in 1988, my senior year in high school. I wasn’t a big fan of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but everybody knew who they were; Their collaboration with Paul Simon on Simon’s 1986 album, “Graceland” made them international stars.

In 1988, the year I saw them, Ladysmith Black Mambazo also appeared in Michael Jackson’s movie Moonwalker, where they performed “The Moon Is Walking.” Since today was Michael Jackson’s public memorial/funeral here in Los Angeles, I decided to post my memory of this show now.

It was a fun show. With incredible vocal harmonies, unintelligible lyrics and mellow, choreographed movements, it was a chance to just sit back and go with the flow. Both my dad and I really enjoyed it. I would definitely see them again!

Neither ticket-purchasing criteria mattered. This was a spoken-word tour, devoid of any music. Not that I didn’t *enjoy* the show… but I really wanted to hear “Coolsville.”

Jokes aside, it was a moving and funny show by one of America’s most important (IMO) Performance Artists.

Laurie Anderson (1991)

The event that made this show special to me, actually occurred *after* the show. My show-going buddy (and musical/artistic GURU, Ernie) and I stopped by the fine French restaurant where we both worked. We were surprised to find that Laurie Anderson and her entourage were already in the restaurant eating!

Cautiously, Ernie and I approached the table to express our appreciation of the show and of the artist herself. Ms. Anderson was gracious and funny, signing both of our ticket stubs.

It was a great experience.

REO Speedwagon (1987)

1987 was my Junior year in high school. I remember really liking REO Speedwagon when I was in, like, elementary school. That would be around the time of REO’s “Hi Infidelity” which featured killer tracks like, “Don’t Let Him Go,” “Keep On Loving You,” and “Take It on the Run.”

I’m pretty sure REO had a new album to support for this tour, but I wouldn’t know which album it was… or whether they had any big singles. Judging by the venue (the University of Michigan’s basketball arena, which is pretty small), I’m guessing their popularity had waned considerably from their early ’80s heyday of sell-out stadium tours.

All I remember from the show was the fact that several band-members looked like they were on their way to a Renaissance Festival. Tall, brown, suede lace-up boots, vests and poofy shirts.

It was a little alarming.