The Annual Wightwood Houz Ah Blues topped the chart for the best music event of the year, so far, with a show-stopping performance of R.E.S.P.E.C.T: An Aretha Franklin Tribute.
On Saturday, June 8th, The Wrightwood Place was transported back in time with music from the Queen of Soul, performed by five talented and exceptionally gifted women who sang the Aretha hit songs we know and love.
“Aretha’s music touched every corner of the globe, bringing people together with soulful melodies and empowering lyrics. Her voice was a blend of raw emotion and flawless technique capable of moving us to tears and inspiring us to dance!” said Wrightwood Chamber President Janice Quick, the master of ceremonies for the soulful event.
The ladies who performed that night accomplished just that, having the crowd dancing and singing along to every song, a true testament to the queen herself.
The lovely Gina Graham opened the show by singing Aretha’s 1967 single “Baby, I Love You,” followed by “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
“Aretha is a national treasure. It has been an honor to be on this stage with this wonderful, amazing group of ladies and musicians to pay tribute to her,” said Gina, who is no stranger to Wrightwood and performs here often. You may have seen her perform along with her band at the Music in the Pines summer concert series in 2022.
Wrightwood’s own Bonnie Bishop also dazzled that night and sang “I Say A Little Prayer.” Bonnie is an exceptional singer and a member of the Greg Jones Band. Her performance of Aretha’s classic love song rings true for herself since she was just recently married in May and hosted her fairytale wedding at none other than The Wrightwood Place.
Singer Tequila Williams also graced the stage with her soulful vocals, performing “Since You’ve Been Gone (Sweet, Sweet Baby),” “Freeway of Love,” and “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” Tequila has been singing since she was a young girl in her church choir, but you may have seen her perform at a special Blues Open Mic Night at the Yodeler or with her band, “Lady T & Friends,” which performs throughout Southern California.
Brittan Webster is a local singer who performs with The Dancing Echoes, a Grateful Dead tribute band here in Wrightwood. Brittan performed the popular ballad “Until You Come Back to Me” along with the chart-topping hit of the 60s “Think.” You can hear Brittan’s powerhouse vocals this summer when she performs on July 24th at the Village Grind for their Hot Summer Nights dinner concert series or with her band, the Dancing Echoes, at the Village Grind on Saturday, July 27th.
Finally, long-time Phelan resident Bonnie Howard performed Aretha’s classic song “Chain Of Fools” with such passion while making the iconic Aretha-belting lyrics sound effortless. Bonnie is a member of the local band B.O.B. and performs renditions of classic rock, jazz, and country music. You can catch her performing with the B.O.B. band at the Village Grind on Sunday, July 7th, after the Mountaineer Day’s festivities, or on August 8th, when they will be performing at the final Music in the Pines concert of the season in Wrightwood.
Saving the best for last, the ladies ended the night with a group performance of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T,” accompanied by their all-star band, which rocked all night and included John Burcher on saxophone, Greg Jones on keys, Craig Kupka on trombone, David Larkin on guitar, Steve Malory on percussion, Keith Price on drums, and Leroy Speaks on bass. The performance also had an opening act with music by the Joe Ferrero band.
The Wrightwood Blues Society invites the community to support its 501(c)(3) non-profit by becoming a member. The WBS promotes charitable, educational, and musical activities honoring the American tradition of the Blues and its derivatives. Learn more about the organization and how to become a member at www.wrightwoodblues.org.
The next Center Stage Production at The Wrightwood Place is a Patsy Cline Tribute show on Saturday, July 27th, performed by Gale & Company. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at centerstagewrightwood.ticketleap.com
