Diana Ross Mesmerizes Pechanga Audience on Sunday Night

[jobeterob]

Diana Ross mesmerizes Pechanga audience on Sunday night
By Kerri S. Mabee, on September 11, 2011, at 11:10 pm
A gauzy lavender drape fell to the floor as a regal beat announced the lovely, the legendary Diana Ross at Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Showroom Theater on Sunday night.


A gauzy lavender drape fell to the floor as a regal beat announced the lovely, the legendary Diana Ross at Pechanga Resort & Casino's Showroom Theater on Sunday night [[Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN).
It was an introduction befitting the queen of Motown and throughout the 90-minute set, Ms. Ross never once failed to deliver a high-wattage smile and song.

Her gowns shimmery, her eyes glittery and her voice simmering with all the power and sway of her youth.

All of her best hits bubbled forth, each one stirring the sold-out crowd to more excitement: “Baby Love,” “Love You More Today,” “Stop! In the Name of love,” “Love Child,” “Where Did Our Love Go,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Upside Down.”

Each song was an anthem in which the audience joined robustly, singing every word to Ross’ obvious delight.

“When you watch me, I am watching all of you. I love to see your smiles,” Ross said to the crowd.

Stopping for a moment to apologize for a raspy voice, Ross continued to shine, her vocals hypnotically compelling in a “Lady Sings the Blues” tribute with “Fine and Mellow” and ”Don’t Explain.”

Ross went on to wrap up her brief, but chock-full show with a rousingly funky “I Will Survive,” and then paid homage to songwriter Nick Ashford with an encore performance of “Reach Out and Touch [[Somebody’s Hand).”

For her part, Ross mesmerized with a stunning collection of gowns that she changed into off stage, each showcasing a brilliant kaleidoscope of sparkling red, blue, gold, pink and orange.


For her part, Ross mesmerized with a stunning collection of gowns that she changed into off stage, each showcasing a brilliant kaleidoscope of sparkling red, blue, gold, pink and orange. [[Kerri S. Mabee/SWRNN)
She smiled into the crowd, waved and winked, and even gestured for a little boy to be brought to the stage where she promptly lifted him into her arms, embracing and kissing him.

And the audience reciprocated with lavish applause — dancing in the aisles, arms swaying to the music, and hands reaching for her touch.

In a word, the night simply could be described as joyous.

Notables in the audience Sunday night were three of Ross’ children, whom she introduced and music artist Chris Brown, who signed autographs for fans before the show.

To view upcoming shows and events at Pechanga, visit pechanga.com.

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.

[kenneth]

You mean, she didn't pay tribute to Nat King Cole, her original mentor at Motown??? What an ingrate!

[jobeterob]

No but she did say Mary and her did it all on their own. No help from no one.

[smark21]

Interesting ....Chris Brown was there. I hope he wasn't a guest of Miss Ross and her family.

[Jimi LaLumia]

she is dating Chris Brown- she thinks he's a real knock out!

[skooldem1]

Believe it or not, many people think that Evan and Chris Brown look alike. I wonder if that was Evan signing autographs?

[smark21]

Believe it or not, many people think that Evan and Chris Brown look alike. I wonder if that was Even signing autographs?

That would make sense...there is a resemblance between the two.