Do What You Love!
Winding down this year’s birthday festivities, me and Sandra (a new friend, one of the “travel club ladies”) went to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to see Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills, and Gladys Knight in concert. Many of the audience members “dressed to impress” like the Queens performing on stage. It was a memorable experience.
This isn’t a review of the performances. The Queens lived up to their legend status. Patti LaBelle ‘rocked the house’ performing “Lady Marmalade.” Gladys Knight mesmerized the audience into near silence singing Midnight Train to Georgia. Chaka! She was Chaka from Chicago belting out, “I’m Every Woman,” to a crowd of primarily women like an anthem. Stephanie Mills still has the powerhouse vocals we remember from “The Wiz” on Broadway.
Okay, I gave you my review of the performances. I couldn’t help myself.
My point of choosing this topic a week after the concert is to highlight how much fun the Queens were having on stage. I pondered the performances and the audience for several days afterwards.
Four days before the concert, Gladys Knight celebrated her 81st birthday. She may have moved a little slower although she kept moving throughout her set. Chaka Khan redefines any stereotype of a 72-year-old dancing around in black leather pants with fringe and biker boots. Patti LaBelle, at 81-years was moving better than I move today. Stephanie Mills’ at 68 was the youngest of the Queens performing.
These four women were doing what they love. Their energy created electricity in the audience. Imagine 18,000 people moving, grooving, smiling, and exuding friendliness to one another. The Queens love of performing was evident. It seeped into the crowd.
The previous evening Gainbridge Fieldhouse was sold out and the energy was also electric. While 17,000 watched “live” at the Fieldhouse, an audience of 8.12 million tuned in on television to watch the Pacers clinch the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Again, spectators were watching performers do what they love. Saturday night it was playing basketball. Sunday night it was a musical concert.
Being Older, Bolder & Better!! includes discovering things you love to do and doing them.
A small number of people have careers as professional entertainers or NBA basketball players. Although most people have something that lights them up inside—whether it is connecting with relatives, reading, spending time with your pet, volunteering, sports & fitness, travel, crafting, cooking, gardening, or enjoying the outdoors. What brings a smile to your face?
Give yourself a treat and do something you love this week. You will feel better because you did. Have a wonderful week!
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I agree. They say when you love what you do you never work a day in your life.