Earth, Wind & Fire
BOOGIED ALL NIGHT LONG AT THE VENETIAN THEATER
Article & Photography by Sheryl Aronson
Earth Wind & Fire tore down the house on Saturday, October 28th, at the Venetian Theater, Las Vegas. The show was perfect, from the psychedelic lights to the sparkling costumes to the motor-driven performance of the band. A brilliant mixture of the present-day EWF with all the trimmings of the nostalgic feel from the early days, the audience was transported to another dimension of funk, fun, and freedom of being young again.
Immediately setting the mood … the house lights dimmed -the bold cosmic/spiritual images that branded EWF’s name hit the screen, followed by historical film clips. Then, the band entered with the three original members (Verdine White, Ralph Johnson, and Philip Bailey) rising from underground on a platform. Philip Bailey danced to center stage and told the audience, “This is a celebration. We want you to clap your hands and stomp your feet as loud as you can. Are you ready? Are you ready?” The audience stood up, cheering, and off we went into Boogie Wonderland for the next two hours.
The golden-winning repertoire of EWF hit songs, Serpentine Fire, Shining Star, Got to Get You into My Life, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone, Reasons, plus many more, were performed with polished choreography and resplendent musicianship. Philip Bailey belted out his infamous falsetto vocals on the song Reasons, which created a frenzy with the concertgoers; Verdine White’s wild dancing and brazen bass playing were hypnotizing; B. David Whitworth and Philip Bailey, Jr. added delicious vocals and spirited dancing; the horn section spiced the mixture with their funky grooves. The 12 band members moved in a magnetic synchronicity of timeless magic.
Earth Wind & Fire performed at the Venetian Theater until November 4th. Once again, Earth Wind & Fire proved they are one of the greatest bands ever!
Members of the band:
Original members:
- Philip Bailey, vocals/percussion/Kalimba
- Verdine White, bass
- Ralph Johnson, vocals, percussion
Members:
- Myron McKinley, MD/keys
- Philip Bailey, Jr., vocals/percussion
- David Whitworth, vocals/percussion
- John Paris, drums
- Morris O’Conner, guitar
- Serg Dimitrijevic, guitar
- Bobby Burns Jr., trumpet
- Gary Bias, sax
- Reggie Young, trombone
Love your article! I saw EWF on Sept. 15th at the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles! They also blew the roof off!! Love your photos, soooo amazing! Been a fan for 50 years!
Great Review. I concur 100%. I saw the show last week at The Venetian. Must have been my 25th or 26th time. They are professional and always spot on!
EW&F is the BEST band ever…and they’ve been making awesome music for over 50 years!!!! I LOVE EW&F!!!!
I would have loved to see the show! Thank you for the great article about the show which helped me to enjoy it vicariously and brought me back to my old college days dancing to their hits!