By Eric Mahollitz

Long lines awaited entry into the Barrymore Theatre last night to see one of today’s best live acts, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. The foyer was packed with attendees, ranging from high schoolers to seniors, some people arriving in large groups while others shuffled off with beer and popcorn to enjoy the show alone.

The epic performance from Jones was bookended by two instrumentals from the very talented Dap-Kings, a supergroup of sorts consisting of high-ranking musicians from the Soul/Funk community. Serving to rev up the audience for the appearance of Jones, those instrumentals succeeded in packing the aisles throughout the venue, many people opting to stand leaving only small clusters of cherished seats for the taking.

The Dap-Kings were dressed in black and gray suits, a distinct contrast from the rich red and yellow glow that would fill the stage much of the evening, not to mention Jones’ feisty sundress. Following her appearance onstage, Jones alluded to the evening being her first time in Madison and because of that she was gonna strut. For the remainder of the night she did just that. Throughout the set members of the audience were pulled onstage to dance alongside the 52-year old singer and interesting though they were, the song would end and Jones would escort them off of the stage, it proving too small for more than her exuberant self. Audience participation was one of many memorable moments last night; the set also entailed a cover of Janet Jackson’s What Have You Done For Me Lately, a brief interlude of When the Saints Go Marching In and an explosive rendition of Sam Cooke’s heartfelt classic A Change Is Gonna Come, performed as a duet with fellow Daptone artist and James Brown look-alike, Charles Bradley. For newer fans and those who still can’t get enough of last year’s record, 100 Days, 100 Nights, Jones ended the evening with performances of the title track and for the encore, Answer Me. All told, Jones lived up to her self-created and earned high standards, and the audience was given a night to remember.

Discuss: Tell us what you thought of the show? What was your most enjoyable moment? Year-end list worthy? Did you or someone you know get on stage?

Myspace: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
MP3: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings – 100 Day, 100 Nights

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