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Live Local Music

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Review

Posted by Michael Giannelli on 01/31 at 04:58 PM

Last Friday night the “Daptone super-soul revue” was in State College for one reason and one reason only: to move and groove and turn the State Theatre upside down with some funky soul vibrations.The Dap-Kings opened up on stage without the star of the show, warming up the crowd and sending a “mellowmatic mood” straight from their instruments out into the audience.  Soon, with just a little bit of ado, the black-dressed diva appeared before the crowd donning a metallic scarf and an attitude that lifted even the most introverted attendant out of their seat.  “Not Gonna Cry” was the first song she belted, followed by “How Do I Let a Good Man Down.”

Demonstrating to everyone that she is in fact the total package, Sharon Jones vaunted her “Tina Turner” strut across the stage.  She then pulled one man up with her and attempted to pass along to him some of her burning dance moves, a trend that continued throughout the night for a handful of front row seaters. 
Keeping the crowd engaged in any and all ways she could, Sharon Jones had everyone sing “Oo hoo!” each time she pointed the mic their way during “Nobody’s Baby.”  The show continued with “Highway of Lost Lovers” before Sharon and the band conjured up Louis Armstrong with the classic “Saints Come Marching In.”
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings then entertained the audience to some new tunes from her to-be-released album “Game of Love.” They played the title track as well as “When I Come Home” and “If I Give You My Love.” Taking a break from singing, she soon brought the crowd back in time and took them on a ride on the Soul Train.  The one time professional dancer gave brief lessons on none other than the Booga Booga, the Funky Chicken, the Mashed Potato, the Pony Ride, and the Camel Walk.
Always open to some company on stage, Sharon then called up a group of young ladies to serve as her backup dancers for the energetic “My Man Is a Mean Man” before having each one do her own personal shimmy off the stage.  The show wrapped up with the romantic “Let Them Knock” before finishing off with the hit “100 Days, 100 Nights.”  But of course there was going to be an encore.
After a short breather backstage, the band reemerged to the cheering fans approval.  Binky, the bandleader of the Dap-Kings, had the crowd chanting “I want some more!” while Sharon Jones got ready to unleash her single most intense part of the show.  Inspired by her two ancestral roots, she moved wildly with an African tribal dance followed by a shamanistic Native American step.  Dancing as if she was on fire, Sharon Jones was a thrill to watch.  The show then ended a bit more subtly, with the band playing a gospel song before exiting the stage to meet with the audience in the lobby.
Friday night was a great show.  Throughout the night there was never a dull moment and seemingly everyone had a fun time.  I highly recommend seeing this group if they ever make their way back to the State College area.