Part of a 15-city tour which kicked off on June 8th at the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena, The True Colors Tour opened to a full house at the intimate outdoor stage of the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. The audience, nearly 2500, was a mix of young and mature; gay, straight and trans-gendered; those who lived through the “Disco Daze” and those who wished they had – all enjoying the open air venue and anticipating an evening of exceptional entertainment.
Chastain Park Amphitheatre, adjacent to Atlanta’s trendy Buckhead district, provided an ideal setting for this inaugural fund and awareness – raising event. Whether floor level with dinner seating and gourmet picnic baskets or stadium or lawn seating was chosen, every concert-goer had a perfect seat with an unobstructed view of the stage and acoustics that were only enhanced by the amphitheatre’s natural setting.
Margaret Cho, who served as the event’s “hostess” (her word), entered the stage at 7:10pm – just a few minutes after the concert’s advertised start – and kept the evening moving along at the casual, but energized paced with her brand of social commentary and pointed comedic patter.
Opening acts, The Dresden Dolls and Eraser, brought back memories of closing down discos and dancing until the lights came on (both the house lights signaling last call as well as the sun’s rise).
Debbie Harry is still visually striking, but without her bandmates, just isn’t the Blondie that ruled the airwaves nearly 20 years ago.
Cyndi Lauper, who serves as HRC president this year, conceived The True Colors Tour as not only a vehicle to draw attention to the HRC but as a means of giving back to the community and the love and support they’ve given throughout her career.
“As an American,” Lauper expressed from the stage, “I was raised to believe that all people have the right to live with the same dignity, opportunity and safety. This should include everyone no matter what gender or sexual orientation. This tour was created to celebrate our differences by raising awareness for the liberty, fairness and dignity for everyone – not just some of us. Our fans can come out to celebrate a great cause while also hearing some great music.”
Once again, Cyndi Lauper nailed it. The True Colors Tour is a great event with great music creating a great evening of fun and entertainment for a great cause.
