Rocking out to the tunes of the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir at the street party prior to the Mavis Staples concert. From left, Bryson Walker, Pamela Moss-Mize, and Becky Fuller.
We knew we would see a good concert when we planned to attend the Bijou Theatre‘s Jubilee fundraiser recently featuring legendary blues and gospel singer Mavis Staples. But I had no idea how moving the experience would be.
Staples, who was 85 when she performed at the event (she’s since turned 86), had to sit down from time to time in a chair provided on stage, but her voice was still strong and her big personality really captured the evening.
Staples is the youngest and only surviving member of the famous Staple Singers, a band made up of her father and her siblings, in addition to Mavis. You may recognize some of their best-known tunes which include “Uncloudy Day,” “I’ll Take You There,” “Let’s Do It Again,” and “You Are Not Alone,” which she released on her own.
She has won three Grammy Awards, plus the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She was named one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone in 2008 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame(1999) and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (2018).
But what moved me the most were the Civil Rights songs she sang. Her father was a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., and she became one of the leading voices of the movement.
The annual Bijou Jubilee is the largest fundraiser for the historic downtown theater, which is operated as a non-profit organization. Prior to the Mavis Staples concert, the theater closed a portion of Cumberland Avenue beside the Bijou for a street party featuring the Knoxville Opera Gospel Choir and fabulous barbecue from Wells Station Barbeque. Here’s a look at the whole fun experience. Tickets were $250 — and worth it.
To get folks in the spirit of 50 years ago, some classic cars were on display as folks walked into the street party.
More retro decorations adorned the inside of the party tent.
Some folks opted for 70s-themed attire. Here are siblings Pamela Moss-Mize and Boe Moss.
Remember go-go boots! Alan and Rebecca Williams sure did!
I don’t know this guy’s name, but I love his shirt!
Nina Reineri was in the Flower Child spirit!
Great seeing David and Susan Long.
Bo Townsend, left, and Jack Singleton, a Bijou Theatre board member.
Courtney Bergmeier, left, executive director of the Bijou Theatre, and Serenity Shalander, technical director.
Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay, left, who is running for Knox County Mayor, and Nathan Honeycutt, who is seeking a position on Knoxville City Council.
From left, Amy Styles, David Long, and Jenny Hines.
Becky Fuller and Jack Singleton.
It was hot, but fun!
Evelyn Jack was awesome.
Scott Temple was documenting everything!
Board Chair David Arning made a few remarks before we all headed inside.
Courtney Bergmeier welcomed everyone from the stage.
We spied our friends Lyle and Trish Irish taking their seats.
And then Mavis Staples blew us all away! (In a good way!)
Her drummer, Steve Mugalian, was wearing a Knoxville Smokies cap. Several band members had attended the game the previous night. “Why didn’t you take me?” Mavis Staples asked!
After the show, state Rep. Gloria Johnson and Alan Carmichael in the lobby.
From left, Neil and Maureen Dunn McBride, Charles Glisson, and Joyce Feld.
Yep. A good, good time!
My neighbor, Susan and her friend, were
there. She had the same reaction as you.
She thought Mavis was fabulous, just great!
Kathy: I felt so lucky to be there! Great job on Bijou’s part in booking her for their signature event.
Mavis was tremendous. She still delivers great passion and power through her music.
Alan: Absolutely!
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