The Bullock Ballroom at Live! by Loews in Ballpark Village pulsed with funk and fire last night as fans gathered for “Through the Fire.” Two St. Louis vocal powerhouses joined forces for an electrifying tribute to the incomparable, multi-Grammy Award–winning Chaka Khan. Thanks to Tish Period and Cherise Louis Mason, the evening honored her with a blend of reverence and creativity.
Paying tribute to Chaka Khan is no small feat. Her catalogue demands soulful depth and sky-high vocal agility. Yet from the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear Period and Mason were more than ready to rise to the challenge. Rather than replicate Khan’s iconic recordings note-for-note, the two vocalists infused their own artistry, threading Chaka’s essence through their unique styles. The result was a celebration that felt authentic, passionate, and refreshingly original.
Supporting them was a full band dressed in black ensembles—horns, guitars, drums, and “Dr. Phil Good” Graves on keys. The dynamic musicians filled the ballroom with a sound that was both polished and playful. Flashing red and purple strobe lights washed over the stage, providing the evening with a full concert atmosphere that had the crowd swaying, clapping, and recording on their phones before the night was half over.
Tish Period kicked off the night with the unmistakable opening of “I Feel for You,” instantly igniting the audience. They recognized the melody within seconds, nodding along and cheering as Period delivered the hit with spirited confidence. She followed with “Hollywood,” a deep cut from Khan’s Rufus era—an unexpected but appreciated treat for the true Chaka fans in the room.
Red lights spiraled across the space before fading into soft pink as Period transitioned into “Ain’t Nobody.” The band layered in drums, guitar, and horns with a slow, deliberate build, letting the crowd settle into the familiar groove. Period’s bold vocals danced over the rhythm as she moved across the stage, visibly enjoying every beat.
She shifted gears with a velvet-smooth rendition of the cabaret classic “My Funny Valentine,” her voice traveling through smoky lows and bright, soaring highs. Period’s improvisational runs gave the standard new shape and emotional texture. After another deep cut—“What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me”—she closed her set with the timeless anthem “I’m Every Woman.” Cheers erupted at the iconic opening line, “I can cast a spell,” while phones rose across the ballroom to capture the moment.
Then, under vibrant hot-pink lighting, Cherise Louis Mason claimed the stage with an exuberant “This Is My Night.” Her joy radiated outward, flowing effortlessly through the melody. The lights deepened to a regal purple as she shifted into the sultry groove of “Everlasting Love,” prompting audience members to tap their feet and hum along softly.
Mason followed with a dreamy, mesmerizing performance of “One for All Time,” guided by Dr. Phil Good’s piano, before launching into a funkier energy for “Sweet Thang.” Peppered with reggae rhythms, the song opened with an electric-guitar solo by Lamont Patterson as the background singers swayed behind her.
Encouraging fans to clap along, Mason brought the crowd to life during “You Got the Love.” She stepped off the stage, weaving through the audience, giving hugs, laughing, and singing directly to guests. The band amplified the moment with a lively, almost chaotic funk rhythm that turned the ballroom into a full-blown party.
Her finale, “Through the Fire”—the concert’s namesake—arrived wrapped in glowing red lights and dreamy ‘80s-style synths. Hands shot into the air as the chorus hit, phones lifted again to capture her soaring vocals. The background singers delivered a standout bridge, filling the room with rich harmonies as Mason powered through the song’s final, demanding notes.
Together, Tish Period and Cherise Louis Mason didn’t simply revisit Chaka Khan’s legendary catalogue—they reimagined it with fearless creativity, bold artistry, and undeniable vocal power. “Through the Fire” emerged as far more than a tribute; it became a vibrant testament to the timeless influence and joy woven into Chaka Khan’s music. It was also a shining reminder that St. Louis possesses the talent to honor Khan’s legacy with brilliance and soul.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
