I get why under normal circumstances that a spiritual artist and a secular artist would be the last to acts to share a bill at a venue. But we’re talking Kirk Franklin and Ledisi. Kirk Franklin said himself that he blends the music of the world with the message of the church. And Ledisi is low-key inspirational in 62 percent of her songs. I thought it would be just fine. I would have predicted that Kirk Franklin fans wouldn’t have been willing to bother with such a show, but I’m inclined to believe based on what I saw Wednesday night at The Peabody Opera house that it was the other way around. When Kirk Franklin hit the stage, the folks were on their feet. But when it was Ledisi’s turn, the crowd was giving the most perfunctory, pedestrian applause possible – and she was singing her whole face off. I’ve decided that a good number of Kirk’s fans bit the bullet and decided to buy a ticket even if it meant suffering through Ledisi’s secular soul selection, and that’s who was in the building. From the reaction – or lack thereof – Ledisi fans charged this show to the game and said, “I’ll just catch her the next time she comes to the Pageant.” Which is a shame, because the whole concept of the Soul Saint Rebel Tour was her idea. She didn’t win over any saints with her short shorts. It was a cute little suit though. The show itself was great in my opinion. It also featured rising gospel artist Major. I could tell the DJ didn’t know what to do as far as appeasing both crowds. When I heard “What I Like” by Bruno Mars, I knew I was right. Any other artists and it might have been a suspect combo, but I think they worked – I just wish the crowd had been open enough to embrace it, because it was a wonderful show.
