Anita Baker brings sweet love to Air J Jazz & Blues Festival's opening night

I just came back from an Anita Baker concert in Raleigh at the RBC Center that was VERY disappointing. First, our tickets said the concert started at 6:00. We arrived 30 minutes early and ended up being kept outside until after 7:00 because Miss Baker was doing a sound check. When we finally were allowed into the building, we got seated and waited until 7:45 when a comedian came on to "warm up the crowd". He ended up talking on stage for about 15 minutes in total darkness because no one was there to put a spot light on him. Eventually, he got a spot light and he did his thing until 8:15 when he left saying that Miss Baker would be right out. He ended up having to come back out to stall again. The crowd wasn't happy. He kept saying Miss Baker would be out in a few minutes. When he left the stage, they had an intermission for another 15 minutes and when the crowd started clapping and booing, the comic came back out. He told us again that Miss Baker was coming right out. This time she did come out finally at around 9:00. The crowd was glad to see her - but when her band started playing and she began to sing the sound was way too loud and distorted. Apparently, the sound problem, the problem all along, was still not fixed. We tried to stay to hear her concert - but just couldn't deal with the screaming and the poor sound. It was very disapointing. When we complained to the venue about the sound, they told us Miss Baker uses her own sound people and equipment and that they had nothing to do with it. One more thing about this concert was when Miss Baker did come out on stage she never mentioned WHY everyone was kept waiting for so long. It was very unprofessional and we felt like we were sitting in a bad high school perfomance - except this one cost us $150 for the tickets and another $10 to park.

yardshoper wrote:

I just came back from an Anita Baker concert in Raleigh at the RBC Center that was VERY disappointing. First, our tickets said the concert started at 6:00. We arrived 30 minutes early and ended up being kept outside until after 7:00 because Miss Baker was doing a sound check. When we finally were allowed into the building, we got seated and waited until 7:45 when a comedian came on to "warm up the crowd". He ended up talking on stage for about 15 minutes in total darkness because no one was there to put a spot light on him. Eventually, he got a spot light and he did his thing until 8:15 when he left saying that Miss Baker would be right out. He ended up having to come back out to stall again. The crowd wasn't happy. He kept saying Miss Baker would be out in a few minutes. When he left the stage, they had an intermission for another 15 minutes and when the crowd started clapping and booing, the comic came back out. He told us again that Miss Baker was coming right out. This time she did come out finally at around 9:00. The crowd was glad to see her - but when her band started playing and she began to sing the sound was way too loud and distorted. Apparently, the sound problem, the problem all along, was still not fixed. We tried to stay to hear her concert - but just couldn't deal with the screaming and the poor sound. It was very disapointing. When we complained to the venue about the sound, they told us Miss Baker uses her own sound people and equipment and that they had nothing to do with it. One more thing about this concert was when Miss Baker did come out on stage she never mentioned WHY everyone was kept waiting for so long. It was very unprofessional and we felt like we were sitting in a bad high school perfomance - except this one cost us $150 for the tickets and another $10 to park.

shes washe up

I was at this concert too. And before I go off on blaming Anita Baker for her sound people mistake, as big as it apparently was, just be a little thankful it wasn't canceled altogether. Then, she would've been wrong for doing that too. She was in Jamaica on Friday, celebrated a birthday Saturday in Detroit, then in N.C. for a Sunday early show. Her shows normally start late anyway, been like that for years because she knows about CP time like everybody else. She doesn't use pre-recorded tracks like most of these so called singers, or lip sync, it's ALL LIVE. So when she does get upset at the sound not being right, she has a right too. She'll be the one getting the blame. So for those who left, you missed a good show and some great singing. And she's FAR from being WASHED up.

AnitasFAN wrote:

I was at this concert too. And before I go off on blaming Anita Baker for her sound people mistake, as big as it apparently was, just be a little thankful it wasn't canceled altogether. Then, she would've been wrong for doing that too. She was in Jamaica on Friday, celebrated a birthday Saturday in Detroit, then in N.C. for a Sunday early show. Her shows normally start late anyway, been like that for years because she knows about CP time like everybody else. She doesn't use pre-recorded tracks like most of these so called singers, or lip sync, it's ALL LIVE. So when she does get upset at the sound not being right, she has a right too. She'll be the one getting the blame. So for those who left, you missed a good show and some great singing. And she's FAR from being WASHED up.

shes done, when was the last time she made a hit. Shes washed up ta rahtid!

Yeah, she's done---done trying or wanting to BE famous, and just sing. She's had the fame, stardom and popularity already, son. And obviously doesn't want it back. Why do I even bother,

AnitasFAN wrote:

Yeah, she's done---done trying or wanting to BE famous, and just sing. She's had the fame, stardom and popularity already, son. And obviously doesn't want it back. Why do I even bother,

The kid ruined her career...and you know it.

Anita will be one of the best performers you will ever have a chance to see perform live.
One has to understand she is a rhythm section artist, so she has to be on par with the band. Why would someone talk about an artist's career when the problem was sound check? Anita said, that when the audio is right and the audience is right she can just close her eyes and go somewhere else. Finally, I dont think Anita is really concerned about money...she basically wants to keep her fans happy. And her biggest fans were just happy for her return.

I must also add Anita is one of my favourite artist that I will ever pay to see because I know she is singing. I first saw Anita in Toronto (1990) on her "Compositions" tour. I wish the "Rhythm of Love" had come to Toronto but it didnt. I met Anita in 2004 on her promo tour...she's amazing. Anita made her 2006 appearance again in Toronto at the Molson Amphitheatre. Anita is still able to perform at big venues. In 2007, I saw Anita live in her hometown of Detroit. That was the show...Detroit represented their diva. They came out in droves. I mean to tell you how big her show was the cops had to direct the traffic coming off the I-75 to DTE theatre. I hope Anita has a show there as she promised in 2008. I mean the venue holds over 13,000 and it was full to capacity.

dale wrote:

I must also add Anita is one of my favourite artist that I will ever pay to see because I know she is singing. I first saw Anita in Toronto (1990) on her "Compositions" tour. I wish the "Rhythm of Love" had come to Toronto but it didnt. I met Anita in 2004 on her promo tour...she's amazing. Anita made her 2006 appearance again in Toronto at the Molson Amphitheatre. Anita is still able to perform at big venues. In 2007, I saw Anita live in her hometown of Detroit. That was the show...Detroit represented their diva. They came out in droves. I mean to tell you how big her show was the cops had to direct the traffic coming off the I-75 to DTE theatre. I hope Anita has a show there as she promised in 2008. I mean the venue holds over 13,000 and it was full to capacity.

great show dude...saw it

when is anita baker comin 2 england?

I live all the way down in Kenya and have been a fan of Anita's for donkey years. At least you got bad sound with Anita's sweet sultry voice, I have always prayed that she would come and sing here. She has quite a following starting with yours truly of course.

My family and I attended Anita's concert at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico on July 4, 2008! It was the best performance I have EVER seen! Anita started with "Mystery", then "Been So Long", then "Sweet Love", and then she talked for a few minutes and then into more songs. The audience requested "My Funny Valentine", "No More Tears", and "You Belong To Me", she sang each and every one of them! Anita Baker included the audience, and made us feel special! It was a smaller event, so it was very intimate! Excellent sound quality, too!

Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the hotel director came over and said Anita had invited us backstage (we met her earlier that day in the spa!). After the show, she sat down with my family and I for quite a while, took pictures, and then she had to leave. Anita was the nicest, most sincere, and down-to-earth person I have EVER met!!!!!

The show was a little over 2 hours!

The BEST Show EVER!!

I LOVE stories like this!!! Just to quiet all the haters and especially her own wishy washy so called Anita fans about how she's not approachable and unfriendly!! Take THAT!!!! Is there a picture you can show us?

Anitafan4life wrote:

My family and I attended Anita's concert at Isleta Casino & Resort in Albuquerque, New Mexico on July 4, 2008! It was the best performance I have EVER seen! Anita started with "Mystery", then "Been So Long", then "Sweet Love", and then she talked for a few minutes and then into more songs. The audience requested "My Funny Valentine", "No More Tears", and "You Belong To Me", she sang each and every one of them! Anita Baker included the audience, and made us feel special! It was a smaller event, so it was very intimate! Excellent sound quality, too!
Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, the hotel director came over and said Anita had invited us backstage (we met her earlier that day in the spa!). After the show, she sat down with my family and I for quite a while, took pictures, and then she had to leave. Anita was the nicest, most sincere, and down-to-earth person I have EVER met!!!!!
The show was a little over 2 hours!
The BEST Show EVER!!

Sorry folks, but Anita Baker will be around as long as Anita Baker wants. There isn't anyone else like her. That voice is simply the sound of soul, sound of spirit, sound of God's amazing abilities to bless someone with talent. It's an amazing instrument that will endure the test of time - she is a class act and I can't wait for a new cd!!!

I am from South Africa Johannesburg and just came from the Anita Baker show yesterday I must say it was the best show I have ever been to.She is the most talented singer to perform live even at the age 50 she still has got it.I really enjoyed myself

I am sorry but I have to disagree with you about the Johannesburg being the best show? Anita Baker tried her level best to put on a good show and indeed her voice is second to none, but the organisers and the venue totally disappointed TOTALLY! Anita Baker and her loyal fans were disrespected in equal measure because of their greediness and disregard for quality of service!

Oh well. I was just glad Ms Baker finally came to South Africa. But truth be told, the sound was not on point and Ms Baker tried her best to give a great performance. The South Africans were just elated that she was there. The venue was horrible, to say the very least. I'm just happy she sang my songs! I had a rare opportunity of meeting her backstage when the show was over. She's an AMAZING lady, but also a diva of note. She knows she good and doesn't need to prove anything to anyone.

Warning!!!!!! I advise any fans dont go near her, she is moody and defensive.But she will sure take your money

?

Rato wrote:

I am from South Africa Johannesburg and just came from the Anita Baker show yesterday I must say it was the best show I have ever been to.She is the most talented singer to perform live even at the age 50 she still has got it.I really enjoyed myself

thank you for sharing