On Sunday, Aug. 25, five-time Grammy Award winner Lalah Hathaway visited the iconic Orpheum Theater. Hathaway kicked off her world tour following the release of her seventh album, VANTABLACK, earlier this June. She is known for her songwriting and powerful voice and has collaborated with many established musicians throughout her career. 

The opening act was a band called “Legally Blynd.” The male lead, John “Jubu” Smith, easily connected with the crowd, facilitating a high-energy environment. Jubu is exceptionally talented on the electric guitar and has a deeply soulful voice. 

Originally from Chicago, Hathaway is no stranger to R&B, jazz, blues and gospel; you could tell she felt right at home in New Orleans. As soon as Hathaway walked on stage, she created a beautiful bond with the audience: “The only favor that I ask of you guys tonight is to sing along if you know the song. But, if you’re a terrible singer, then just lip-sync it,” she said. The audience applauded and laughed at her banter.

One moment that stuck out was when Hathaway and Jubu stepped back from the microphone to let the audience finish the verse of “My Angel.” They surveyed the audience in shock while every person sang their lyrics back to them. 

Another heartwarming point in the night was when Hathaway dedicated her song “So in Love” to her “favorite singer of all time,” her father, Donnie Hathaway. He raised her until he passed away when she was 10 years old. However, his legacy within the soul community lives on, which was evident in the theater. 

As Hathaway said her goodbyes and playfully retired from the stage, the audience desperately pleaded for an encore until Hathaway and the Legally Blynd band eventually came back out for three more songs. Then, Hathaway invited her friend Tarriona Tank Ball, an Emmy and Grammy-nominated poet, on stage to do a slam poetry reading about learning her self-worth in a convenience store. This unexpected addition left the audience in awe. 

Hathaway is an immense talent. Her voice is as smooth as butter, and she can hit notes that I did not know were possible. It is no wonder she has collaborated with other famous artists from all different genres, from Mary J. Blige to Kendrick Lamar. 

Needless to say, I left the Orpheum Theater a huge Hathaway fan.