3/21/2014 Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Heritage Square, Phoenix, AZ


 7 years ago today...

March 21, 2014 - Phoenix, AZ

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings played a concert of funk and soul music outdoors at Heritage Square.

Sharon fronted a big band with a horn section.  They had just released "Give The People What They Want," a Grammy nominee for Best R&B Album, and played most of the album cuts this night.

A year prior, Sharon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  She soldiered on with her blistering high energy live shows like a female James Brown.  She commanded the stage at this show, but acknowledged how performing coupled with treatments sapped her energy.  

The Dap-Kings played a 20 minute opening set prior to star-time with Sharon who was on stage for about an hour.  Sharon died two years later at age 60.

This is the only ticketed concert I've seen at Heritage Square, a downtown city park of historic early residences converted into restaurants and shops.  The show was outdoors under the lattice pavilion.  I have no idea why this venue was selected for the show but I would return.

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