I'm a lucky dude. I've seen Prince (too many times to mention). I've seen Mary J Blige tear down the Apollo Theater. I was there to see Lauryn Hill on the Miseducation tour, Madonna on several tours including Blonde Ambition and the current Sticky and Sweet tour, worked with Michael Jackson, experienced Diana Ross live and yes of course I've seen Janet, Michael and the rest of the Jackson family on their history making tours.

Last night I got to experience another extraordinary live show. Last night I was lucky enough to see the LaBelle Reunion tour at The Beacon Theater. First of all let me say that The Beacon has been remodeled and it looks incredible and sounds even better!

I respect Patti, Nona and Sarah, but I cannot claim to be a fan as they were popular slightly before my time and I wasn't mature enough to fully appreciate their music as a child. However, I was given some free tickets (thank you Carmen and Live Nation) and so I went to see the show. Boy am I glad I did!

Not being familiar with all their material I was afraid I'd be bored and not fully appreciate the show. What the h@!! was wrong with me? These three legends put on a great show and thrilled the packed house of ardent Labelle supporters. Labelle was introduced by Hal Jackson, Joy Behar from The View and the WBLS crew. From the heart wrenching ballads to the funky classic Lady Marmalade these three sistas killed it! There was even a break where Patti invited fans to come to the mic and speak whatever was on their mind. As you can image these moments were both humorous and emotional as their fans shared there love and adoration for the group.

No doubt about it Labelle is a trio of seasoned veterans who know how to put on a show! The audience was just as entertaining showering the group with flowers, gifts and words of encouragement all night. Patti Labelle was her usual candid and entertaining self as she sang her behind off despite the frequent hot flashes she joked about all night (she's going through menopause). The audience for the show was remarkably diverse with people from all several races and age groups in very significant numbers in attendance.. I love shows like this when it is proven once again that music brings people together in ways few art forms can.

If you get a chance to check them out on tour, don't miss it. At the ages of 64 (Patti), 64 (Nona) and 63 (Sarah), this may be the last time to see the girls live on tour as a group and you don't wanna miss it.

Lesson to all, sometimes it's a good idea to step out of your comfort zone and experience something different and new. You never know what it will bring to your life.