Sade: Effortless Style

My hubby and I (two doggies in the background)

The 2011 Sade World Tour is currently making its way through the United States right now. Since this tour was announced last fall, my hubby and I knew that we would there. Even if it meant traveling out of town to the closest venue site. Thankfully, our fine city was on the schedule. I have been a long-time fan of Sade. I remember listening to the group in high school and loving the music then. Sade has stood the test of time and continued making outstanding music with her latest release – Soldier of Love. This was the second time that my hubby and I went to a Sade concert. Back in 2001, we attended the Lover’s Rock tour.

I have enjoyed music all my life. As a baby, my mother would take me to local BBQ place. As we waited for our food, she would place me on top of the table. I would be dancing and singing. One of the songs that I remember singing was Pappa Was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations. Sorry, but there are no photos.

For the concert, I wore a black top from Macy’s, silk skirt from Chadwick’s, peep toe wedges from Gretta and Guitar bag with metal chain from Carlos Santana. My hair is in a two strand twist untwisted and pulled up. It was over a 100 degrees, so I wanted to be cool. This outfit was definitely the right choice. The fashion was ever so Sade chic, which is not subdued at all.

My concert outfit

John Legend opened the show with his R&B sounds. His music proved to be a great balance for Sade. Legend wore an all white suit, which is so very on trend.  With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees on the day of the concert, the white suit screamed summer and freshness. He worked the show with great vocals, his signature piano playing, awesome backup singers and his band.

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During one of his songs, he asked if someone would want to come on stage and dance with him. He picked a young lady named Markita from the crowd and brought her on stage. The crowd wildly applauded and cheered as the two slow danced. Markita was having a fabulous time. As the song ended, Legend handed her a red rose. I’m sure that she will keep that rose forever. Legend ended his hour-long set with his popular tune “Green Light.” After his set concluded, the stage hands broke down the equipment and instruments to prepare for Sade’s stage.

The crowd had a euphoric buzz of anticipation. For some it had been ten years since her last concert. For others, it was their first time seeing the band. About twenty minutes later, the auditorium went dark, the crowd erupted in sheer excitement. Sade and the band members made their way to the stage, opening with Solider of Love. Sade wore a black outfit with black heels. The whole outfit gave a military feel to it, which is so on trend right now. It looked like an outfit you would wear if you were an undercover cop, so perfect for this song. Her significant other is a marine, so I wonder if this song relates to him. Who knows? Her signature ponytail and wide hoop earrings made it all real to me.  Sade and the band has not changed one bit since the last tour and I like it that way. Her wide hoop earrings to her shoulders, her hair slicked back into a ponytail and bright red lips has been her style since the 80s. Sade has managed to keep her signature look without looking dated. Back in the day, I was trying to go to every store I could to find replicas of those wide hoop earrings.

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Sade (Helen Folasade Adu) studied Fashion in college. In early days of her fashion/musical career, she designed clothing for the group Spandau Ballet. For me to see her style up close is fabulous. She didn’t change her clothing constantly during the show. However, when she did, it was fitting for the song she was singing at the time. These days, many singers and musicians are coming on stage wearing practically nothing. But Sade’s clothing choices were very different. Her full-length dresses were in good taste, but were oh-so-sexy. The outfits look so effortless, but I am sure that they were well planned out.

She and her band mates were so laid back while on the stage. The band has remained the almost same since the 80s, with the exception of one new back up singer and another guitar player. Their sounds jelled together so well that it really didn’t seem like they were newbies. There is no exuberant dance routines or people flying through the air. When you attend a Sade concert, you are attending a theatrical performance with a perfect balance of Sade’s strong voice and the band’s powerful music. In a time of auto tunes, it is so refreshing to hear the crystal clear sounds of the drums, the guitar, and the saxophone. The band was tight was jamming. I could feel the vibrations from where I was sitting.  Yeah, I could feel the music and it was so cool. Each song included a video backdrop that drew me in and added another dimension to my concert experience.

Being a part of this concert was almost like I was back in time at the other concert. However, it was better because I was right there in the moment, enjoying every song. Sade performed her timeless, classic tunes like Smooth Operator, Jezebel, and Is It a Crime, among others. The concert also included several songs from the Soldier of Love and Greatest Hits albums. One of these songs, Love Is Found, has so many staccato moments in it that it reminds me so much of a flamenco. While Sade was singing the Background screen was white with her and a man dancing in silhouette. Love Is Found is becoming one of my new favorites.

Sade ended the over two hour show with Cherish The Day. I definitely will cherish this day that I spent with my hubby. Sade did not disappoint her fans. I just hope that it is not another ten years before she comes to town again.