The winter storm caused a power surge in the Harlem electric grid that disabled the sound system at Patti Labelle’s concert this past weekend at the Apollo Theatre. As they started “Candelight,” a new song, there was a technical breakdown.
Their vocals couldn’t be heard, and the song was hastily ended. Labelle stayed onstage for a little while, hoping it could be restored, then left, after signing some autographs, for what was called an “intermission.” As that intermission continued, the production manager announced free drinks at the lobby bar.
When it could not be repaired during the hourlong intermission, Labelle returned singing two songs unamplified with a gospel choir, raising their voices to fill the theater, before asking the audience to return for the full show on Saturday.
Con Edison trucks were still outside the Apollo during the concert. With a smile, Ms. Nona Hendryx declared, “There is no lack of power when you have a voice like Patti LaBelle.”
Click here for full New York Times concert review.
