Stig Edgren Presents: The Colors of Christmas Tour 2019 was a whirlwind California trio of concerts with Peabo Bryson a staple and feature of the tour since it’s beginning 27 years ago, along the way the shows at one time also included Philharmonic Orchestra’s in each city and small choirs.
Peabo was joined by Oleta Adams, BeBe Winans stepping in last minute for an ailing Ben Vereen and myself. The three of us have also done the tour before – this being my third time, the first over a decade ago. The collaborative nature of the tour makes it once of the most unique concert experiences one could experience backed by a full band and additional backing vocalists.
James Ingram, an alumni of the show and close friend of Peabo as well as music director Herman Jackson, received a poignant and emotional musical medley tribute. The first night, Herman became so overwhelmed he had to leave for a minute to regain composure.
The 3 days of concerts (Palm Desert, Cerritos and San Diego) was a whirlwind and we all lamented on what a great time was had by all..one of the highlights was Oleta and I crashing BeBe’s ending of “I’ll Take You There” for a rousing reprise of the song – we were on side of the stage lost track of the set and thought our duet was next and rather than waiting for the regular timing – let’s just go now! To our surprise Peabo was on the other side of stage — saw us go out and start singing and so he joined. The audience loved the spontaneous moment as BeBe laughed and went with it. He and Oleta had a hilarious exchange at the end..she and I realized we’d come out too soon and BeBe still had his “My Christmas Prayer” to do. Impromptu moments are always special and memorable. On “Beauty & The Beast” only one show had children to join us. Parents don’t seem to bring the little ones out the way they used to.
Thanks so all who came out to see us and as always for supporting live music – there’s nothing like it.
One of the rehearsal days – filmed this with the awesome Oleta Adams.
Palm Desert. Jody Watley Season’s Greetings.
View from my suite. Palm Desert.
The beautiful McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert – first stop on the 3 day tour.
Dressing Room Door.
Green room McCallum Theatre.
Bebe Winans and I hit it off right away – and it surprised me. He was so nice and down to earth.. I should know better from my own experience of how some view me before meeting me — ‘preconceived notions.’ Because BeBe was a last minute replacement for Ben Vereen, we only had soundcheck to run through our duet for “My Favorite Things” – we had a blast singing and performing together. Photo: Soundcheck McCallum Theatre Dec. 13, 2019
Ready to begin show with Peabo Bryson final night in San Diego. Peabo was in the stairwell warming up his vocals, I told him we have to get a photo! I warmed up in dressing room – still doing what I was taught by the great Seth Riggs.
Everyone has pre-show rituals – we finally got a partial group shot before the final show at the historic Balboa Theatre in San Diego. Jody Watley, BeBe Winans, Oleta Adams.
Snow Princess Wattage. Life is a gift and a present each day – cherish it.
Sparkle and Shine!
Gown by I Luv Stevie – Chicago’s Stevie Edwards.
Rear View. Watch me walk out!
Final night was historic Balboa Theatre -San Diego, CA. It’s lovely and well maintained throughout.
This Instagram post meant so much from BeBe and a nice surprise.
4th look for ensemble finale – Joy To The World (Reprise).
Jody Watley. Peabo Bryson. Oleta Adams. BeBe Winans. ‘Joy To The World”
After show. Jody Watley Christmas T-shirt.
Thanks to Stig Edgren, musicians, backing vocalists – and all who came out to support us!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Blessings to All for 2020!
A few more videos still to come.