By Shari Barrett
What makes a singer iconic in the world of music? Is it their unique sound, stage presence, signature phrasing, or riffs that immediately identify their voice? Perhaps it’s a little bit of each one, and the fact their voice inspired change in the world of music.
On Saturday, November 15, several Iconic Voices of Change were celebrated in the Long Beach Symphony POPS Series at the Long Beach Arena, conducted by Lucas Waldin with lead vocals by world-renowned singers Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, with backup singers Calli Graver and Rajdulari. Their four outstanding voices along with the exquisite symphony orchestra turned the evening into a dance party featuring songs that brought back happy memories of more innocent times.
The concert began with the symphony orchestra playing the “Icon Overture” which included songs “All Shook Up,” “River Deep-Mountain High,” “Hey Jude,” “Man in the Mirror,” and “Then Came You” sung by the evening’s four incredible singers. And throughout the evening, videos of moments in history during which the songs were sung were shared on the large screens surrounding the stage.
In the order presented, the evening’s numbers included “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” recorded by American singer Whitney Houston, the leading single from her second album, Whitney (1987). With Jenkins’ strong belting vocals and backup singers’ perfect harmonies, the two dance floors at the sides of the stage were soon packed with audience members doing just that!
Billy Joel’s “I’m Moving Out (Anthony’s Song)” was written as a critique of the American dream as pursued by the working and lower-middle class. The song questions the worth of working long, hard hours just to gain material possessions to achieve the American Dream of owning your own home, which seems out of reach to many young people these days. Singer Ryan Shaw was featured with the backup vocalists.
“I Got You Babe” was written by Sonny Bono and performed by Sonny & Cher who started their career in the mid-1960s as R&B backup singers for record producer Phil Spector in their hometown of Los Angeles. The pair first achieved fame with this hit song in 1965. Performed by Jenkins and Shaw as the iconic duo.
Conductor Waldin then spoke about the influence of The Beatles on not only the world of music but worldwide society in general, with the songs of Lennon & McCartney still being performed by many artists around the world. He encouraged the audience to sing along, which many did, as the orchestra played “Hey Jude.”
The singers returned to the stage after changing costumes to perform “Your Song” written by British musician Elton John with lyricist Bernie Taupin, featuring Ryan Shaw with the backup singers. It was Elton’s first international Top 10 hit which has been recorded by over 4,000 singers, qualifying it as iconic! Jenkins then launched into the 1974 Patti LaBelle’s classic “Lady Marmalade” which really got the audience up on their feet dancing thanks to her incredible belting and backup singers’ perfect harmonies.
Next was Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” which he produced with Quincy Jones, both iconic contributors in the music world. Ryan Shaw channeled the singer’s energy and movements to perfection. Act 1 then ended with the iconic Aretha Franklin’s classic “RESPECT” performed with great skill and enthusiasm by Jenkins, who I have seen previously performing an entire show as this singer – which she announced was the first time she met the night’s other featured singer, Ryan Shaw, who accompanied her on the song along with the backup singers.
Act 2 included “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross, sung by Jenkins as authentically as the original. “You’re All I Need to Get By” was Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1968 hit, performed by all 4 singers, as was “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole. “All Shook Up” by Elvis, which Shaw launched into as the King of Rock ‘n Roll with hip swinging gusto! “The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” by Gladys Knight and the Pips, was performed with great reverence by Jenkins. Next was “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder from 1970, sung by Shaw who admitted he has admired the iconic singer his entire life.
“New York, New York” was originally performed by Liza Minnelli as the title song from the 1977 film, which was just as popular when sung two years later by Frank Sinatra. It was played instrumentally by the outstanding orchestra, especially the horn section, to allow singers to change into purple costumes to perform “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” by Dionne Warwick and “Purple Rain” by Prince, which inspired many audience members to sway with their cell phone flashlights on, a tradition whenever this song is performed in concert.
“River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner featured belting performances and iconic dance moves performed by Jenkins and the backup singers. And “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell was performed as an encore, which included the full orchestra and four singers, to “get everyone partying out of here!” And it certainly did that!
A great way to enjoy the unique vibe of Long Beach Symphony’s Pops concerts is to book floor table seats and bring your own food and libations, or pre-order from pre-approved vendors for delivery to your table. Many even decorate tables to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and companies can hold staff parties, as the Long Beach Rotary did on the night I attended. Doors open at 6:00pm for indoor picnicking and you are encouraged to bring your baskets with food, sweets, libations, and even costumes. And two dance floors surround the stage so don’t forget those dancing shoes!
The Long Beach Symphony’s POP Series continues with Endless Love: A Valentine’s Concert on 2/14/26; Sounds of Laurel Canyon: 60s & 70s Rock Legends on 3/21/26; and the season-ending Earth, Wing & Fire Dance Party on 5/9/26. The Symphony’s Classical series continues with Tchaikovsky & Strauss on 1/31/26; Pepe Romero Returns on 2/28/26; and Magnificent Mozart & Mahler on 6/6/26.
For Long Beach Symphony tickets and more show information, or to purchase a series subscription which includes tickets to all performances in a series, visit https://longbeachsymphony.org where you can also find a list of local restaurants from which you can order meals in advance to be delivered right to your table for POPS series concerts at the Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach. Enter the cost-per-car parking lot via Seaside Way. For special arrangements or questions, call the Box Office at (562) 436-3203 ext. 1. And remember, it’s never too early to introduce your entire family to the glory of attending live music performances! Check the website for family-friendly events and concerts throughout the year.
