October 8 – ANDERSON – Gladys Knight needs her Pips, so when singer Joyce Licorish channels the R&B legend, she often finds her backing vocalists in the audience.
“I like to engage the audience,” she said.
The former Anderson resident will engage audiences on Sunday at the inaugural Red and Black Ball at LovEvents Banquet Hall, 1803 Broadway St. She will perform R&B favorites with Anderson musicians James “Peanut” Warner-Reese on bass and Jameel Alexander on drums.
The place is owned by Licorish’s sister and brother-in-law, Sabrina and Chris Love.
“Whenever she has an open date, my sister loves that I’m on stage.”
For many years Licorish used his talents in the big city productions of the Indianapolis Opera and the Indianapolis Cabaret. Now the owner of Dream Empire Films, she has also produced and directed touring plays, such as “The Color Purple.”
But more recently, Licorish has used her talents in more intimate settings, turning what was once a career into a hobby as she raises her family in Duluth, Georgia, near Atlanta.
“I like the stage more than the band, but it takes so long,” she admitted.
Betsy Pearson, who helped organize the event, said the idea of the red and black prom is a play on the more traditional black or white parties where everyone wears the designated color. The choice of colors for this event is inspired by the phrase “painting the city red”, she said.
“When we put this together, we thought everyone was tired of white parties and black parties.”
Anderson was also ready for a stylish adult event, Pearson said.
“It brings live entertainment to the town of Anderson.”
Follow Rebecca R. Bibbs on Twitter at @RebeccaB_THB, or call 765-640-4883.
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