Chicago ,Illinois has a great Black arts scene. It is so easy to find art centers, galleries and performances all year round with diverse audiences . That is why Chicago is one of my favorite cities ; there is a strong African American and African Diaspora presence with what seems like solidarity between all Black people. Therefore, it is fitting to bring attention to a review of the stage play At Last: A Tribute To Etta James by Jackie Taylor . Jackie Taylor is the founder of The Black Ensemble Theater, an organization that grew from a small community entity to a world-renowned theater company. Ms. Taylor is also a playwright and here latest production about the great Etta James is currently running until December 28. The Chicago Tribune, one of the city’s leading newspapers review her production saying”…When you hear 26 of James’ numbers in one show, performed at this level (Gardner captures much of the pain of experience, McCullough the sass, Taylor the sensuality), you’re jolted not just by the range of a singer who truly burst out of every category, but by the recurrence of themes. Many of the songs are self-critical: “Fool That I Am,” “Drown in My Own Tears.” Others plead for empathy: “Don’t Blame Me,” “Hold Me,” even “Roll With Me Henry.” Read the review in its entirety here 
Review : At Last: A Tribute To Etta James
