 Cab Concerts has done it again! On Saturday October 1 the Creative Arts Building showcased “The Divas” an Adopt-A-Seat benefit concert featuring two of Pittsburg’s most talented women! The night began with Mia Zuniga, LMC alumnus and self taught guitarist as opening act for one of Pittsburgs most dynamic leading ladies of the Arts, Leola Jiles.
Zuniga, a young and accomplished artist in her own right created a strong bond with those who sat before her as she churned out perfect pitch and continuous toe-tapping, finger popping, head bopping melodies. A beautiful young woman with caramel skin; sultry brown eyes, and of Latin and African descent, Zuniga, held the audience spellbound as she sang several tunes from a repertoire of songs that were all written by her with the exception of “Sweet Thing“ & “Killing Me Softly,” (recorded by singing legends Chaka Khan, and Roberta Flack).
Zuniga and her band; Producer/Keyboardist; David Tam, Songwriter Producer/Percussionist; Adam Frakes, Guitarist; Aaron Younce, Drummer; Omar Maxwell, and Bass player Ray Sheard were smooth, cool, and very laid back delivering hit after hit and causing audience members to yell and shout, “you go meja!” The first selection performed was “Innocence,” a somewhat haunting piece with a bluesy edge-reminiscent of looking out of a window on a rainy day, calm and inviting. Next was the song “Stories Such As These” a funky beat with a calypso vibe that made it hard to sit still in your seat. And just when you thought her performance was over, Olympic gold medallist, Eddie Hart brought Zuniga back to center stage where he and the audience beckoned for an encore.
And who says young folks don’t get involved…Zuniga and her band were true humanitarians, they collected over $300 for the hurricane Katrina Victims Relief Fund by donating their latest CD for a minimal price. Kudos guys!
Leola Jiles is a professional recording artist and long time resident of Pittsburg whose prowess and vocal power created an aura that captured the mind and focus of all who were present. A woman of regal beauty, who exudes an insatiable zest of energy, packed a one-two punch as she captured the audience with every blues and jazz song that emanated from her mouth, and no one can deny that this woman is pure genius when it comes to appealing to her audience. She knows just the right gestures to make and just the right words to say to make them want more. Backed by her trio, Pianist Glen Pearson (who has also performed on Broadway); Bass player, Jeff Bryan, and Drummer; Babatunde Lea, Ms. Jiles was unstoppable and thoroughly enjoyed by her audience.
“My aunt’s performance was great, very fun, spectacular, and cool. I go to most of her shows and my dream is to one day become an actor,” said 10-year-old Alexander Phillips of Pleasant Hill.
Ahh but, “The Divas” didn’t stop there included in the night’s line-up were the debut of Pittsburgs Black Diamond Follies, and the Golden Follies. These women were phenomenal! Seeing them descend the lighted stairwell was likened to a LasVegas Cabaret show. Top hats, silk gloves and headresses were adorned by each woman who ranged in ages from 45-82 years-old, and talk about beautiful these ladies had gams that were fit to be tied! And seeing the way they kicked up their legs and pranced across the stage was enough to make some of the grown men in the audience beg and whistle for more, and they did!
“I came to see my friends Merl Lewis and Lollie Gutierrez perform, said Mary Rocha, and “I’ve never heard Leola Jiles perform before, so I thought I’d come out to give my support,” said Rocha’s friend, Diane Martinez.
The Follies line-up included; Marti Aiello, Nelia Beaman, Marisa Belleci, Mary Ann Crawford, Randi Gayewski, Patti Geyser, Lollie Gutierrez, Merl Lewis, Edie Olson, Amity O’Neil, Gloria Spahn and Phyllis Wev. You can catch their act again in March when they perform with “The Crooners & Nicky Depaola at the Pittsburg Creative Arts Building.”
All the proceeds of that night’s performance benefited the Adopt-A-Seat program.
Coverage by Linda Jai
Journalist for pittsburgca.net
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