FULL-THROATED AND FIERCE,
KEISHA D IS SIMPLY THE BEST
As she embraced the audience with her full-throated voice and a fierce personality, you could see exactly why Keisha D may just be the best vocalist in the Coachella Valley. With hips, hands and heart all working the full crowd, this phenomenal performer can dish out great sass when she addressed the audience between numbers. And even though this was a tribute to Tina Turner, there were times she was reminiscent of another great, Dionne Warwick. For those of you not yet familiar with Keisha D, she is a local staple of the live music scene in Palm Springs, giving the jazz and blues community a voice to remember. Every Sunday night, you can join Keisha D for cocktail hour at the VIP Lounge in the Palm Springs Cultural Center, but this was a special event by K&E Entertainment, which kicked off its six Wednesday night cabarets (Nov. 8-Dec. 13) called Cabaret6: Desert Stars, showcasing Coachella Valley’s finest entertainers in a great club setting at the 128-seat Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs. For this event, the great arrangements from a 6-piece band, Hearts of Soul, showed off her talents even more, and the sax solos were outstanding. Power, finesse and “moves like Jagger” showed her off to her best, particularly in numbers like “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” heard first on Turner’s 1984 album Private Dancer. She also nailed the hits, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Proud Mary.”
But remember, this is a tribute, not an impersonation, so it’s acceptable that she would check her set list or sometimes look at lyrics on a music stand. Appearing amateurish, and not up to the performer’s level, were two young dancers, who frankly weren’t needed. Neither was the feeble attempt at lighting — a follow spot was all that was required. Also, several costume changes required seriously long pauses while the band or the dancers filled in; and sometimes, it strangely didn’t appear that the pause had anything even to do with a costume change. But the evening was about Keisha D and Tina Turner — hearing and seeing them both in this club setting was thrilling.
poster photo by Matthew Mitchell
photo courtesy of Philly Joe
A Tina Turner Tribute
Keisha D & Hearts of Soul
part of Cabaret6: Desert Stars
K & E Entertainment
Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs
reviewed on November 8, 2023
series ends on December 13, 2023
for tickets, visit Cabaret6: Desert Stars or click on links below
COMING UP “CABARET6: DESERT STARS” PERFORMANCES
November 15th: Different Drum: The Music of Linda Ronstadt with Francesca Amari
Amari won the 2023 DTL Award for Outstanding Lead Female Performer in a Cabaret/Revue – Professional for this show which is even bigger this time around. She was named the winner of Broadway World Palm Springs Award for Best Streaming Concert/Cabaret in 2022 for her Gilda Radner tribute show. She has performed in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and most recently on a riverboat cruise up the mighty Mississippi. Now you can see the award-winning show by this terrific performer who is the chef’s kiss of cabaret performers. TICKETS
November 22nd: 1963 with Tod Macofsky
Celebrating the year he was born, Macofsky has played to sold out crowds in the Desert, Los Angeles and on many top-tier cruise ships. You won’t want to miss his updated show backed by the stellar Gand Band. Macofsky brings his sense of humor and his smooth voice to our stage. TICKETS
November 29th: Brian Scott – Unexpected
Palm Springs favorite cowboy Brian Scott as you’ve never seen him before – with a three-piece band. The show is a mix of crowd pleasers, country ballads, and Scott’s own original music. He found global fame when he won the 2009 Karaoke National Championship USA title with a rendition of Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind.” He went on to place sixth in the world championships. TICKETS
December 6th: Songs of Sarah, A Tribute to Sarah Vaughn with Rose Mallett
Mallett brings her highly lauded and sold out New York Sarah Vaughn tribute show to our stage with a rhythm section, keys, and a sax. You may have seen her perform at The Purple Room, but the last time she did her Sarah show in Palm Springs was in 2019. One of the most highly respected musicians in the valley, this is a golden opportunity to hear Mallett like you haven’t heard her before. TICKETS
December 13th: Keisha D Sings Ella Fitzgerald
Known for her big voice, and her ability to get a room up on its feet, Keisha D shows off her wide variety of chops with a show dedicated to the songs and the voice of Ella Fitzgerald. If your jam is classic jazz, you’ll want to book these last two shows before they sell out. TICKETS
