Kicked it all off with the King Solomon Burke’s blue sequined suit and cape would have given Liberace vertigo. And his set last night gave me the spins as well. What an unbelievable master of the voice. Phrasing, tone, soul… everything. But the King had to work hard, as everyone in the modest crowd seemed glued to their seats. From his throne, he continually beckoned folks to the stage to dance and to give roses to the ladies. It was when he finally brought the place to a boil with a revved-up take on “Proud Mary” that the audience took him up on his offer. About 50 happy souls --- including mine, complete with two left feet--- shook what god gave us with the King. Netsky can tell you how cool I looked.

Highlights for me were actually mellower detours when Burke hit on Ivory Joe Hunter’s “Since I Met You Baby” (one of my favoritest songs ever), the Tom Waits-penned “Diamond In Your Mind,” and his Grammy hit “Don’t Give Up On Me,” which brought a little precipitation to my eyes. Hell, it was in the air already.

Backstage the King was gracious, and after hearing of my impending nuptials got on the phone and sang an impromptu, off-the-cuff love song to my baby. He also wished her happiness and at least 15 children. So I went home right away. I had some work to do.