In 1970, vocalist and poet Gil Scott-Heron first recorded his opinion that “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” Some 55 years later, the revolution has been referenced and incorporated into the high-powered videos and staging of what now can be truly considered as “The Greatest Show on Earth” — Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour!
The second evening of her Atlanta stop at a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in support of the Grammy-winning Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year was surely a hoedown to the delight of a crowd dressed appropriately … but also a throwdown and career defining call to arms.
Kicking off with a shrouded chorus in prayer, the Queen of the Beyhive then entered in white fringe before the massive screen displayed an American flag in distress leading to her rendition of the national anthem and segueing into “Freedom,” the banger now most associated with the presidential aspirations of Kamala Harris. Powerful stuff.
So many teachable moments on subjects such as propaganda, independence, sexuality, family (with endearing star-making appearances by daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi) and more were incorporated throughout the nearly three-hour extravaganza.
Other highlights included tributes to the women of country music and soul, Chuck Berry, and the many artists Beyoncé has shared the stage with. The concert could have ended with her rousing Frankie Beverly homage “Before I Let Go” and the audience would have been fulfilled. But she had so much more to give.
One segment was pure theater with a violinist solo and classical ballet dancers. She was going to “learn” us before taking to the skies singing around the venue separately on a horseshoe and golden stallion. No one can say they didn’t see her up close.
The tour is coming to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on July 25 and 26 if you can mosey on down after which she may take a long break from performing. Especially after that theft of her new recordings from a choreographer’s car in an Atlanta garage.
Hopefully, the “Cowboy Carter” shows are being filmed for posterity and to inspire a nation to consider its civic duty. “Bang Bang!”
DESTINATION ATLANTA: Merchants selling western gear weren’t the only ones benefiting from Beyoncé coming to town. Several Black-owned restaurants were gifted with spillover crowds.
One had to be patient, lucky or both (which Tasty Clips was) to get some of the in-demand breakfast and brunch items offered at Bomb Biscuit Co., led by James Beard-nominated chef Erika Council. We found her in her Michelin Bib Gourmand recognized kitchen, just returned from being featured at the famed Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.
Now you can make some of their items at home courtesy of her new book “Still We Rise,” A Love Letter to the Southern Biscuit with Over 70 Sweet and Savory Recipes; as well as taking in some history in this tribute to African-American bakers and chefs who inspired her journey.
The other hot reservations in town were at Marcus Bar & Grille, a part of Marcus Samuelsson’s empire headed by executive chef and “Chopped” champion Gary Caldwell; and both Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Oreatha’s at The Point by TV’s “Global Soul Kitchen” chef Deborah VanTrece (whose yummy new seasonings blend may be found at globalsoulpantry.myshopify.com).
CLIPPETTES: The Pharcyde celebrates the 30th anniversary of their “Labcabincalifornia” album as well as the always-expanding legacy of J Dilla at The Ford on July 18 with a full band, and special guests Pharoahe Monch, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Tha Liks + Blu & Exile, host Ras Kass, MC Supernatural and DJ Nu-Mark …
Also that night, pianist Noah Haidu, iconic drummer Lenny White and legendry bassist Buster Williams team for a weekend at Catalina Jazz Club …
CeeLo Green headlines the first show of the free Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series at Burton Chace Park on July 19 as David Foster, Chris Botti and Katharine McPhee make music at The Greek, and Anjelah Johnson– Reyes brings laughs to the Grove of Anaheim …
Additionally, Mr. Beef, the famed Chicago sandwich joint that inspired the FX series “The Bear,” is coming to L.A. as a two-day pop-up at the Third Street location of Uncle Paulie’s Deli in Beverly Grove from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day …
The KCRW Festival is here July 20 with SiR and Leon Thomas at the Hollywood Bowl, while Honey Cone performs their greatest hits, including the No. 1 song, “Want Ads,” as well as tributes to Donna Summer, Tina Turner and more at Vibrato Grill & Jazz …
Meanwhile in San Diego, Queen Latifah has been tapped to moderate a historic panel at Comic Con featuring the first-ever appearance of “Star Wars” creator George Lucas with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. They will discuss the power of illustrated story and provide a sneak peek at the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art …
The Grammy Museum hosts “An Evening with Melissa Manchester“ on July 21 where the singer/songwriter will discuss her first-ever concerto,” AWAKE!,” her 50-year career, the creative process, and more, with a special performance to follow …
Inquiring minds (and his ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ co-star Todd Bridges) would like to know what comes next for the Gary Coleman case now that his ex-wife failed a polygraph test regarding her involvement in his death for the new A&E show “Lie Detector: Truth or Deception” …
Rap royalty Rakim returns to L.A. with two shows: a solo date July 21 at The Observatory OC and July 23 with Kurupt and Planet Asia at The Ford …
For the first time in the U.S., Ghanian highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley will be performing his landmark 1975 debut album “Simigwa” in its entirety on July 23 at the Lodge Room.
PERSPECTIVE: “With ‘X-Men: First Class’ [as Darwin], the message that I received as an actor and as a man of color in this world is you can be the most powerful mutant in the world and they’ll never let you reach your full potential. Whereas with Mister Terrific in ‘Superman,’ the message that I’m receiving is you can be one of the most intelligent characters in the universe, and you can help save the world. It’s a different level of conversation.” – EDI GATHEGI to the Hollywood Reporter on the differences between his roles in films by rival comic book companies Marvel and DC
TC ON TV: July 18 – “TKO” (Tubi): Robert Ri’chard stars as a former boxer who reunites with his estranged sons when his oldest begins competing in the sport. With Marques Houston, Jackie Long and Clifton Powell. “Good Morning America” (ABC): Robin Roberts is live from Indianapolis ahead of the WNBA All-Star Weekend joined by ESPN’s Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike, several members of the Indiana Fever, and league stars Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Allisha Gray, plus a special performance from BIA and G-Eazy. “Billy Joel: And So It Goes: Part One” (HBO): Tom Hanks is an executive producer of this expansive portrait of the six-time Grammy-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.
July 19 – “Two For One” (TCM): Rosie Perez sits to discuss and introduce two of her favorite films: “Killer’s Kiss” and “The Harder They Fall.” “2025 WNBA All-Star Game” (ABC/ESPN+/Disney+): With a halftime performance by GloRilla.
July 21 – “What You Need To Know” (Disney+): Rachel Scott and James Longman host this new ABC News show giving viewers at 6 a.m. an 8-to-10-minute recap of the day’s headlines before repeating on demand. “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC): Jarrod Carmichael, Peter Dinklage
July 23 – “Washington Black” (Hulu): Sterling K. Brown (Emmy-nominated this week for his lead dramatic performance in “Paradise”) serves as an executive producer and co-star of this adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same name. It follows the fanciful 19th-century odyssey of George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation, whose prodigious scientific mind sets him on a path of unexpected destiny. “Hip Hop Was Born Here” (Paramount+): A new music docuseries executive produced and co-created by host LL Cool J and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning of all people. “Match Game” (ABC): Selena Gomez, BD Wong, Anthony Anderson, and Ziwe.
July 24 – “All The Queen’s Men” (BET+): Eva Marcille returns for a fourth season as the madam of an Atlanta crew of male exotic dancers. “Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC): Patti LaBelle vs. Fantasia “Family Recipe Showdown” (Food): Octavia Spencer examines the “Southern Cocktail Hour”
END QUOTE: “[My blindness] has allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth, of sight — see people in the spirit of them, not how they look, or what color they are, but what color is their spirit.” – STEVIE WONDER
