Queens of Sheba : Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts with The Mandevilles perform at Toronto’s Sony Centre – 03/20/16

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Sue Sadzak Hebert

(Toronto, ON) – The Queens of Sheba tour made a pit stop at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts. The killer line-up of 80s power fems included Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts along with Ontario’s own The Mandevilles.

Songstress Serena Pryne and guitarist Nick Lesyk of The Mandevilles warmed up the audience with a stripped down acoustic version, performing songs from their new debut album Windows and Stones. These up and comers are the creative core of the band, performing together for nearly 15 years. Categorized as Rock and Roll / Americana / Roots Rock, I certainly picked up on some country undertones. Serena has a distinctive, soulful, full bodied sound to her vocals. The acoustics from the theatre carried her already powerful voice throughout the venue with ease. Although a fairly short set of just a little over a half hour, they where the perfect compliment to what was yet to come for the evening. Although just finishing off a 10 date tour across Canada, the year is young, I’m sure more dates will become available. Keep an eye out for them, I think you’ll be hearing a lot more from them in the future.

Next up was Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. When she came on stage and the lights went up, I was shocked to see how fantastic she looked. Then I thought, well can she still sing? Not only has she carried on her vocal abilities from many decades ago, but did it with ease.

This gal has so many notable hits that although I never had any of her material in my arsenal, I knew a good chunk of her set. Playing staple hits like “Bad Reputation”, “Cherry Bomb”, and of course “I love Rock and Roll”. They played her first ever written song called “You drive me wild”. She quipped about her and her sister sitting in her bedroom while writing this song. Before performing the title track to the movie that she was in called Light of Day, she gave a brief synopsis of her acting for the movie. A little fact that I personally wasn’t aware of was that Bruce Springsteen wrote that song. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts finished the nearly hour long set with “Crimson and Clover”, “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and a cover of Sly & the Family Stone’s “Everyday People”. The crowd was pumped at what they just witnessed.

It was now time for Heart. As I teenager I would sing into my hair brush wishing I was Ann Wilson. Singing or more like screaming to “What about love” or “Alone” with the music blaring in the background drowning out my howls. Needless to say for me this was the highlight of my evening. A moment I never experienced in my youth, the opportunity to see Heart.

Their set started with a pre-recorded Indian inspired intro as the band made their way to the stage. The song “Magic Man” launched what would be the beginning of their 90 minute set. It felt like the moment Ann opened her mouth to sing I got chills. Such a powerhouse vocally. After 40 years in the business, she just doesn’t falter.

Ann spoke of their humbled beginnings during the 70’s where the music industry catered to male performers. Through obvious hard work and dedication were able to over come the barriers that existed for female artists.

A true highlight of the evening was when Heart performed “Alone“. I had chills the entire song, and it was obvious it was felt throughout the audience. Even after the show, while walking out of the venue I could hear people commenting on how incredible Ann sang that song.

Nancy stood to the far left, making her guitar sing sweet music. Although her guitar playing was on point, I felt like her vocals where not as strong as they once were. This was apparent when she took over lead vocals for “These Dreams“. I was able to still enjoy the song as it was one of my all time favorites. She showcased her ease of string abilities at the premier of “Crazy on You”. The crowd went wild in appreciation.

What surprised me was the encore portion of the show. With 15 studio releases spanning over nearly 40 years, they played 3 Led Zeppelin songs to finish off the evening. I suppose performing cover songs appears to be a trend going on with bands these days, but felt like they had plenty of material to draw from instead of Led Zeppelin.

A show that I’m thrilled to have witnesses. These ladies kick serious ass!

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