Lights Go Out In George, As Tina Sings Her Encore

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Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper Sunday night at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Grant County. -----------------------------------------------------------------

GEORGE, Grant County - The Night the Lights Went Out in George . . .

Tina Turner was just getting into the second song of her encore at the Gorge when it happened. The near-capacity crowd was standing and swaying to a new song called "On Silent Wings" when suddenly the power failed and the whole amphitheatre was plunged into total darkness.

Because of the remote site and dark clouds overhead, it was pitch black until ushers and security, all with flashlights, started herding more than 15,000 people to the darkened parking lots.

But the attitude within the crowd was helpful and upbeat, which must have had something to do with the good feelings Tina had created before her show was so suddenly cut short. Only a few minutes before the blackout the whole crowd was unified in a hearty sing-along of "Nutbush City Limits." And the "Proud Mary" finale preceeding the encore was one of the show's big production numbers, with Tina and her three female backup singers dancing arm and arm from one end of the stage to the other.

"D'ya love me?" she asked earlier after the athletic workout of "Addicted to Love" and before the show-stopping "What's Love Got To Do With It." By that time they more than loved her, they adored her.

The inspiring singer, who's nearing 60, looked fabulous, was in perfect singing voice and put those famous legs to work in several energetic dance numbers.

Backed by a seven-piece band, she opened by promising "Whatever You Want," another new song from her "Wildest Dreams" album. The first highlight came with "River Deep - Mountain High," a "very, very old recording," she pointed out, from 1966, which she delivered with style and passion.

She's one of few singers who could take an Al Green classic and make it her own, but she did it with a great "Let's Stay Together." Another tasty bit of Memphis soul, "I Can't Stand the Rain," was intense, and timely.

Her fans put up with a lot to spend time with Tina. It rained or drizzled all day but, miraculously, the rain stopped shortly before Tina came on. And we'll never know how the show was supposed to have ended.

Cyndi Lauper had electrical problems with her opening set, too, which had to be stopped at one point. It was good to see Lauper back in action, and she was in good form, singing well and handling the stage problems with grace and good humor.

And, hey, Tina, come back sometime. You owe us one.