On Friday, July 22, Anita Baker returned to Detroit to perform her homecoming show at the Little Caesars Arena after a series of sold-out shows across the country.
The Detroit Free Press described the beginnings of her concert as nothing short of amazing– as expected from ‘Auntie Nita.’
“[Baker took] the stage in a sequined jumpsuit and golden shawl; Baker was briefly teary-eyed as she greeted the crowd, mouthing “thank you” as she absorbed the scene.”
Detroit’s daughter performed hits beginning with “Same Ole Love.”
She went on to give the crowd songs from her most popular albums, backed by a band and backup singers. The Little Caesars Arena was filled with fans, and Baker provided an iconic vocal performance.
“She sounded strong at LCA, whether climbing up the scale or nestling into her lower register in her trademark move. She scatted and improvised — even turning her stage chatter into melodies on the spot,”
The homecoming show was about 90 minutes of some of her fan-favorite hits.
Billboard wrote, “Baker’s sonorous voice has lost none of its mesmerizing power or luster, and the petite dynamo can scat and toss out other impromptu riffs like nobody’s business.” New York Radio City Music Hall said about the tour, “Anita Baker’s back-to-back sold-out concerts had every single ticket picked up at the box office – an infrequent occurrence in our venue’s almost 100-year history.”
Fans had similar praise for Baker, as told to ClickOnDetroit.
“Anita Baker needs to be home,” one concertgoer said. “She needs to be home. She needs to be here with us, the people that love her.”
The eight-time Grammy award winner hadn’t performed in Detroit since 2008.
“It’s Anita Baker,” another woman added, “You only get one, Anita.” The sentiment is that Baker will always return home for the unique Detroit experience. “Oh definitely, there’s no place like home,” A male concertgoer continued, “Detroit.”
“From Detroit for Detroit, by Detroit, We love you, Anita.”
