A Night of Funk and Rhythm
When I saw the announcement for Morris Day and The Time with Sheila E performing “For the Last Time” in Hammond, Indiana, my reaction was: Wait…the last time? As in, never again? OK, that settled it—I had to get a ticket. Just…in…case. And let me tell you, no regrets here!
On December 8, 2023, I found myself in a room full of fans ready to celebrate funk, love, and a whole lot of memories. The energy in the venue was on a high before the first note even dropped. It was a night filled with so much groove and nostalgia that I could feel the approval of the Purple One himself from beyond.
Sheila E: The Queen of Percussion
Sheila E hit the stage first, and she was a force to be reckoned with! Every beat of her drumsticks felt like an invitation to dance, and trust me, no one was sitting still. From “The Glamorous Life” to “A Love Bizarre,” Sheila brought her A-game. Her connection to the music—and to us in the audience—was such a vibe! It was the kind of performance where you could close your eyes and be transported back to the 80s, but why would you? Watching her and her band is half the fun!
Sheila didn’t just perform; she gave us a show. Her energy, her precision, and the way she commands a stage are nothing short of legendary. The highlight? That iconic moment when she brought the audience into the groove, making us feel like we were part of the band….and even paying tribute to the Purple one himself performing “Purple Rain”. Now that had us all in our feelings.
Morris Day and The Time: Cooler Than Cool
When Morris Day and The Time took the stage, the party really kicked into high gear. From the first funky bassline to the last encore, they reminded everyone why they are—and always will be—the epitome of cool. Morris, with his impeccable style, smooth moves, and undeniable charm, had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.
“The Bird,” “Jungle Love,” “Cool”—the hits kept coming, and so did the memories. And let me just say, Morris’s interplay with the ‘mirror guy’ on stage? Still iconic. No, Jerome is no longer ‘that guy’ bringing out the mirror for Morris…the torch has been passed to Sylvester Donald, Jr. who obviously loves his role and has a blast doing it!
The band? Tight. The vocals? On point. The vibe? Unmatched.
A Night to Remember
The crowd couldn’t stop dancing, grooving, and singing along. It felt like a reunion of old friends—like no time had passed since these songs first became the soundtrack of our lives.
Was it really the last time Sheila E and Morris Day and The Time will share the stage? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure: if it was, they went out in style. They reminded us why their music is timeless, why their performances are legendary, and why they’ll always hold a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere.
For those of us lucky enough to witness it, this wasn’t just a concert. It was an unforgettable, funky, soulful celebration of music, life, and a legacy that will live on forever.