Posted on: Saturday, July 20, 2002

Vocal powerhouse Etheridge enthralls fans

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Melissa Etheridge made her way to the stage of her first Hawai'i concert last night not via a backstage, security-lined path from her dressing room, but virtually alone in the midst of her most devoted fans.

Decked in skin-tight black leather pants, equally snug black tank top and breezy white jacket, a clearly touched Etheridge smiled widely, accepted lei and embraced a few lucky fans as she sang her way through a floor-level aisle to the Blaisdell Arena stage.

Wearing a headset mike and sans her trademark 12-string guitar, she belted out "I Want To Be In Love." And for the next two hours, it was difficult to tell who was more in love with the other: Etheridge or her vocal fans.

There was very little not to love about the raspy-voiced singer-songwriter, who wisely chose to front-load her concert with a best-of collection of compositions spanning her 14-year recording career. Mostly steering clear of downbeat selections from last year's turmoil-rich confessional "Skin," Etheridge wrapped her powerful, road-tested vocals around songs reflecting her current state of being.

"It's only taken me 20 years to get here," she told what was — sadly — an only half-full house near the start of the concert, "but here I am!" And thankfully, Etheridge went on to draw inspiration for her performance from the enthusiasm of her enraptured audience.

Following the uptempo "Love" with an equally raucous cadre of hits including, "I Want To Come Over," "If I Wanted To," "Angels Would Fall" and "Come To My Window," Etheridge led her crack three-piece band through one hit after another, her voice as strong and rich as shots of a good whiskey.

Between songs, Etheridge treated the audience to stories about her sunburns, leis and how she annoyed pau hana drivers while cruising around Honolulu on a rented — and very slow — moped.

Etheridge sent her band off-stage at mid-show for a couple of ballads, including the exquisite "Sleep While I Drive," on which she accompanied herself on acoustic guitar. Former John Mellencamp drummer extraordinaire Kenny Aronoff was brought out center stage by Etheridge for a rousing "Brave and Crazy" that saw both in top form, playing wickedly off each other's talents.

The evening finished with the harder-rocking Etheridge classics "All American Girl," "Bring Me Some Water" and "I'm The Only One," each drawing bigger cheers than the last. The singer ended by promising she won't wait another two decades to return.

The screams of approval from Etheridge's fans said they would hold her to that.