Tina Turner live at the Staples Center - breathtaking and

....simply the best.

What can I say? I had no choice but to go and witness Ms. Tina Turner at the Staples Center when the tickets were made available on Goldstar. She is the epitome of a woman who represents a divine creative force (see above). And quite honestly, those words don't really even begin to describe it.

We were running a little late so we missed 1 out of the 5 songs my cousin and I just had to hear. "River Deep Mountain High," (the one we missed, we did hear parts of it in the lobby), "Goldeneye," "What's Love Got To Do With It," "Nutbush City Limits," and of course "Proud Mary;" arguably one of the best songs (and really I don't know if I'd even call it a song but more of a "mini-act" in and of itself) ever performed by a woman, period.

She got through one take of "What's Love Got To Do With It" when she had to pause and make sure her audience really got it. She told us she needed a little help with the words on this one and challenged her ladies first. "Can you do it?" she asked with her eyebrows raised. We obliged, but the first one just didn't cut it. "Almost my women, but can we give it just a little more attitude?" and she demonstrates. NOW we get it. The subtle umph between our version and hers was like an ocean of truth. The moment she established what "just a little more attitude" sounded like I understood why this women could sell out the Staples Center, twice, with adoring women (and men too actually) of all ages, races, creeds, and religions. Tina Turner represents strength. A foot-stomping, heart pounding, rock-n-roll with a twinge of blues strength. A full of grace and power strength. And every woman could relate. Her music wasn't about the latest hit song or production fad, but about an enduring quality that any woman from any place or time could latch on to. And that is the kind of music we need to endeavor to make.

But back to the music. The woman is straight up rock-n-roll and I love it! I mean, seriously love it. We could not contain ourselves on "Proud Mary." I was brought back to times when I would have to take a break from my homework and strut into my parents bedroom where they were innocently watching tv, unaware of the performance they were about to receive. I would make my entrance and begin the show at the foot of the bed by saying, "i know that I am able to do this song nice.....and easy. But every now and again we've got to do it just a little bit.....rough." I can just see their faces, along with the complimentary eye rolls and exasperated thoughts, now - "what kind of child have we brought into the world?" And yes, I would take them through the whole thing, thus determining my ultimate destiny as a diva. Tina has been preparing me since day one.

We really tried to stay seated to respect the people behind us, but when the lights blazed and paved the way for the nice n' rough parts (bring it!), the whole audience erupted and barely anyone could stay still. It was electrifying. Or did I say breathtaking? Do I have to choose? Let's just say an enchanting combination of those words and everything in between. This does not typically happen to me ladies and gentleman because I will admit that I am a bona fide, tried and true cheapskate. But dang it, I wanna get the t-shirt. : )