New Perspectives on a Pop Icon

I had the wonderful opportunity to take my daughter to the Beyonce concert when she was in town last week. It was truly a memorable, thought-provoking experience!

First, Beyonce is incredibly talented. She writes much of the music she sings, and has a voice that is truly stunning. She's also beautiful. But beautiful in an impressive way. While the lights and make-up artists can enhance anyone's beauty, she strikes an athletic, healthy frame on stage that clearly declares - I'm talented, successful and I have a positive message for girls and women! I wasn't familiar with her music, save for one or two hits, but I was wholly impressed at the content of her music: girls can stand on their own, you don't need a man to be whole, and beauty comes in many forms and figures.

While there was far too much crotch waving and "booty" shaking for my taste, and the back-up singers had cleavage like nobody's business, there was a lot to celebrate about this concert that was filled with teen and preteen fans.

We fall for the tabloids so easily these days, looking to exploit the flaws of the famous. I'm sure Beyonce has her own set of skeletons, like we all do, yet, on stage I saw an engaging, focused singer who is taking her fame seriously. Her concert tour gives a portion of its proceeds to hunger, and ticket holders were encouraged to donate canned food at the entrance.

Her outfits were stylish and indeed refreshing. How she successfully managed eight costume changes WHILE singing the entire time left me wondering. Yet, each outfit was tasteful, well-fitting, and not suggestive or sultry.

To top it off, her band was ALL women. Sure there was a fair share of men running the mixers and lighting on the floor, but on stage, save for four male dancers who appeared occasionally, she touted 13 female musicians, all accomplished and at the top of their game: a drummer and bongo player, two keyboard players, three back-up singers, a lead guitarist who could twang with the best of them, a bass player, and four instrumentalists who clearly loved the work they were lucky enough to do.

My personal favorite was when she donned a floor length sequined gown and sang "At Last" in front of 1960s video clips from the Montgomery bus boycott, Freedom Ride buses and black protesters being arrested for claiming their equal rights. I think much of the footage was lost on the audience, but when she showed a clip of our President dancing at the inauguration with his wife, Michelle, the entire Target Center erupted in cheers of joy and encouragement.

Yes, indeed, Beyonce in concert was an amazing, lasting experience. She has found a way to subliminally connect with young and growing minds in a positive, uplifting way.

I left the concert with my daughter smiling ear to ear and with a new-found appreciation for this pop icon. She's taken her gifts seriously and graciously and is helping make the world a better place. Thanks!