Kelly Clinton
The “Sit-In” with Kelly Clinton
The Composer’s Room, Las Vegas, NV, May 29, 2025
Reviewed by Jeanie Carroll
Ball of fire mega-talent Kelly Clinton started her show with a dynamic banger, “The Power of Love” (Huey Lewis/Christopher Hayes/Johnny Colla). The audience was ready to party “All Night Long” (Lionel Richie) and these songs added to the anticipation and excitement of what promised to be an outstanding show. But she wasn’t alone: she had invited a few guest performers to join her.
Singer/songwriter Regi Brown, a former background vocalist for Ray Charles and Rose Royce, displayed some serious chops. She opened her set with the R&B classic “You Don’t Know Me” (Eddy Arnold/Cindy Walker). Her vocals were low and sultry and then lyrically mezzo-voice for this bluesy tune. She wowed us as she belted out brand new notes in “Tell Me Something Good” (Stevie Wonder). This version was full-on modern and featured upbeat jazz swing and featured riotous improvised solos by masterful music director and pianist Mike Clark, creative and stellar guitarist Mark Hall Speights, and the incredible rhythmic stylings of drummer Mark Barrett. In an evening of first, this arrangement showed off Brown’s musical virtuosity as well as the awe-inspiring musicianship of the band, and it would be hard to find a jazzier rendition of this Chaka Khan classic. Brown showed off her four-and-a-half octave range during her set, which included her take on the mega-hit “Car Wash” (Norman Whitfield).
Michelle Johnson, Las Vegas’ “First Lady of Jazz,” had the audience holding its collective breath with her heart-wrenching take on “I’ll Be Seeing You” (Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal). Her scintillating voice took us on an emotional roller-coaster ride. As if our hearts couldn’t burst any further, Johnson and Clinton recreated the best friendship song ever written, “For Good” (Stephen Schwartz from Wicked), with the obvious emotional and musical connection they have shared for years. It was such a joy to hear, and the vocals and harmonies were spot on. Recently, Johnson performed a tribute show about the iconic and prolific writer/songstress Carole King, so Clinton invited Johnson to perform a rousing “I Feel the Earth Move.” The audience knew every word and responded joyfully.
Something that Clinton does well is conversing with her audience. She can tell a tale using her self-deprecating sense of humor, which endears her to her audience. It’s like visiting a friend you haven’t seen in ages, but the warmth endures.
Broadway and Vegas star Travis Cloer regaled us with a medley of “Cupid” (Sam Cooke) and “Venus” (Ed Marshall). His smooth tenor wafted over our heads and into our souls. To our delight, Cloer got bluesy in his rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” His silky vocals made the as though they were surrounded by feathered pillows and warm breezes. During that song, guitarist Mark Hall Speights played a solo that was other-worldly. The show was interrupted when stage manager Brandy Rickson brought a note (with a $100 bill) to Cloer that asked him to sing “Swear to God” (Denny Rendell/Bob Crewe). The band was game, and if you closed your eyes, you would have thought that Frankie Valli was in the house. Cloer sang this number perfectly, and his voice sailed into the rafters with his effortless falsetto.
Suddenly, an Italian-American “rich guy” from the 1970s burst onto the scene tossing $100 bills to everyone in the audience. This white-suited “gentleman” had “just woken up from a coma” and was stuck in 1975. The band offered him “The Hustle” (Van McCoy) with dance moves provided by the eternally young and effervescent Clinton. She was dressed as this “rich guy” and told the story of how “he” came to be here looking for a “discotheca.” Her Italian accent was hilarious, goofy, and brought smiles to the room while the band played “Staying Alive” (Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb/Maurice Gibb) and “Disco Inferno” (Leroy Green/Ron Kersey) in the background.
The “rich guy” announced a new desire: that the one and only Grammy-nominated Clint Holmes come to the stage to deliver his ‘70s hit “Playground in My Mind (My Name is Michael)” (Paul Vance/Lee Pockriss). Holmes started rubato; then the disco pop beat ensued, and his youthfully smooth vocals rang out. The audience joined in the upbeat singalong as the guest artists returned to the stage for this humorous and fun finale. By this time, the muscles of my grinning face were sore! For a lighthearted and delightful professional musical romp, make sure to check out future variety show “Sit-Ins” with Kelly Clinton at the Composer’s Room on Sahara. The smile will stay plastered on your face for days!
