The uniquely talented and impressive soul diva Grace Jones took to the stage last night to open this year’s Hague Jazz Festival. The Hague Online's Neal McClimon was there so read on for his verdict.

The performance originally planned to be within the ADO Kyocera stadion, was moved to a large tent outside the stadium, due to an early start to ADO Den Haag’s football season.
 

The stage presence and persona of Grace Jones is a striking and powerful one. The show was a mixture hot sultry numbers, up tempo rhythms interspersed with many of her hits. The performance was not only a show to be heard, but due to the many amazing costume changes it was also a sight to be witnessed.

The hits such as “Slave to the rhythm,” “Libertango” and “Pull up to the bumper” went down a real storm with those lucky enough to have got themselves tickets. The atmosphere inside was as hot and humid as a rain forest jungle as she flexed her long limbs like a prowling panther across the stage. There was a vibe felt by everybody that sent shivers down your spine; people just had to get up and dance.

This was the first time I had seen Grace Jones live and I didn’t get what I was expecting in terms of her attitude compared to what I have seen previously on the television. This is not a statement of disappointment, but one of surprise as she joked, laughed a lot and toyed with the audience and did not seem to take herself as seriously as I expected her to.

Grace Jones is a truly unbelievable performer. Her statuesque appearance is intimidating and thrilling, and hers has to be one of the best shows I have ever had the pleasure to attend. So, if you were not lucky enough to go last night, you may be lucky a second time around as she will be appearing again at an extra concert added to Fridays night’s agenda.

Trust me; you do not want to miss this superb singer in action.
 

Text & Photos by Neal McClimon
neal@thehagueonline.com
www.itpphotography.com

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