Sandi Patty – Courtesy of Phil Taylor. Used with permission.
Hendrick’s Live!, the new performing arts center in Plainfield, was transformed into a house of worship Saturday when singer Sandi Patty, electrified a full house in her concert titled “Simply Sandi.”
Sandi Patty – Courtesy of Phil Taylor. Used with permission.
Accompanied by her pianist-music director Jay Rouse, and her backup singers, husband Don Peslis and Amy Rouse (Jay’s spouse), Patty’s program consisted of primarily Christian music and a few originals. Sprinkled throughout were stories and anecdotes about her family and expressions of her deep-seated faith which she made clear is the core of her existence.
Displaying her effervescent personality, she shared easy-going banter with the audience. At one point she also brought a photographer on stage to share a Facebook live stream, which included those present in the auditorium, and which was seen by her legions of social media followers around the world.
Noteworthy about the concert as well were the performances of Patty’s long time music director Rouse on the piano and those of exceptional vocalists Pelsis and Amy Rouse.
Singing in her distinctive soprano voice with its astounding operatic range, Patty dazzled the crowd with her artistry and technique proving why she has been anointed “The Voice.” Winner of five Grammy® awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, and five gold records. With 30 albums released and eleven million units sold, Patty exhibited why she is regarded as one of the most acclaimed performers of all time. During her career, the superstar has also demonstrated her ability to cross over to secular music as evidenced by her debut full length symphonic pops album “Broadway Stories,” conducted by Maestro Jack Everly, that was released on October 18, 2011, to positive reviews. Patty is reuniting with Everly and the ISO when she hosts its annual Holiday show, “Yuletide Celebration,” for the sixth and final time during the month of December.
Sandi Patty – Courtesy of Phil Taylor. Used with permission.
Opening the show with the moving “While I Can” an original song she wrote in tribute to her mother Carolyn who passed away last August at the age of ninety, Patty showed touching vulnerability as she revealed her intimate relationship with her mother, a minister’s wife who herself was a gospel singer.
Patty’s interactive show included audience participation, such as during “How Great Thou Art” when she turned the whole crowd of concert goers into a mass choir. It was a thrilling moment.
Concert highlights included a medley of songs composed by Bill (who discovered her) and Gloria Gaither which the audience sang along to and a spectacular duet of Patty and Peslis singing David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager’s “The Prayer” — truly one of the most exquisite versions I have ever heard. Closing the concert with “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Carousel.” Patti capped off the evening with the sort of vocal fireworks that distinguish her as an original performer and a consummate artist.
On a personal note, I wish to share that I grew up Catholic and was not only an altar boy, but I also sang Gregorian chant in the choir during my grade school years. Even so, I had an affinity and love for Gospel music because I lived in a neighborhood surrounded by Black and white neighbors, many of whom hailed from Appalachia, and were sustained and strengthened by Christian music. Not only does it inspire me, but it also comforts me in times of adversity and loss. Such was the case, as I experienced “Simply Sandi” and heard Patty’s powerful message of faith and hope, which was more than a mere performance. It was not only a revival, but a spiritual renewal as well.
For information and to purchase tickets to “Yuletide Celebration” presented by the Indianapolis Symphony and starring Sandi Patty, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
