Mavis Staples takes this university aboard the Love Train
Mavis Staples performing at Dekelboum Concert Hall on September 20, 2024 (Taneen Momeni/Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center)
Mavis Staples welcomed the University of Maryland community aboard the love train last Friday night at the Dekelboum Concert Hall, sharing a message of unity, respect and compassion.
“We are on a love train,” Staples said. “Now y’all if you want to feel good, get on board this train with us.”
Despite not performing at the University of Maryland since 2013, the 85-year-old Grammy Award winner did not miss a step and delivered an incredible performance. She showcased her powerful voice, a classic collection of R&B and gospel hits and stellar backing band, creating an environment of hope and positivity.
Staples was welcomed with a standing ovation as the band performed the beginning instrumental to the Staples Singers’ “City in the Sky.” The song was followed by “I'm Just Another Soldier,” which established the theme that would permeate throughout the concert of love and liberation.
Staples has long been at the forefront of progress, particularly during the civil rights movement, performing alongside the Staples Singers at major marches and rallies and working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Stephanie Shonekan, the dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, sees Staples' music as being intertwined with social justice, a legacy that inspires new generations.
“[Staples Singers] were part of the soundtrack for the Civil Rights Movement and so if we’re thinking about freedom and social justice in 2024, we need to be remembering that it was music like this that spurred Martin Luther King on and all the civil rights leaders,” said Shonekan.
Outside of singing, Staples was as lively as ever. She danced, told stories from her past, cracked jokes with the band and recognized and thanked audience members who gave her gifts.
“Am I talking too much?” Staples asked the audience, which responded with a resounding “no!”
Staples continued spreading anti-hate and love with songs like “Respect Yourself”, “Eyes on the Prize” and “Far Celestial Shore.” The crowd was always in motion, whether clapping along, raising their hands to the sky or even nodding their heads. The room had a palpable energy that Staples channeled into a beautiful experience.
Anne Moultrie, retired vice chancellor of University Systems of Maryland, grew up on the Staples Singers and always appreciated the message in their music.
“She always had that raspy, guttural kind of voice that gave more power to the message,” Moultrie said. “She’s definitely a treasure, and just the opportunity to see her was very special.”
Staples maintained control even through the slower pieces on the setlist. Her cover of Pops Staples' “Friendship” brought the room to a deafening silence, and the audience swayed from side to side, taking in the moment.
The show closed with an energetic rendition of “Freedom Highway” a song that accompanied the marches of the civil rights movement. Thunderous claps echoed through the concert hall as Staples belted the refrain, “made up my mind that I won’t turn around.”
For Syd Mitchell, a junior English major, the concert was the best thing she’s seen all semester. Inspired by her professor to see Staples, Mitchell was not let down.
“You can really hear it in the music,” Mitchell said. “You can hear the history in her voice, and that’s very powerful because it really resonates with people on an emotional level.”
By the time the love train reached the final stop, the entire audience was out of their seats, giving a standing ovation to their conductor as she exited the stage.