Sheena Easton, the pint-sized powerhouse with a voice that could melt hearts and ignite souls, took the stage at the Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on June 1, 2024. The intimate venue, with its mere 1,500 seats (or 3,000 eyeballs, as some might cheekily point out in reference to her James Bond hit, “For Your Eyes Only”), was the perfect setting for the Scottish-born singer to weave her musical magic.
At 65, Easton looked every bit the part of the glamorous diva, her figure hugged by a glittering, slinky dress that seemed to have been crafted from the very essence of starlight. But it was her voice, that inimitable instrument that has captivated audiences for over three decades, that truly stole the show.
Easton’s setlist was a delightful mix of her greatest hits and carefully curated covers, showcasing her versatility as an artist. From the opening notes of Lisa Stansfield’s “All Around the World” to the closing bars of her Grammy-nominated Bond theme, “For Your Eyes Only,” Easton kept the audience engaged and entertained.
For the Prince faithful, the night was a special treat, as Easton delivered a heartfelt tribute to her late collaborator. Her renditions of “The Arms of Orion,” “U Got The Look,” and “Nothing Compares 2 U” were imbued with a sense of reverence and raw emotion that resonated with the crowd.
One of the highlights of the evening was her performance of “Sugar Walls,” a song written for her by Prince and known for its racy content. Easton joked that she had stopped performing the song for a while due to its risqué lyrics, but she embraced the sultry swagger of the tune, much to the delight of the audience. Her playful and confident delivery added an extra layer of excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
Easton’s own hits were the highlights of the evening, with “Strut,” “The Lover in Me,” “Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair),” and “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” sounding as fresh and vibrant as ever. Her voice, like a fine wine, has only grown richer and more nuanced with age, a testament to her enduring talent.
The Avalon Theatre, with its cozy confines and excellent acoustics, provided the ideal backdrop for Easton to connect with her audience. Between songs, she shared anecdotes and quips, her Scottish wit as sharp as ever. It was an intimate evening, one that made the audience feel like they were part of something special.
For those fortunate enough to have been among those 3,000 eyeballs at the Avalon Theatre, Sheena Easton’s performance will undoubtedly be a cherished memory. It was an evening filled with music, laughter, sultry swagger, and the undeniable charm of a timeless diva – a reminder of the enduring power of great music and great performers.
Setlist:
- All Around the World
- Days Like This
- Almost Over You
- It Must Have Been Love
- Strut
- The Lover in Me
- The Arms of Orion / Nothing Compares 2 U
- U Got the Look / Sugar Walls / The Glamorous Life / Rapper’s Delight
- We’ve Got Tonight
- So Much in Love
- Fooled Around and Fell in Love
- Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair)
- Morning Train (Nine to Five)
- For Your Eyes Only
All photos by Dan Savoie:
