For anyone who says that they are not familiar with this band, I’m sure you know them. “Do you remember? The twenty-first night of September” or “Let’s groove tonight” or the song that is featured at the opening of the zoo in Madagascar “Boogie Wonderland”. I would say if you don’t know who they are, that is a problem. Their soul pulls at the heartstrings, truly take time to listen to their lyrics and you will be touched, paired with the incredible vocals that still amaze me to this day. The band was founded in 1969, three of the original members are with the band: Verdine White, Phillip Bailey, and Ralph Johnson. The founder and original lead vocalist, Maurice White, passed away at age 74 to Parkinsons in 2016 but lives through the band.

Earth, Wind & Fire was my first vinyl record, my Dad’s favorite band, lets just say I had high expectations for this show and I was NOT disappointed. It was amazing to see fans of all ages, mostly 40+ year olds, and man do they know how to dress. One person who caught my eye immediately looked like he should be on stage with the band. He looked like he was around 50 years old, rocked a full gold sequin suit, sleek black pants and dress shoes, don’t forget the fedora. Others wore afros, 70’s style bell bottoms, previous Earth, Wind & Fire merch, bright colored dresses, head scarfs, fringe, etc.

I will never forget this show. Not only the band but the audience was an artwork to witness. A man probably in his 30’s or early 40’s came alone, sat by a group of four people (obviously came together). I didn’t realize he came alone until the end. He was getting everyone to dance together, getting the shy people out of their seats to really embrace the groove of the songs. This guy would be feared by social anxiety, and honestly could be an honorary member of the band at this point, he took the role very seriously.

Onto the performance itself, the band glimmered under the stage lights in their black and gold glitter and sequined outfits. Phillip Bailey took on a majority of the main vocals, followed by Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. Let me just say, I have never seen such agility and energy in people of this age. Mr. B. David Whitworth has been with the band since 1996, he was high kicking the symbols, doing the floss and other dance moves that have been trending over the last ten years or so while singing! All of the band members showcased their musical strengths whether it be guitar solos - which there were many and they were all absolutely breathtaking - , saxophone solos, intense high notes, harmonies, and anything you could really imagine. There were so many different instruments on stage that were all well used, it really reinstated my love of live music and illustrated the art that these musicians love so much. Phillip Bailey is a person I will always admire, his musical talent is incredible, I have never heard a whistle note from a man like I witnessed at this show. If it says anything, I am still fangirling about it and show it to anyone who asks about the show.

The people in charge of the lightboard have a lot of power in the emotions that are conveyed in a performance. I was in awe at the transformation of the stage through the lights. Everything was on point, not only when the lights turned on but where they were shining, for how long, when they changed, and so on. The lights went fully black a few times, I'm assuming to make sure everyone gets their water, has the breaks they need, and simply get everyone ready for the next section of the performance. I noticed some band members would sit behind the towering drum kits to take a break while another person takes over for them during a song, these transitions were very slick, they’ve obviously done this once or twice.

Each person on that stage looked like they were having the time of their life, dancing together, being excited for the other person's shining moment during a song, creating their own narrative while the audience took in what was created for them. Original member Phillip Bailey is joined by his son Phillip Bailey Jr., unsurprisingly, his son definitely takes after his dads vocals.

This show will be ingrained in my memory, the relationship that I have with the songs played has only become stronger after seeing Earth, Wind & Fire perform live, and I have the audience to thank for this as well. The strangers, friends, and couples dancing together during a show is an event that really encapsulates the emotion of a song, and I will forever be grateful for these moments.

Review & Photos by: Miriam Wasden

Earth, Wind & Fire Bring the Magic of the Past to SLC's Maverik Center