It was great to hear Lauper sing some classic country songs in her set such as Wanda Jackson’s “Funnel of Love,” Skeeter Davis’ “The End of the World,” in addition to her timeless recordings (“She Bop,” “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” and “I Drove All Night”). She showed her fun and sassy side on “Money Changes Everything”
“Let me just say one thing. I was inspired this spring. I walked with women walking with their sisters, daughters, husbands, mothers and sons,” she said, and broke into her signature song, the infectious “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” where everybody was dancing and singing along. “I will always march with you,” she told her fans boldly, and that statement resonated well with the Jones Beach audience.
The highlight moment of the evening was her ethereal version of “Time After Time,” where she accompanied herself on dulcimer that was able to send tingles down the spines of her listeners. Equally gorgeous was her lilting rendition of “True Colors,” which garnered her a loud round of applause.
The Verdict
Overall, Cyndi Lauper was delightful at the Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh. There were no gimmicks. Only one talented songstress who was able to put on an incredible show, where she allowed the music to speak for itself. Her crisp vocals were as nostalgic as Sir Rod Stewart’s. The Long Island audience was well aware that they were in the presence of an 80’s musical goddess. Lauper’s live performance at Jones Beach garnered an A rating.
