Maybe it’s time for Anita Baker to drop the mic

Based on the posts on X, this was the concert us aunts and uncles didn’t know we needed. As one of your peers, I was sympathetic to this cause. Besides, who am I to refuse a Mother’s Day gift: front row seats to one of your concerts? I remember the soulful clarity of your voice when I saw you perform live in the 90s. I knew you would be a consummate professional, even if seasoned.

More than anything, I was excited for us to get together as a family, outside of a high school baseball game or a kid’s party at Chuck E. Cheese. Your music brings back memories of Saturday cleaning, card games with friends and meals. You have always been family to us. Actually, my daughters like your music more than me.

Imagine our surprise when you stood us up. It was rude and last minute, and you didn’t even bother to explain why you weren’t there. Thousands of fans had already parked and gathered outside State Farm Arena. We were on I-75 when Imani, who had purchased the tickets, received an alert on her phone that the concert had been canceled “due to unforeseen circumstances.” It was 7:01 p.m. The concert was scheduled for 7 p.m.

We were late because we had a birthday party for my 12 year old granddaughter that afternoon. Based on posts we read on social media, some fans had purchased plane tickets or traveled from other areas of Georgia to see you perform. As ticket holders expressed their outrage, I had a thought: “I hope Ms. Anita is okay.” » As I went further down the social media rabbit hole, I discovered more cancellations and late appearances. Some posters even compared you to the notoriously unreliable Lauryn Hill.

I always feel the need to give you grace.

Performing on stage at 66 cannot be easy. Maybe it’s time to drop the mic. I certainly won’t hold it against you.

My daughter, Carmen, has a different point of view. She’s a horsewoman. The next day she said she would always buy a ticket to one of your shows. She and Imani saw you last year at your Valentine’s Day show. They were impressed by your voice. “She still has it,” they proclaimed.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

As for our Saturday night party, we ended up at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen on Windy Hill Road. There were a few other potential spectators, including several mothers and daughters, waiting in line with us. Some were a little disappointed, but most were just happy to be outside.

It was us, Mrs. Anita. So it was by no means a total loss. Be well, my eldest sister, be well.

PS Imani is patiently waiting for her refund.

Angela Tuck is a retired AJC writer and editor.