*The free tickets for tonight’s Aretha Franklin tribute show at Chene Park sold out just 15 minutes after going on sale Monday morning. Fortunately, the show will be streamed live online for fans who are unable to make the pilgrimage to Detroit.
The show — dubbed “A People’s Tribute to the Queen” — was organized by the Queen of Soul’s family and will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday (Aug. 30), the eve of Franklin’s funeral. Chene Park capacity is about 6,000.
So far, the Chene Park website (www.cheneparkdetroit.com) is telling fans to check back today for streaming information, while local NBC news affiliate WDIA says it will host a live program that will air portions of the four-hour concert between 8 and 9 p.m.
The program for the tribute concert includes:
A jazz and blues tribute with Ralphe Armstrong, Aretha’s bassist and longtime friend, as musical director.
Performances from: Joan Belgrave, Doug Carn, Detroit’s Thornetta Davis and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Visual montages will be presented throughout the event, including a signature portrait by artist Demont Pinder.
A dance choreographed by George Faison.
An R&B tribute with Kern Brantley as musical director. Narada Michael Walden will perform “Freeway of Love,” a song he wrote for Aretha. Performances from: Cherri Black, Steffinie Christian, Angela Davis, Gwen Foxx, Beth Griffith-Manley, Kimmie Horne, KIKO, Alise King and Tasha Page-Lockhart and Ronnie McNeir, who will perform the song he wrote for the upcoming Aretha biopic.
Aretha’s son, Eddie, and her granddaughters Gracie and Victorie Franklin will give a special tribute.
A gospel tribute with Kurt Carr and Derrick Starks as musical directors. Performances from: Santita Jackson, Dr. Bobby Jones, Lisa McCaw dancers, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Kierra Sheard and Kathy Taylor.
Filmmaker Tyler Perry will introduce actress Jenifer Lewis, who will perform a piece written for her. Remarks will be delivered by Judge Greg Mathis and actress Erica Peeples.
An all-star tribute with Kern Brantley as musical director, featuring performances from: Regina Belle, Raheem DeVaughn, Johnny Gill, Dave Hollister, L.J. Reynolds, Angie Stone, Tweet, Keith Washington and the Four Tops.
A “Respect” finale featuring all participants will close the event.
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