By Sarah Duarte

Surviving the end of the school year made it challenging to see shows in May, but I was fortunate enough to make the drive to Livermore on May 8th to attend Tutti Frutti: The Tribute Concert to Little Richard at the Almost Famous Wine Bar and Music Hall. It was well worth the trip! The night was a wonderful evening of live music and wine; the perfect girls night out for my mom and I. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming, and perfectly suited for an evening celebrating one of rock and roll’s most influential pioneers. What followed was an energetic and heartfelt performance that had the audience smiling, singing along, and even some dancing in the aisles. (Not me, but you can imagine.)

The concert version of the Tutti Frutti Musical, written by and starring Dedrick Weathersby, serves as both a celebration of Little Richard’s legendary catalog and a thoughtful exploration of the man behind the larger-than-life persona. Rather than simply impersonating the rock and roll icon, Weathersby performs as Little Richard with the goal of revealing the humanity beneath the flamboyant image. The result is a show that balances entertainment with storytelling, allowing audiences to connect with Little Richard on a more personal level while enjoying the music that made him a household name.

Backed by six outstanding musicians, Weathersby delivers a high-energy performance filled with exceptional musicianship. His powerful vocals, engaging stage presence, dynamic dancing, and impressive piano playing keep the audience captivated throughout the evening. Adding to the excitement were several memorable costume changes that capture the spirit and showmanship that made Little Richard such a singular performer. The chemistry between Weathersby and the band creates an infectious energy that spreads throughout the room. And in case you were just wanting a quiet, removed and non-participatory evening as an audience member, you were out of luck because Dedrick was masterful at working the room and the crowd.

The music itself is a nostalgic journey through Little Richard’s remarkable career. Audience favorites such as “Tutti Frutti” and “Long Tall Sally” naturally drew enthusiastic reactions, but some of the evening’s most enjoyable moments came from hearing songs that many people may have forgotten were Little Richard classics, including “Slippin’ and Slidin’”, “Lucille”, and my personal favorite song of the evening, “Caldonia.” The crowd clearly appreciated the live performance, with several attendees unable to resist dancing along from the side of the room.

A special mention must be given to Yvonne Cobbs, who opened the show portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Her powerhouse vocals and masterful guitar playing provided a fitting introduction to the evening, while also highlighting the profound influence Tharpe had on the development of rock and roll. More than just a historical warm-up, Cobbs’ performance was a showcase of extraordinary talent and served as an early indication of the first-class musicianship that would define the rest of the night.

Tutti Frutti: The Tribute Concert to Little Richard succeeds because it is more than a tribute act. It honors Little Richard’s groundbreaking contributions to American music while offering audiences a deeper appreciation of the artist behind the legend. The show is currently touring, and Bay Area audiences will have another opportunity to experience the story when the full Tutti Frutti Musical returns on November 7th at the Guild Theater in Sacramento. Additional information about the production can be found at Tutti Frutti: The New Musical.