Connie Francis Concert Reviews, 1997 to 1999

Last update: 10/9/00

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Connie in Biloxi, Mississipi
on Nov 4, 1999
by various concert attendees

Frances writes:

I saw Connie last night (Nov. 4th) in Biloxi, Mississipi at the Grand Theater. She had a cold and her voice was not as strong, but she was wonderful all the same. I admire her for going through with the concert. She sang about 1 hour and 15 min. and received a standing ovation. My throat hurt just seeing her gamely belting out all of her oldies but goodies. She gave us a time that we’ll all remember. She had to keep eating teaspoons of honey throughout the concert. I know at the end her throat must have been just "killing" her because she put her fingers to her throat during the last few minutes of her good-byes. Just thought I’d let another Connie fanatic know I finally saw my idol.

Charlie writes:

What can I say that hasn’t been said about what a phenomenal entertainer Connie Francis is. As a Connie fan, I am prejudiced! To me she is now and always will be the best. My friends and family who were with me at the concert loved it. The show was fast paced and lively. She was backed by the Milo Menninio Crescent City swing band and they did a fantastic job. Connie was gracious and apologized for the way she sounded, but to me and my family/friends she grabbed us and she could do no wrong. She has such charisma and charm. She seemed to love being on stage and we loved her right back (a room full of love). The show was great. I told the lady at the front desk I wanted a comment card, I said not for anything negative, and she replied yea sure, to which I said, "no I just want to put on the comment card, please bring Connie Francis back". The lady smiled and said she had heard what a good show it was. And I will leave with this thought, my family and friends want to see Connie again. So you see even when Connie isn’t at 100 percent she is still great. What wonderful memories. And she did get a well deserved standing ovation.

We were one of the first to go into the theater, and I went to the restroom outside the theater, and I saw a line backed up all the way to the ticket counter. When I came back in a man sitting with us, said he was so surprised to see that many people there on a Thursday night. He seems to go to that theater often. She was in total control of the crowd, everyone was clapping loudly as she sang, laughed at her jokes, no one seemed to care that her voice was not 100%, I could just listen to her talk all night. She is so funny she could do stand up with no problem. I do hope that they have her back here again. It was a GREAT night for everyone luck enough to have been here. I wish you all could have been with us!

Connie is my hero always has been and always will be. I told her so too. She is so beautiful and gracious to us all, she loves us as much as we love her. As sick as she was that night she still had us go back to see her, how wonderful she was to do that. NO ONE can ever replace Connie, not in MY heart or memories.

Ken writes:

This in not uncommon at Connie’s concerts. She has a magical connection to her audience which emotes warmth and love. The audience in turn returns the emotions to her...all which creates just such an atmosphere you felt at the Biloxi theatre.

All of the CF concerts I have been fortunate enough to attend were also "full of Love" in the air. Connie seems to have such a rapport with her audience -- she "connects" is some magical way which is felt and shared by the audience. The audience can’t help but send back to the stage the warmth and love that comes from our Connie in person.

Jim writes:

Connie was fantastic as always. She is a real trooper. The show must go on. She was beautiful and so warm and friendly following the show. She really flipped over the Connie Francis wallet. It was a wonderful evening.

Connie live at Festa Italiana
in Pittsburgh on September 6, 1999
by Alexander Linton

I finally got to see Connie last Monday live at Festa Italiana in Pittsburgh, PA. She sounded GREAT!! Connie opened the show with "Let Me Try Again" and from there she moved into a song she has been singing for years with new lyrics- "Will You Still Be Mine." She then belted out two Country & Western songs.

Connie then sang "The Wind Beneath My Wings" which she dedicated to her late brother George. Halfway through the song she started crying and had to stop for a few minutes. Then the Bandstand Boogie began as Connie sang "Who’s Sorry Now" which was followed by several of her big Rock & Roll hits. She also added "Many Tears Ago" to her hits medley. Connie sang a powerful version of "Comme Bella Stagona". She added a few other songs to her Italian medley- "You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me", Roman Guitar, and Canta Ragazzina. She also sang "Mama" Connie did a tribute to Buddy Holly and Frank Sinatra. I LOVED her version of Bob Seger’s "Old Time Rock And Roll"!! She also sang "Sentimental Journey", "La Bamba", and Malaguena". As Connie sang "God Bless America", the audience was on their feet singing along and some were even crying. After the show she received an extended standing ovation. The workers at Festa Italiana announced that this was the largest crowd they’d ever had there (4,600 people)!

While Connie was signing autographs the security guards started yelling at people to move back because the table that Connie was sitting at was getting pushed right into her. People were pushing and shoving each other for every last CD and picture and to meet Connie! I finally did get to meet Connie and she autographed my poster of her. She was very nice and is still very pretty!

Connie Francis at the Westchester Theatre
Elmsford, NY, May 10, 1999

I was there and Connie was great!!!!

First, here is a email I recieved:

"Last night I saw Connie at the Westchester Theater and she sounded great. I also got to show her photos that I took 35 years ago at Freedomland and got her autograph. I was thrilled. She still sounds terrific and her voice is as strong as ever. Thank you Connie. "

It was great to see Connie when everything was perfect. She was very upbeat and thrilled to meet her fans and audience. Sound system was fantastic and she was backed up by a very good orchestra, her conductor also said they were very good.

It is a smaller arrangement so everyone can see her up close. Connie used every range of voice she has and even used as much stage as possible.

I really cannot express in words of what it was like there so I am counting on my friends to write better reviews than I could.

This was a dinner/show arrangement and I shared a table with Connie fans Dana, Janis, Diana, and Frank. The whole event was quite elegant just like a top notch Connie concert should be.

Of course Connie did her trademark entrance by entering the stage by entering through the audience as she loves to personally meet her admirers.

Many sales of her CDs and tapes plus all the extra newsletters placed out front were gone within an hour of this whole five or so hour event.

Yes, Connie signed autographs as well.

A touching moment when Connie received an award (a framed long plaque with two CDs) from Jürgen Schulze who traveled all the way from Germany to see Connie. This plaque was a thank you from the people of Germany to Connie.

Jürgen brought several posters produced for a special Connie Francis celebration last year in Germany. He had Connie autograph these and the posters were then given to friends [editors note: Sorry but do not have any more posters left].

Yes, we took lots of photos and some are here. Below is a photo taken during preparations of the concert.

Also, thanks to Pat Niglio, Mike Giambra, Bob Macina and many others who I cannot remember the names of right now (my brain is mushed out after the flight). Everyone helped to make this a truely wonderful show.

additional concert review from Dana, Diana, and Mike G.:
Connie’s performance before the packed theater on Monday evening was FANTASTIC! She looked stunning with in her black gown with her long hair done in the "poufy" style many fans (especially Mike W.) adore. Her moving rendition of "Here’s Where I Belong" immediately captured the audience’s hearts and it just got better and better from there.

Early in the show Connie made a point of getting even with the STAR for their recent article. She explained that a fall caused by the simple catch of her heel on her gown was the reason for this "gutter" publication’s headline that she had "Cheated Death" when she fell from the stage! She enhanced her "STAR REPORT" with a comment about "Al Pacino & Beverly DeAngeleo just living together for now, but planning to get married as soon as Beverly gets pregnant" ... well, that’s what CONNIE said she read in the STAR!!

After the show Connie met with fans, as usual, for autographs. Stay tuned for a more detailed review in the upcoming May issue of the CFCC newsletter.

"Connie Francis Festa Italiana" - THE EXPERIENCE
Lodi, California, June 12, 1998

by Janis and Dana

(Click on the text links for individual photos or visit the Festa Italiana Photo Gallery)

The stage was lit and the orchestra members focused on their sheet music, but the light came from the sun and they wore blue jeans and tee shirts, rather than tuxedos. When Connie walked on the stage the rehearsal began. There were music arrangements and a conductor, but Connie was in control of the final result.

"Softer," Connie directed when the accompaniment was too loud.

"I’ll set the tempo on the pickups," she instructed as the musicians played "Stupid Cupid."

"Can we have a bar of mandolin?" she asked the keyboard player as they began the song, "Do You Love Me the Way You Kiss Me? (Scapricciatiello)."

Connie wanted the Italian songs to be perfect because the concert was in Lodi, California, a rural wine grape-producing area that is the home of many generations of hardworking Italian Americans. For more than two hours in the warm San Joaquin Valley sun Connie fine-tuned each element of the performance until she was completely satisfied. With the concert still ahead of her, Connie graciously took the time to greet a small group of lucky fans that were allowed into her rehearsal. She talked with them and signed their treasured copies of her book and albums.

Four hours later the more than twelve hundred fans that were packed into the small amphitheater anticipated Connie’s entrance from the rear of the audience. Connie dazzled the crowd as she worked her way down the aisle to the stage. She opened tentatively with "Let Me Try Again," but drew energy from the crowd as the evening progressed. Between songs she chatted with the audience and explained that her throat was very dry from medication she was on for a back injury. She joked about her remedy - a jar of honey.

"I started on the Weight Watcher’s diet and this is 25 points," she said as she swallowed a spoonful of honey. "I’ve had 230 spoonfuls of this today, so I’m working on September."

After several doses of honey between songs she commented that her hands were sticky. The crowd cheered as a fan came to her rescue with a package of Wet Ones that he pulled out of his backpack. As the concert continued, the honey problem reoccurred.

"I think it’s everywhere - it’s on the grand piano," Connie said as she wiped the piano, "we’ll get charged for that!"

The audience delighted in the medley of her smash hits, rock and roll, country songs and a salute to Frank Sinatra. She sang "My Way" ... her way and entertained the fans with her anecdotes about being Italian. She also joked about marriage, sex and her crush on Al Pacino. As she began her Italian songs some unexpected raindrops began to fall, but they didn’t dampen the spirit of the crowd that basked in the glow of her beautiful voice. Connie sang "Mama" and "Al Di La" straight from the heart as only she can.

The climax of the concert was Connie’s moving account of her "greatest high in show business." She described her performance for battle-weary soldiers in Vietnam while she was on a tour in 1969. A famous general warned her not to sing the song because the soldiers were demoralized and not feeling good about their country, but Connie persisted.

"I sang the first four lines of God Bless America before one lone soldier stood and put his hand over his heart and with tears in his eyes began to sing with me - then ten more, then a hundred, then a thousand and then more." Connie explained.

More than 25,000 soldiers "sang the praises of their country" with Connie that night. Thirty years later Connie’s powerful rendition of "God Bless America" in Lodi, California brought the audience to their feet as they also sang along with her.

The show closed with a standing ovation, but Connie’s day wasn’t over. She remained more than an hour after the show to sign autographs for every fan who waited in line shivering in the frigid night air. She even signed the stool she used during the concert for one of the Festa Italiana organizers.

Personal impressions by Janis - Connie’s one of a kind, just the best. We love her because she’s open, honest, and as good as they get. She has given us happiness and brought us to tears with the 45s we listened to when we were young. Her long career through the best and worst of times is a testament to her courage and character. She has style, grace, class, bravado, pizazz, sass, flair, emotional depth and is still a beautiful lady.

Personal impressions by Dana - Janis’s comments pretty much "say it all about Connie," but something should be said about how the appreciation of her music brings friends together! Janis and I met at the concert, discovered we were practically neighbors and ended up spending an afternoon which turned into early morning sharing Connie memorabilia and putting this review together. We look forward to more concerts and memorable times together as Connie fans!

Personal impressions by the website editor - Although the circumstances (acoustics) were less than usual, Connie can still deliver her unique interpretation of music. We have all heard her recordings, but to see her perform live is always a privilege as she is a true artist.

Westchester Theatre in Elmsford, NY
November 17, 1997

Connie proved that she could command top price and have them begging for more. Her voice was as crystal clear as her records and as it was in the 60s. Connie gave a knockout performance from her opening note of "Here’s Where I Belong" to "If I Never Sing Another Song" and added "Many Tears Ago" to her hit medley. Connie laughed at the video which got out of sync and when she kibbitzed about marrying Al Pacino, someone screamed out in the audience "It’s his loss, Connie!" After the show and several standing ovations from an audience which included several fans who flew in from Belgium to see her, Connie was asked by owner to return again in the Spring. He claimed that Connie was the highest price ticket ever at this theatre and people had to be turned away. People who have worked with Connie said that her singing was the best in years, a top notch performance.

Mount Airy Lodge in the Pocanos, PA
October 11, 1997

Sandra Casacalenda and other fans had a custom cake prepared for Connie. It was styled as a black and yellow MGM 45 vinyl, and this cake (click here) was presented to Connie by Pat Niglio at the concert to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Connie recording "Whos Sorry Now" (Oct 2, 1957 was the date). Congratulations Connie! A side note is that this recording was done on the last day (and last hours) of Connie’s original MGM contract. She was on contract for about 2 years and even released records. Connie also did demo records for various stars such as Rosemary Clooney and Doris Day. At the time she decided that music was not in her future so after the last MGM studio session, she enrolled into New York University to pursue a career in medicine. Dick Clark found the record and played it on his new show, American Bandstand, on January 1, 1958. It became a hit record that made Connie a major singing star.

Connie at Ventura, California
August 19th, 1997
by Janis

Connie appeared at 1:30 PM on an outdoor stage. The wind was blowing and the musicians could barely keep their sheet music in place. The audience was composed of many seniors (it was seniors’ day) but there were also a surprising number of young people. [picture of audience before the show]

Connie was wearing a white pants suit with matching faux pearl necklaces and earrings. We were sitting in the third row center and got many great photos. The orchestra included conga drums, kettle drums, snare drums, big trombone, grand piano, etc. [Janis sent me this picture of Connie, better than the ones I took because of the sharp contrast of the bright sunlight. ed]

The outdoor venue was really difficult sledding for Connie and her band. The sound system frequently squealed and the sound was oftentimes blown away by the wind. Halfway through Connie had to take her contact lens out because of the dust. She also had to suck on a lozenge because the dry air was hard on ther throat.

However trying the circumstances, Connie’s charisma came through. During the show, people from the audience approached the stage to take close-up photos. She waved to them and a man came up during the show to ask her to autograph his arm. Gradually, the large area between the stage and the front row was completely filled with people who spontaneously came up from the audience to be closer to her.

It was a magic moment.

Connie was exasperated with the weather conditions. She said her hair was being blown all over (it was); the sheet music of her musicians was being blown all over (it was); and, that her voice was "crummy" (the audience protested her last comment).

The people in the audience were appreciative that she was still out there performing after she’s been through so much. She was giving it all she could. The connection was still there intact between her and her fans.

After the concert she came down from the stage and autographed this youngster’s shirt (while he was wearing it) and signed autographs for everyone. I got to meet her close up. She really is pretty.

Editors Note:
This concert was probably one of the most difficult for everyone. It was the hottest day in Ventura (85 to 90 deg, normally its much cooler), no shade for the audience, Connie did not have shade on the forward stage, the wind was hot, the conductor Doug Walters played the piano with one hand and used his other to hold the sheet music in place, and although the attendance was one of the largest ever, many left during the show to avoid heat exhaustion. In this photo is after the musicians left (The tree was knocked down by the wind, not a person).

However, there were several people that stayed for the remainder of the show. Many standed in line for over an hour to get Connie’s autograph. Someone commented, "I never realized that she has such a large following here on the west coast." Connie has lots of fans as seen lined up in this photo as documented proof.

During the show, a fan (on the left in this photo holding the album) was waving the Connie album "More Greatest Hits" (SE 3942). After the show I asked him about this album. He said that he has this same record for the past 35 years (it was still in great condition) and he even listened to it before the show. Although Connie did not sound her best during the show, there are many many fans that appreciate and admire her. They always value to see her in person because no recording can match a live performance.

Connie at Rochester, New York
February 15th, 1997

Judy from Rochester sent this synopsis on Connie Francis’ concert on February 15 in Rochester, NY.

The auditorium was packed and filled with excitement.

She entered from the right down in front and stopped to greet several people. The crowd went crazy and gave her a great extended applause with a standing ovation. So long that the people behind me finally asked us to sit down. In any event, the crowd finally sat back and got ready for what they came for: Connie’s Greatest Hits! I don’t think anyone really left saying, I wish she had sung ___." Point being, she really did sing all the songs you remember when you really think of Connie Francis.

Connie added to her performance a new song, sung to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s That’s Why The Lady Is A Tramp, with cute lyrics co-authored by Connie to fit the new title, That’s Why Sinatra Is The Champ was great!

For the most part, she was terrific! It seemed when she really belted out the tunes, they’d be perfect. However, there were a couple of times her voice ’cracked’ but she will always be terrific to me and the whole audience felt the same. You could easily close your eyes and swear you were listening to one of her albums. She didn’t change a single note in any of her arrangements and that kind of familiarity is what an audience loves, and that’s exactly what she gave them! They just loved her! In fact if I had any criticism to bestow it would be that we wish she would sing more!

Bottom line: The show was great and she sang a terrific selection of her songs.

[editors note: I received a couple of messages from others that said it seemed her show ended abrutbly. However, I also found out from others that she was backstage for two hours greeting and signing autographs for fans.]

Connie at Foxwood Casino, Connecticut
January 24-25th, 1997
Review from the Connie Francis Fan Club newsletter

It wasn’t quite large enough to accommodate all of Connie’s fans. Both shows were 100% sold out, with no tickets available for walk-ups. In both performances, Connie gave everyone a show to remember. From the moment she walked on stage, opening with Here Where I Belong, to her closing number, Connie was in command. Her stage presence, always on a level one notch above the ordinary, gave every person in the audience a sense that she was talking personally to them. She moved gracefully from her opening number to Will You Still Be Mine, a song Connie has been singing for years, updated with new lines which she has written. From there she belted out two C&W titles, Oh! Lonesome Me and I’m Movin’ On and from these foot stomping, hand clapping numbers, Connie moved into a heartfelt song, tenderly dedicated to her late brother George; The Wind Beneath My Wings. The screen lowers and the Bandstand Boogie begins.

On the video, Dick Clark announces ’That girl is headed straight for the top.’ Looking up at the screen Connie replies ’Thanks to you pal’ and begins singing a complete version of Who’s Sorry Now. That mega-hit is followed by a medley of her rock-n-roll hits.

The applause on the video is deafening. The audience at Foxwood Casino goes wild. You have to be there, to actually feel the excitement as Connie sings; "It sure was a ball. And thanks for it all. Mr. Clark, you were the best guy around. What a natural high, and now you know why. How could I be sorry now." Connie moves into what she calls her Italian hour. First up is a powerful version of Comme Bella Stagione followed by an equally, if not more powerful, Al Di La.

There’s a little bit of "crowd interaction" followed by a song that as Connie tells her audience, she’ll never grow tired of singing, the beautiful Mama. The pace quickens after this with La Bamba and Malaguena, continues with Exodus/Hava Neglia. Connie’s friend and conductor, Doug Walters, brings the orchestra into the opening bars of the next number and Connie explains; "Sometimes we have to lose everything before we’re able to really appreciate what we had..." The orchestration is brought back up and from the depths of her heart, Connie sings If I Never Sing Another Song.

The song isn’t yet over and once again the audience is in their feet. The applause is deafening "More" they are yelling. "One more!" And Connie walks back, her smile radiating outward, and sings the closing lines from her opening number; "I was almost gone, tryin’ to hold on. But you were there, you cared for me, you shared with me, you made me see. I’m here - where I belong. With a love so strong. You were there - you cared for me. And now I’m here - where I, Where I belong." The words are fitting for Connie, and she sings them with both power and conviction. And near the end the audience is again standing as Connie says, "Thank you ladies and gentlemen" She adds a heartfelt, "Good night" followed by "I love you." The curtain is lowered, and patrons begin filing out. The show, after all, is over.

But unlike some entertainers, Connie has not "left the building." There are hundreds of fans who want autographs, the chance to personally tell her she is the best, the chance to simply meet her... Connie cheerfully signs autographs, willingly listens to their plaudits and gracefully acknowledges and returns the love and admiration from her fans. Truly, and in every sense, a consummate performer.

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