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By Suzy Sabla Photos by Sprout

Whereas Wednesdays usually leave much to be desired, last Wednesday at Deer Lake Park was a colourful day of musical nostalgia paired with homocentric humour. The True Colors Tour features a medley of comedy acts including Rosie O’Donnell and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Carson Kressley, paired with musical talents such as Nona Hendrix, Joan Armatrading, the B52’s and headliner and tour creator, Cyndi Lauper. The festival was created by Lauper to help promote gay rights around the world through the power of music – many acts being personal friends of the 80’s pop starlet.
A commendable performance came from 1970’s soul singer, Joan Armatrading, who proved that after all these years she can still blow an audience away. The crowd was also treated to a special guest performance from fellow Vancouverite, Sarah McLauchlan who apologized for her musical hiatus explaining, “sorry I got knocked up again!” She played a six-song set, including well-known favourites like Building A Mystery, Adia, and Angel.
The B52’s, have been touring the world since their entrance to popularity on the new wave of music in the late 70’s. Front man Fred Schneider accurately describes their new album, Funplex, as them, “updated.” Their performance was just as you might have imagined it, fun! Years after their emergence and they haven’t lost their energy. And although I was disappointed to see the ladies sans beehives, they are still looking as stylish as ever. Pierson and Wilson’s harmonies, channel the Phil Spector era, while Schneider’s non-sensible blabber (“we were at a party!”) make for an authentic B52’s experience. Rock Lobster has not lost its charm!
The night’s headliner might have been wise to switch spots with the new wave darlings, as the festival’s energy plummeted slightly with Lauper’s lackluster closing set. While Lauper’s voice still upholds to fulfilling the dreams of every girl in the audience who ever listened to her cassette on repeat (ahem!) during songs like Time After Time and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, new songs like Rockin’ Chair are not quite there.
Overall, it was an entertaining show for everyone who came out, with the highlight of the night shining on the B52’s. The evening closed with everyone on stage surrounded by giant colourful balloons floating above as they sang True Colors. How cute!

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