vigoronline

Lalah performs in Harrisburg on June 5. Photo by Leon Laing.

Songstress Lalah Hathaway may be working on a new album, but she took time out to perform at Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center on June 5. “I’m trying to have something ready to go in August,” the Chi-Town native said about her album during a phone interview with vigoronline.com.

She added that hasn’t collaborated yet with her Stax Records lablemate Leela James. (James, a younger soul singer, is rumored to be performing in Harrisburg this year.) Hathaway said she doesn’t really listen to younger artists, but she is optimistic for them. “I’m hopeful for the future of music,” she explained. Hathaway also knows her past. As the daughter of the late soul legend Donny Hathaway, she reflects: “My memories [of my father] have become other’s people’s memories,” she said. “My memories are people telling me how much they love him.” 

Harrisburg-based Capital Area Music Association (CAMA) held the Hathaway show to benefit the Anthony T. Leach Scholarship Award. During Hathaway’s show, backup singer Jason Morales and a keyboardist accompanied her. Intriguing paintings, collages and photos adorned the walls of the arts center. Hathaway was clad in a black outfit and no shoes. Hints of blonde and brown highlighted her crimped, black dreads. While she sang, her doe eyes connected with the audience. Her set included a soulful cover of Luther Vandross’ “Forever, For Always, For Love.” The keyboardist’s impressive solo during that song helped to give the concert an organic feel. Hathaway also sang a cover of The Crusader’s hit “Street Life.” She wrapped up the evening with an encore performance of “Something.”

Harrisburg native Jason Morales opened for Hathaway. Aside from Hathaway, the national recording artist has worked with artists from Whitney Houston to Omarion. CAMA president Brenda John gave a surprise performance when she joined Morales on stage. After the concert, John credited Hathaway for being a skilled musician.” “She just didn’t come up here with a boom box and drum machine,” John said.