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Sheila E. Photo by Leon Laing.

The legendary Sheila E. justified why she has decades of experience in the music industry.

As a percussionist, guitarist and singer/songwriter, Sheila gave an impressive performance in Harrisburg on Aug. 2. Dauphin County Commissioners normally hold Cultural Fest at Front and Market streets. To avoid the chance of rain, the county moved the event to Zembo Shrine Center. Fortunately, there wasn’t a drop in the sky that night.

During the concert, Sheila played instruments and sang songs, including ones by James Brown and her gem “Glamorous Life.” She even brought kids onstage. Bringing children onstage has been a tradition for the 12-year history of Cultural Fest.

Sheila, née Sheila Cecelia Escovedo, worked with artists from Prince to Michael Jackson. Coincidentally, New Power Generation, Prince’s band, also performed in Central Pennsylvania on Aug. 2. Aside from R&B, Latin and jazz, Sheila has ties to hip-hop, playing a main role in the 1985 classic film Krush Groove.