I arrived at the Carnegie Lecture Hall around 7:30pm with a friend to check out 

Mavis Staples, but the first act was a local ensemble named The Young Ambassadors 

(4 young boys and 5 young girls, all between the ages of 6 and 16).  The music style was African-rhythm (mostly timbales and bongos) with accompaniment on keyboards and some African dancing.  The best part of the performance was the performance of Louis Armstrong's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", a kick-butt jazz performance with each female vocalist taking their turn on lead vocals....the song also featured some flute playing.  The Youth Ambassadors were finished at 7:50pm.

After intermission, Mavis Staples and keyboardist Steve Smith stepped to the stage at 8:15pm.  THIS WAS A SHOW DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF GOSPEL GREAT   MAHALIA JACKSON !   "I'll Fly Away From Here" featured the soulful, stirring vocal talent of Ms. Mavis Staples and some intense organ riffing by Steve Smith.   After this song, Mavis stopped to talk about how she used to listen to Mahalia's records at the age of 8 and how she finally met Mahalia in person.  "Rusty Old Halo" spoke about a man who had a lot of wealth but didn't share it with others less fortunate AND how we as Christians are supposed to shine our God light wherever you go.  "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" featured a hot, lengthy organ solo.  "The Whole World in His Hand" was followed by a story by Mavis....talking about when Mahalia called on Mavis to assist her in singing a song onstage....Mavis sang the first verse and Mahalia stepped in afterwards.  "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" featured a lively, wicked organ solo and a lil bit of Holy Ghost praising & dancing by Mavis!!  "Wade in the Water" and "Soon We'll Be Done (Wth the Troubles of This World)" led into Mavis talking about how her grandmother used to moan all the time....when young Mavis asked, "Why do you always moan like that?", the grandmother answered, "Well, when you moan, the devil don't know what you're talking about".  "If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again" featured some nice bluesy piano riffing.  Steve offered co-lead/backing vocals on "Down By the Riverside", which included "When The Saints Go Marching In".  Mavis ended the show with her showstopper, "I'll Take You There", announcing The Staple Singers celebrate 58 years of taking their fans "there"....and then the fans were given the chance to take Mavis and Steve there by singing the chorus very loud!  

The show was over at 9:25pm.

I will say that it was definitely worth the time and money spent to see this beautiful gospel legend perform.  And she is a very nice, down-to-earth, sweet soul...very personable with everyone (I met her backstage after the show).  And, as a special surprise, I met Mavis's sister Yvonne backstage....another sweet person.  This show was definitely a show to edify your spiritual body.