The Queen of Soul is Brooklyn bound once again!
Fans still reeling from when Aretha Franklin cancelled two of her free shows last summer can finally show their R-E-S-P-E-C-T on Aug. 4, when the gospel legend performs as part of Borough President Markowitz’s concert series in Coney Island.
“I know I speak for all Brooklynites when I say we’re thrilled to welcome the Queen of Soul to the County of Kings,” said Markowitz in a statement. “This summer, Brooklyn spells ‘respect’ A-R-E-T-H-A!”
The show is Franklin’s first performance in Brooklyn, after she cancelled two free shows last summer at Wingate Field in Crown Heights and at Asser Levy Seaside Park in Coney Island due to fractured ribs and abdominal pain following a fall. At the time, she said, “I was very much looking forward to being in Brooklyn and having a foot-long hot dog at Coney Island,” and had hoped to reschedule by the end of that August. Better late than never.
The next Thursday show is Markowitz’s biggest coup since succeeding Howie Golden, as the beep’s been wooing the 69-year-old singer to his two concert series for more than 20 years.
Franklin, whose 40-year catalogue includes such hits as “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” and, of course, “Respect,” joins the likes of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Cheap Trick and The Monkees on this year’s schedule.
One warning, however: even the press release announcing the Franklin concert had some small print: “Performers are subject to change without notice.”
Aretha Franklin at the Seaside Summer Concert Series [W. 21 Street between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk in Coney Island, (718) 222-0600], Aug. 4 at 7:30 pm. Free. For info, visit, www.brooklynconcerts.com/seaside.html.
