“That’s what authenticity looks like,” stated Billy Porter after a video montage of his recent red carpet looks.
This statement perfectly summed up his show at the Warner Theater on June 2 as well. Porter was joyfully chatty, exuberant, and friendly throughout, despite this being his very first rock and roll tour.
Visiting Warner Theater for his Black Mona Lisa Tour: Volume One, Billy spoke about hope, equality, and fulfilling dreams. He took the audience through his long career in songs and with video clips while simultaneously showcasing his brilliant new album.
Goofy and playful with his fans, Billy called out people for arriving to the show late and doing a hilarious 20-second reenactment of the songs they had missed. Among the songs performed throughout the evening: “Love Is on the Way” (1996), “Love Yourself” (2019), and a new song, “Baby Was a Dancer.” Billy only recently dropped “Baby Was a Dancer,” a single from his upcoming album Black Mona Lisa, due for release by Republic Records.
Watch Billy Porter perform “Baby Was a Dancer” live on The Late Late Show with James Corden via YouTube:
https://youtu.be/-pcDct4xykg
In reflecting on his life, Billy later turned to his roots in the pentecostal church and preached about love and spirituality outside of organized religion. He spoke of the current political climate and told us he will never be silent because “until you get out of my shit, it will always be political!”
This is all supported by his unbelievable charisma, gorgeous voice, and excellent songs. It’s easy to see why he is so close to EGOT status. (Billy is a GRAMMY, EMMY, and twice Tony Award-winning singer, composer, director, author, actor, and playwright! Look out, Oscar!)
All in all, Porter’s talent is as diverse as his outfits, and his personality is as sparkling as his makeup. What he wanted of the evening is to for the people to “leave here believing in yourself.”
Here are some photos of Billy Porter performing at the Warner Theatre on June 2, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Katherine Gaines.
