The weather was very hot and humid but the growing reputation of this swing and R&B band was enough to draw many away from a lazy hazy evening at home.
This was to be Maria and the Millionaires’ first appearance at the BAWA and what an entrance. Maria looked the part in a beautiful black and gold dress with matching long satin gloves.
They began with a gutsy “Rock This Joint” – and it did! The versatility of this band attracted all styles of dancing – and soon the ballroom floor was hopping, rocking, jumping and jiving. The first set included such classics as Lovin’ Machine , Jump Jive an’ Wail and Choo Choo Ch’Boogie.
Maria’s powerful sultry voice and the faultless backing from the guys never waivered, the pace never really slowed down – even the strollers were punchy.
I loved “Voodoo Voodoo” and “Fujiyama Mama” in the second set. “Ain’t Nobody here But Us Chickens” with Maria’s sense of humour shining through kept us on our toes.
The crowd loved them – what an exhilarating night. Of course there were encores, “Hop, Skip and Jump” and “Send Me Some Lovin’” completed a fabulous debut performance.