Atlanta celebrates Curtis Mayfield with tribute concert

Published July 17, 2010 at 1:50 p.m.

When singer songwriter Curtis Mayfield died the day after Christmas in 1999, he left a legacy of socially conscious funk and psychedelic soul that 30 to 40 years later still transports you to a time and a moment when life was hard but good.

On Friday night, Atlanta and the National Black Arts Festival celebrated Mayfield and the timeless gifts of music he shared with people around the world.

As perfect as Symphony Hall is for a classical orchestra, the venue was less than perfect for many of the night’s performers or their 18-piece band. Fortunately, even less than optimal acoustics couldn’t diminish the magic of the man or his music.

From the moment Frank McComb sang “We People Who Are Darker Than Blue,” to the full company’s sway at the end of the night to “Move On Up,” fans were treated to a sampling of Mayfield’s greatest hits at the 2010 Legends Celebration: To Curtis With Love. See photos here.

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