Mr. José Feliciano delights Phoenix fans with long-awaited performance at Celebrity Theatre

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José Feliciano Concert at Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on December 13th, 2024

Review by Val Tapia
Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Danny Zelisko Presents (https://dzplive.com/ )
Venue: Celebrity Theatre (https://celebritytheatre.com/ )
Date: Friday December 13th, 2024
Tour: A Festive Evening of FELIZ NAVIDAD

For years I’ve often wondered if singer/songwriter (and guitarist extraordinaire!) José Feliciano would ever return to the Valley to perform a holiday concert.  After all, he only recorded the greatest (and still the coolest) Christmas song of the 1970s—if not all-time.

José Feliciano Concert at Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on December 13th, 2024

That song, Feliz Navidad, was part of a self-titled Christmas album that Feliciano originally released in November 1970.  It also featured versions of holiday standards that he clearly put his own stamp on.

I believe Feliciano made “special appearances” in the late 90s and early 00’s at two (separate) mariachi festivals that were once held at America West Arena (now Footprint Center) during the holiday season.  But that’s about it if memory serves.

To the delight of Feliciano’s fans, his show on Fri. Dec. 14 at Celebrity Theatre was a long time coming.  However, it was only a 12-song, 65-minute set– much to some fans’ dismay.

José Feliciano Concert at Celebrity Theatre, Phoenix, AZ on December 13th, 2024

Having said that, he has a solid band accompanying him on these select tour dates.  It consists of Feliciano’s two sons, bassist Michael Feliciano and drummer/tour manager Jonny Feliciano, along with percussionist David Allen Rivera and keyboardist Abe Sanchez.

At 79 years young, Feliciano still looks like a rock star!  He was escorted on stage to a standing ovation from the 500 or so fans in attendance.  I could see him grinning from ear-to-ear as he took in the overwhelming welcome.

It was cool seeing a bilingual performance, with a couple of songs performed in Spanish.  To his credit, Feliciano prides himself on wanting to unite his multi-racial audience.  And of course, the fans respond kindly and respectfully to that.

A standout moment in the set was his rendition of the Bill Withers classic Ain’t No Sunshine to roaring applause.  Simply put, Feliciano did justice to the original. I’m sure the late, great Withers was smiling as well.

One thing about this show was clear.  After 60 years in the music biz, Feliciano still loves being onstage.  Just like Buddy Guy or Taj Mahal.  I’d say that’s pretty good company to be in.

It should be said that I was honestly surprised that Feliciano and band didn’t play any of the “standards” from his aforementioned 1970 Christmas album.

Given that his voice is still pretty strong, it was disappointing not to hear his take of The Little Drummer Boy or Mary’s Little Boy Child.  Let alone his instrumental rendition of The First Noel.

To that point, this wasn’t a “holiday show” in that regard, the way it was talked about on social media.  But I digress.

Back onstage, Feliciano briefly went down memory lane about his many stops in Phoenix.  He specifically cited a favorite Valley hangout of his called Mr. Lucky’s, which many in the oldest boomer-heavy crowd remembered well.

When Feliciano goes in to B.B. King’s version of The Thrill Is Gone, you realize that this man can pretty much play all kinds of music.

From there, it’s on to two more covers: The Mamas and the Papas California Dreamin’ and The Doors Light My Fire (which was a breakthrough single for him in 1968).

Guess what the 12th and final song of the night was?  If you guessed Feliz Navidad, good for you. Unfortunately, it was a re-aranged version of the landmark Christmas classic.  Speaking candidly, this current take on it was just… okay.

In short order, nothing beats the original 1970 version.  Fairly or unfairly, that’s the one that will always be remembered.  And rightly so by the way.

Overall, it’s good to see that Mr. Feliciano is still out there doing what he does best.  Ultimately, the fans in Phoenix saw a master at work that night.  Hopefully, there’s still more music in him for them to hear at some point.

The verdict?  Three out of five stars.  A solid show, even if it was too short in my opinion.  But again, I digress.

To all the readers of Beneath a Desert Sky, thank you for checking out the site in 2024.  Have a safe and happy holiday season.  We’ll see you in 2025!


José Feliciano and Band

Photos © Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved