Sunday, August 9, 2026 | Stern Grove Festival
by Dave Golden
Berkeley-based singer Destani Wolf opened the afternoon with her “Cali-Soul” sound, a mix of R&B and soul with touches of Latin jazz, reggae and hip-hop. She has sung lead for Cirque du Soleil’s BAZZAR and performs with Bobby McFerrin’s MOTION. Her set made a fitting introduction to the legendary Patti LaBelle.
The “Godmother of Soul,” Patti LaBelle, graced the Stern Grove stage, opening with “When You’ve Been Blessed (Feels Like Heaven).” At 82, Patti is clearly proud of both her age and a career spanning six decades, and the 13-song set drew from across that history, from solo hits like “If You Asked Me To” and “On My Own” to LaBelle classics like “What Can I Do for You?” She also took time to pay tribute to friends and musical legends who have passed, with images of artists including David Bowie and Michael Jackson appearing on the screen during “You Are My Friend.”
Patti’s shoes were on the stage before she was, a row of rhinestoned heels on a side table banked with lilies. Later she invited a fan to try on a pair, though she was clear about the terms: “Take a picture with those shoes because you never gonna keep those shoes.” The band and backup singers took a turn in the spotlight while Patti stepped away for a wardrobe change. Patti brought fans onstage to join her for “Lady Marmalade,” a very San Francisco cast of characters then ended the show with “Over the Rainbow.”
Stern Grove Festival June 14-August 16, 2026 Check out the full 2026 Stern Grove Season Lineup
