Written by Behnam Vadi
San Francisco, California USA
As a child, I loved exploring different genres of music, eagerly introducing songs to my immigrant mother who spoke very little English. Despite the language barrier, she would nod her head and move her body to each rhythm, connecting deeply through music. When my mother would drive me to school or karate practice, songs that played on the radio became our shared joy. We would attempt to sing along together, bonded by the universal language of melody. My mother, whose grasp of English is modest at best, still connected instantly, reaffirming that music truly is a universal language.
Attending the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience at Davies Symphony Hall on July 25th, 2025, with my mother in tow, brought back those memories. Sitting beside her transported me vividly back to those cherished days in the 80s. From the moment we stepped into the venue, the energy was palpable and vibrant. The audience was beautifully diverse, conversations filling the air with accents from around the world. The attire ranged from chic to casual, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the event.
It was a profound and moving evening, a genuine celebration of music, history, and shared humanity. The night turned into a powerful reminder of music’s unique ability to evoke emotions, revive treasured memories, and create magical moments shared across generations.
Excitement buzzed throughout the hall, a collective anticipation bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. The stage itself beautifully blended tradition with contemporary flair. The classic symphonic setup featured a striking front-stage section dedicated to acclaimed Blues musicians, enhanced by a backdrop of neon lights cascading vertically in hues of blue and red, mirroring the event’s thematic branding. An immense screen hovered above, seamlessly integrating visuals and storytelling with musical performances.
When the night’s celebrated guest, Morgan Freeman, appeared, the audience immediately rose to their feet, greeting the legendary actor with heartfelt applause. Freeman, at 88, spoke eloquently and passionately about his lifelong affection for the Blues, deeply rooted in his Mississippi childhood and his personal connection to San Francisco. The meticulously curated playlist was interwoven with Freeman’s eloquent narration, guiding us chronologically through the poignant history of the Blues. His voice was resounding and powerful, as we hung on to every word, while nodding our heads. Each song was complemented by powerful imagery, forming an emotional tapestry that captured the heartache, resilience, and joy embedded in this music genre.
A standout moment was the seamless fusion of renowned Blues musicians, Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, Jacqueline “Jaxx” Nassar, Keith Johnson, Adrienne “Lady Adrena” Ervin, Adrian “Rev Slim” Forrest, Mark Yacovone, Lee Williams, and Anthony Parnther. All brought together by
Morgan Freeman, along with the incredible San Francisco Symphony. These artists, representing the living legacy of Delta Blues, delivered authentic performances alongside the symphony, creating a unique and unforgettable auditory experience. The interplay between soulful, raw Blues performances and the symphony’s classical precision was breathtaking synergy at its best, captivating every attendee.
“Crossroads” marked the beginning of our journey, with its visuals of southern fields and early musicians setting a reflective tone. Songs like “Death Letter Blues,” accompanied by haunting images of buried Bibles and solemn churchgoers, powerfully communicated the struggles and soulful depth of the Blues’ origins, especially highlighting the historical hardships faced by African Americans in the southern United States. Blues, born out of suffering and hope, provided a powerful voice for those experiencing adversity, injustice, and racial tensions in the American South.
In contrast, “Dust My Broom” uplifted us with energetic scenes of dance halls filled with vibrant life. The iconic “Thrill Is Gone,” featuring images of B.B. King transitioning from youthful vigor to mature gravitas, resonated deeply, while “Cadillac Assembly Line” cleverly juxtaposed industrial progress with soulful rhythm. The visually arresting “Born Under a Bad Sign” was unforgettable, pairing ominous Ouija board imagery with fiery symbolism.
“Travelling Riverside Blues” stunned with an electrifying harmonica solo by Keith Johnson that left the audience in awe, underscored by sweeping aerial footage of southern landscapes. “I’ll Take You There” showcased the brilliant young talent from Stax Music Academy, a joyous high point.
The night ended with “Bring It on Home to Me,” featuring Freeman himself alongside Danny Abraham at the Ground Zero Blues Club, as the evening culminated in a rapturous standing ovation. Morgan Freeman closed out with a poignant reminder to all of us: “Blues is history, not just music.” And in that moment, you could feel it, the weight of centuries carried on every chord, every smoky lyric, every shared glance between musician and crowd. Freeman didn’t just narrate the blues; he embodied it, gave it breath, and passed it on like a sacred flame.
As the final notes drifted into the rafters of Davies Symphony Hall, the air was thick with gratitude, as this wasn’t just a concert, it was a pilgrimage through pain and triumph. And we were thrilled to be a part of the timeless stories behind every note.
For tour dates, please visit www.symphonicblues.com
For more info on the SF Symphony go to: sfsymphony.org
