RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - It was all about girl power when Who’s That Girl – The Ultimate Diva Experience took to the stage at Lake Clementia Amphitheater on June 15 in the first concert of the summer season presented by Entertainment, Theatre & Culture for Rancho Murieta (ETC).

The singers not only captured the energy of iconic female artists who have dominated the pop music scene for decades but a sea of little girls crowded the stage during the entire performance. The adoring young fans seemed to know all of the lyrics, even to some songs recorded before they were born.

The synergy between the singers and the girls wasn’t lost on ETC President Jane Rosetta.   “The performers were very sweet and playful interacting with them,” she said.

The rest of the audience wasn’t left out either. 

“It was a very entertaining show with the dance moves and glitzy costumes,” Rosetta said. “We were impressed with the musicians too. They really delivered.”

Rosetta particularly enjoyed the tribute to Tina Turner.

The singers began the show with Madonna’s signature songs “Vogue” and “Express Yourself.” They followed with hits from icons such as Katie Perry, Whitney Houston, Cindy Lauper, Britney Spears, Joan Jett and Beyonce. Their performance was elevated by flashy choreography and dazzling costumes.

The crowd also appreciated the instrumentals from the three musicians, “Lucky Star,” “Naughty Girl” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately.”

Spurred on by the emcee, the crowd demanded an encore. The group responded with five songs, three of which were a medley. 

The “Divas” also came back on stage afterward to pose for pictures.

When interviewed, Skye Isaac, Noelle, and Jenny Kidd shared their enthusiasm about performing in Rancho Murieta. 

“From the very beginning, the energy was electric,” Isaac said. “And it was all ages and families too.”

“We would love to come back,” Kidd added.

Attendees, including Shayla Lee, were equally enthusiastic.

“Dancing with the Divas was a great way to get this summer season kicked off,” Lee said. “One of our favorite things about the community is the summer concerts.”

Shannon Chavez watched as her daughter, Ariana, and her friends in the sea of girls rushed up to be photographed with the singers after the performance. 

“They had a great time enjoying the music and danced the night away,” Chavez said.

Before the performance began, Rosetta introduced the other ETC board members who had gathered on the stage: Vickie Joyner, Sherrie Evpak, Ruth Lecheler-Moore, Brenda Allen-Booth, Kim Brown, Sue Delmore, Paul Fite, John Friedrich, Joelle Maggio, JP Petersen, Debbie Pishek, Stephanie Stanislaus, and JT Turner, who also serves as the emcee.

Turner took a few minutes to acknowledge ETC sponsors, including Rancho Murieta Homes & Land and Karen Hoberg, who is the title sponsor.

Rosetta said about 800 people attended the concert. which was a typical audience size before the pandemic. 

“June can be tough with graduations, and it was Father’s Day weekend also,” she said.

Rosetta said tickets are selling quickly for the the Cripple Creek Band performance on July 6. “That one likely will be a sellout as it’s the Fourth of July weekend and we have a large private group of 120 coming and Cripple Creek has a big following of fans,” she said. “It will be a great show and we will have the traditional flyover by the Miss America plane.”

Tickets for future concerts can be purchased at Ace Hardware in the Murieta Plaza.