Ms. Hill at First Avenue Star Tribune photo by Jeff Wheeler
Lauryn Hill was late arriving onstage at First Avenue on Tuesday. That was no surprise. Her performance was great. That was a surprise. A big thank you to Rohan Marley, Lauryn's man who surprised her with a visit in Minneapolis. She gave him a shout out late in the evening and insisted that he take a bow with the spotlight shining on him. (Then he fired up a smoke – those illegal Marleys—as Lauryn went into her final song, "Doo Wop (That Thing).") His presence may have had something to do with her good mood and memorable performance. Ms. Hill -- which is what she prefers to be called -- was in such good spirits that she stuck around after her generous 109-minute performance (which ended at 1:43 a.m.) and greeted fans, posing for photos and signing autographs. That is reportedly a first on her current 17-city tour. Loved Lauryn's stylishly retro but chic outfit that was perfect for winter – flouncy black bell bottoms (with a satin tuxedo strip down each leg), fur vest over a burgundy sweater, chunky jewelry and a medium brimmed beige hat. Musical highlights included "Final Hour" full of conviction; the Fugees' jumpin' and eventually jazzy "How Many Mics"; and the festive "Fu-Gee-La" with its island vibe. Read my full review here. Here is Lauryn Hill's set list at First Avenue: Forever Loving Jah (Bob Marley)/ Lost Ones/ When It Hurts So Bad/ Ex Factor/ Final Hour/ How Many Mics (Fugees)/ I Only Have Eyes for You (Flamingos)/ Zealots (Fugees)/ Fu-Gee-La (Fugees)/ Ready or Not (Fugees)/ Killing Me Softly (Fugees)/ Turn Your Lights Down Low (Bob Marley)/ Doo Wop (That Thing)
