photo by steed media service

Recording Artist, Actress

Macy Gray is a siren onstage. For all of her success on record, the musically eclectic diva is a force in her live show; a combination of sass, spunk and sophisticated artistry that only few can truly pull off. "On the stage you get an immediate reaction and it's all about the moment and how you feel at that moment," says Gray, comparing it her live performances to her time in the studio. "It's a whole other experience." And Macy Gray live is truly that - an experience.

"I'll play in a shoe store! I just like playing," she shares. "The more people you have the more different reactions you're going to get, [but] when it really gets crunk, then you have all those people into your song and there's nothing like it." Gray's pre-show ritual hasn't changed much since her early days, performing at the clandestine We Ours sessions in Los Angeles in the late '90s.

"My band and [I] always hang out before the show, I get very nervous, we always pray together," adds Gray. "We always [play] my favorite CDs and we have a party before the show. That's always fun." The communal atmosphere doesn't end backstage, however. "[My] band, Ritual Love - they're the bomb. And [they're] part of my show, not just a bunch of guys dressed in black sitting in the back."

Gray brings her magic to Atlanta's Chastain Park on August 18, and she guarantees a party. "There's nothing like it, it's the most fun. It's sexy, wild and loud - a really good time!" - todd williams

Catch Macy Gray at Atlanta's Chastain Park, August 18, 2007, 7:30 p.m.

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