Miss Nancy Wilson celebrated her 70th birthday with concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Though I was unable to attend the East Coast tribute last May, I was thrilled to be among the audience at the Hollywood Bowl show. The day before the show, I had the privilege of watching Nancy and her guests rehearse, which was a real kick!

Nancy's special guests were Ernie Andrews, Patti Austin, Terence Blanchard, Regina Carter, Natalie Cole, Kurt Elling, Nnenna Freelon, James Ingram, Ramsey Lewis and Tom Scott — accompanied by an 18-piece band made up of members from the dynamic Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra. The emcee for the evening was the very funny Arsenio Hall.

After the loving tribute in her honor, I joined Miss Nancy backstage and at a private reception to say "congratulations." She was fabulous!

Backstage with Miss Nancy, Hollywood Bowl

Arsenio Hall, the emcee for Miss Nancy's birthday bash

The amazing James Ingram brought down the house with "100 Ways"

James Ingram and Natalie Cole backstage

Violinist Regina Carter and saxophonist Tom Scott

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard

Nancy leaving the stage after a GREAT show

Miss Nancy and James Ingram at rehearsal

At rehearsal with the one and only Ernie Andrews