The New York Post spoke with Sheila E. about her ongoing tour and upcoming concert at The Bronx’s Lehman Performing Arts Center on Sept. 27. She also regaled us with tales about her career.
Most artists that have been performing for nearly half a century develop routines that work, play hits and stick to a script.
Thankfully, that simply isn’t the case for Sheila E.
No, the 2024 Grammy winner revels in making sure each and every one of her live shows is a spontaneous, joyous experience filled with just as much exploration and discovery for the band as there is for the audience.
“Our live shows are a lot of fun,” Escovedo told The Post in an exclusive interview. “There’s songs that people don’t know, there’s songs that people do know and we make up songs. You never know who I’m going to bring onstage.”
As a result, she makes sure to only bring the best of the best on the road with her.
“Improvisation is the key to what we do. If you can’t improvise, you can’t be in my band,” the 67-year-old Bay Area native noted. “The band has to be ready to change up and slow down or go into a church vibe. It just depends. If the crowd is crazy and insane, it makes us even crazier.”
And, now, she’s bringing this one-of-a-kind, genre-crossing, boundary-pushing live show to the Bronx.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Sheila E. is scheduled to headline at the Lehman Performing Arts Center. And, as always, she’s excited to take the stage in the City.
“Everything about the Bronx is special,” she smiled. “The people, the community, the food, the music. It feels like a second home to me because of the family feel, familiarity and community.”
Well, one thing might not be familiar — what the versatile performer takes to the stage when she drops into the Yankees’ home borough.
For more about Sheila E.’s tour, wide-ranging career, Grammy-winning salsa album “Bailar” and a wild story about playing in Ringo Starr’s touring band of All-Stars, keep reading.
We’ve got everything you need to know and more below.Sheila E. tour schedule 2025-26
A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below.Sheila E. set list
While we’re well aware Sheila E. mixes things up at her live shows, here’s what she played at a July 2024 gig at Portland’s Ventura Park to give you a taste of what you can expect when you see her live.
01.) “Come Together / All You Need Is Love” (The Beatles cover)
02.) “Leader of the Band”
03.) “The Word” (Prince cover)
04.) “Get on the Boat” (Prince cover)
05.) “Holly Rock”
06.) “The Belle of St. Mark”
07.) “17 Days” (Prince cover)
08.) “Koo Koo”
09.) “Mothership Connection (Star Child) / Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” (Parliament / traditional covers)
10.) “A Love Bizarre” (Sheila E. went into the crowd)
11.) “I’ll Take You There” (The Staple Singers cover)
12.) “Heaven Must Be Like This” (Ohio Players cover)
13.) “When the Saints Go Marching In” ([traditional] cover)
14.) “Rockstar / Purple Rain” (Prince cover)
15.) “What the World Needs Now Is Love” (Burt Bacharach cover)
16.) “Erotic City / Let’s Work / U Got the Look / America / Free / Baby I’m a Star”
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