ManDoki Soulmates Give Stellar Performance During U.S. "Wings of Freedom" Concert

Last month, I was invited to see the wildly popular ManDoki Soulmates, led by world-renowned musician, producer, songwriter and Hungarian refugee Leslie Mandoki, give an inspirational performance during the U.S. ‘Wings of Freedom’ concert debut at the iconic Beacon Theatre in Manhattan.  The audience included everyone from adoring fans and celebrities, to politicians and dignitaries.

 

The highly anticipated ‘Wings of Freedom’ post-GRAMMY® concert was an all star line up of performers including Leslie Mandoki, Bobby Kimball (Toto), John Helliwell, Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann’s Earth Band), Nick Van Eede (Cutting Crew), Bill Evans, Randy Brecker, Till Brönner, Cory Henry and Julia Mandoki.  It was an incredible experience to witness such greats perform Grammy award-winning favorites like ‘Blinded by the Lights,’ ‘I Just Died in Your Arms’ (my personal favorite) and ‘Rosanna’.  There were countless standing ovations as the audience begged for more. 

“We are thrilled to have played a successful concert yesterday in the heart of mankind, New York City... Our music was created to build bridges that unite us and our songs are a personal handwritten love letter to our audience. There is alot of talk of what divides us these days; however, we wanted to focus on what unites us. That is the spirit of the ManDoki Soulmates” said Leslie Mandoki.

Leslie Mandoki founded the concept group, ManDoki Soulmates’ in 1992 with such acclaimed musicians as Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Jack Bruce (Cream) and jazz-rock star Al Di Meola.  The group grew immensely over the next two decades, and has since included legends like David Clayton-Thomas, Chaka Khan, Chris Thompson, Steve Lukather, Nick van Eede, Eric Burdon, Nik Kershaw, Greg Lake, Randy and Michael Brecker, Bill Evans, John Helliwell, Mark Hart, Tony Carey, Mike Stern, Midge Ure, Anthony Jackson, Victor Bailey, Pino Palladino, Paul Carrack, Cory Henry, Peter Frampton and Jon Lord.  The group has released 10 albums and travels worldwide performing remastered versions of hits from each band member. 

 

The performance also helped benefit MusiCares, a charity that provides financial and medical assistance for music individuals.  MusiCares works to improve the health and welfare of those in the musical community.

It was an unforgettable performance and will forever be unmatched.  The endless talent and passion possessed by this group is rare.  If ever there was a direct shot of inspiration, the ManDoki Soulmates are it.