Heart dazzles at O.C. Fair

Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson delivered a whole-hearted performance for Heart fanatics at Orange County Fair last week.

"This is an opportunity for us all to pour our hearts out together," Ann Wilson said to the nearly filled Pacific Amphitheatre on Thursday.

In 90 minutes, the sisters played a 15-song set that celebrated more than four decades of rich musical history. The duo was accompanied by a high-caliber backing band, who authentically re-created the group's classic rock staples.

In addition to the lineup of greatest hits, Heart included a cover and four new songs from its new album, "Fanatic," set for release Oct. 2.

Heart opened the show with the hard rock album's title track.

As the stadium lights dimmed, the guitar's sitar-like drones captivated the effervescent crowd.

During the opening moments, Ann Wilson, who turned 62 in June, left the audience awestruck as she unleashed a powerhouse vocal performance. She is undeniably a force to be reckoned with, the ultimate archetype for female rock singers.

Even today, Ann Wilson's voice showed no sign of deterioration. If anything, it is getting better with age.

Her voice took center stage in ballads like "Dog & Butterfly" and "Mistral Wind," which showcased her full range and dynamic capability.

In "Alone," she started off with a soft vulnerable touch and later unleashed her unmistakable belt, which had the crowd on its feet by mid-song.

As the band transitioned to 1976's "Magic Man," there was no disparity in enthusiasm between the new and old material. While remaining true to the landmark melodies, Ann Wilson employed improvised melodic variations that kept the hit fresh and full of passion.

Throughout the evening, she remained poised and was personable with the audience.

Before performing Heart's '80s hit "Even it Up," Ann Wilson confronted the crowd.

"When we started singing, we kind of had a chip on our shoulder and one thing that we had a chip on our shoulder about was equality," she said, referring to the gender stereotypes both women faced in rock music.

Nancy Wilson, 58, proved to be the unsung hero of Heart. Decked out in black bell bottoms, she took over the stage, but only as far as her guitar cable would allow her.

Over the years, she has developed bona fide guitar chops, which were featured in a bluesy acoustic guitar solo preceding "Crazy on You." As her agile finger-picking led into the recognizable melody, the audience let out frenzied screams.