NIGHTBIRDS REDUX

The all-time greatest woman rock trio that had morphed from be-gowned girl group Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles into Labelle at the dawn of the ’70s called it quits circa America’s bicentennial year. Of course, LaBelle herself has maintained a high profile in Urbanworld, while her sistren Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx experimented and created primarily in the rock and dance genres. Yet enough pop cycles and drag-queen tributes have elapsed such that the times are auspicious for the return of these mighty rebels’ space-age glitter-glam sound. Expect myriad feathers and fly, lamé astro-gear when Labelle returns in triumph to their former Apollo proving ground. But the real thrill will be re-experiencing the sisterly love and vocal magic that distinguished these artists in the era surrounding their enduring hit “Lady Marmalade.” Can one pray for “Chameleon” as evidence of Labelle’s transcendental power on this historic evening? Sista-rockers unite!

Fri., Dec. 19, 8 p.m., 2008