OFFBEAT: Hammond reader asks if Whitney Houston played Star Plaza

Last weekend's death of pop star Whitney Houston has everyone talking and asking questions, including Times readers.

Paul Malarik III of Hammond wrote me last week with the following question.

"Dear Philip: I was wondering if you could help me with finding out when it was that Whitney Houston, I believe, appeared as a warm-up act at what was then the Holiday Star Theatre. I had 'Celebrity Circle' tickets at that time, from 1980 to about 1990 and didn't want them to ever go to waste.

I recall I went to a concert by, I believe, singer George Benson. I was out in the lobby while the warm-up act was on stage and people were still arriving. I could hear this lady singing, since the theater doors were still open. All of the sudden, people started rushing toward the inside to hear this new singer. And I'm sure it was Whitney Houston!

She was fantastic, and had such huge stage presence. I can still picture her now, strutting near the edge of the stage and singing loudly in an angelic voice that was fantastic! No one had even heard of her before. Do you know when this could have been?

Sincerely, Col. Paul Malarik III, Hammond"

Thank you for your email question Paul. I contacted Star Plaza Theater CEO and Talent Buyer Charlie Blum to help with the answer to this. You are nearly correct in your details and I have the date you are looking for. Here's what Charlie had to say:

"Hi Phil, Yes, Whitney Houston did perform on our stage. She opened for Jeffrey Osbourne for their two shows, Aug. 9 and 10 in 1985. We even have a framed copy of her ad promoting the concert.

I also worked with her at Poplar Creek and Merriweather Post Pavilion. Thanks, Charlie Blum"

When Whitney played Star Plaza in 1985, her career was just launching and her first album was released that year, titled "Whitney Houston."

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.