Yes They Can, Can: Pointer Sisters ROCK the 2009 Boogie Ball

By COREY STULCE

Nearly 30 years before Beyonce said you shoulda’ put a ring on it, some sisters pointed to a man with a slow hand.

Headlining the Boogie Ball on Feb. 13, which benefits the American Liver Foundation – Missouri/Kansas Division, the Pointer Sisters are saying yes they still can, can – a phrase they used wa-ay before it was uber-trendy.

Eldest sis Ruth Pointer still looks rock-hard and riveting at age 62. It’s no miracle, just tried and true eating well and exercise, the deep-voiced chanteuse said.

"My sister, Anita, and I are always looking for ways to turn back the clock without much severe action," Ruth said. "There’s no pill, no shot were taking. There’s nothing that’s secret."

The only shot of youth may be the addition of Ruth's 31-year-old daughter, Issa, who joined the Pointer Sisters in 2002, when ailing sister, June, could not perform at an important gig in Belgium. Ruth said she and Anita love it when Issa injects a little Pussycat Dolls-style bumps and grooves into a show.

"We look at what she’s doing and every now and then we try and do a little step," Ruth added. "It’s a hella good time."

Issa became a permanent addition after June died from cancer.

Ruth said the group has always gotten a "deer in the headlights" reaction when new songs are introduced at live shows, so Boogie Ball attendees should be tickled that the Pointers are sticking to just the hits – of which there are many.

Ruth takes lead on two ‘80s smashes, "Neutron Dance" from the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack (remember the scene with Eddie Murphy on the stolen cigarette truck?) and "Automatic," on which she utilizes her gift for low tones. While the Pointers were looking for songs to fill out an album, someone at the label thought "Automatic" might be too much of a vocal stretch.

"My sister, June, with her funny self, which she always was, looked at me and said, ‘Now you know you can do that part.’ And I thought, ‘Yeah, OK.’ And that’s how we got ‘Automatic.’"

Fans can also expect to hear "Jump (For My Love)," "I’m So Excited," "Slow Hand" and "He’s So Shy" from the ’80s, and going back to the girl group’s ’70s beginnings, cuts like "Fire," "How Long (Betcha Got a Chick on the Side)" and "Yes, We Can Can," which was recently heard on a Pepsi ad.

That song was also part of new Prez Obama’s campaign, and Ruth said she and Anita are considering doing the full version live, instead of as part of a medley. "It’s a great song with a great message," she added.

Ruth said it’s always a girl’s party backstage before the real party onstage. They do their own makeup and hair, and share a lot of laughs. Fans, though, should expect classy attire and not the wild, hair-to-the-ceiling and funked-up duds they sported in the ’80s.

And what does Ruth think when she flashes back with those images?

"I think, Thank God you girls stopped drinkin’ and whatever else the hell you were doing.’ Oh my God, the hair and the costumes were unbelievable," she said. "We laugh and remember how crazy we were and how unafraid we were to take those chances."

For more information about and to order tickets for the Boogie Ball, visit www.liverfoundation.org or call (314) 352-7377. The event takes place in Ameristar Casino Resort Spa’s second-floor Ballroom on 1260 South Main Street in St. Charles, Mo.