The most exciting event to ever happen in San Francisco will go down on September 16 at the Golden Gate Theater. You might want to sit down for this one. You seated? Good. Diana Ross -- that's Miss Ross to you, plebeian -- will grace us with her harrowing yet charming presence later this year, smack-dab in the heart of the Tenderloin. The Motown legend and original Dreamgirl will perform her first concert in San Francisco in more than 40 years. The last time Miss Ross performed in the city was with The Supremes at the Fairmont Hotel's Venetian Room in 1969.

The Golden Gate Theater was featured in Miss Ross' stunning film debut, Lady Sings the Blues.

"Diana Ross, her music and her voice are legendary," organizers of Rick Bartalini Presents said in a news release. "The concert, a full theatrical experience, will include breathtaking costumes and stage design, along with a live string and horn section." (Anything involving Miss Ross is breathtaking, Bartalini associates. That's a given.)

Miss Ross was originally scheduled to appear Thursday, September 15 at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. All tickets purchased for the Lincoln Theater event, whether paid by credit card, cash or check, will be fully refunded to all ticket holders by a check from the Lincoln Theater. Please call (707) 944-9900 for more details. If you cannot make the SF show, Miss Ross will also hold court on Saturday, September 17 at the Marin Center in San Rafael.

Tickets for the San Francisco show are $250/$125/$75/$55. Tickets are available on-line at www.RBPconcerts.com

[UPI]