On a sultry summer season night time with temps flirting with 100 levels on July 17, the Dell Music Heart in Philadelphia remodeled right into a sanctuary of soul, swag, and severe vocal energy. The night promised magic — and it overdelivered. Headlined by the legendary En Vogue and rising star October London, the stage was additionally blessed by hometown heroes Laurin Talese, Carol Riddick, and the unstoppable Sixers Stixers drumline.
Laurin Talese: A Star Steps Into the Highlight
Opening the night time, Philadelphia’s personal Laurin Talese graced the stage with a presence and voice that instantly commanded consideration. Channeling a vibe harking back to Jill Scott, her highly effective, buttery vocals soared throughout the amphitheater, effortlessly warming the group and setting the tone for an evening steeped in genuine R&B. It was clear from her first be aware — she’s not only a newcomer, she’s subsequent up.
Carol Riddick: Pure Philly Soul, Entrance and Heart
Subsequent, Carol Riddick introduced all of the Philly taste you can ask for, providing up a set that felt like a masterclass in soul music. From her sultry cowl of The Isley Brothers’ “Atlantis” to an electrifying tribute medley honoring native legends, she had the viewers within the palm of her hand. Singing alongside to Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Home windows,” Patti LaBelle’s “If Solely You Knew,” Teddy Pendergrass’ “Come On and Go With Me,” Corridor & Oates’ “Sara Smile,” and Frankie Beverly’s “We Are One” — the group was locked in, residing each lyric. And simply once we thought it couldn’t get extra Philly, she introduced out the Sixers Stixers, the official 76ers drumline, who lit up the stage with their signature percussive aptitude.
October London: Cool, Assured, and Basic
Then got here October London — stepping onto the stage like a modern-day crooner with cigar in hand, a bottle of spirits, and clean charisma to spare. His velvety voice melted into the night time as he rolled by way of his catalog, together with crowd favorites “Mulholland Drive” and his smash “My Place.” However what made his set unforgettable was the way in which he paid tribute to the giants who got here earlier than him — pausing to present Marvin Gaye his flowers earlier than diving right into a medley of “Sexual Therapeutic,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Distant Lover.” The gang swayed, swooned, and sang each phrase.
In a daring second of crowd connection, London referred to as off safety, urging them to ease up and let folks really feel the music. He requested everybody to mild up the night time with their telephones, joking about Android customers lagging behind — and the viewers roared with laughter. He sipped, he smoked, he sang his soul out. And as he declared, “This ain’t no autotune *ish — R&B is alive autoune is lifeless,” he proved it with vocals so pure, so flawless, they shook the muse. Each be aware was pitch good. Each second? A vibe.
En Vogue: Timeless, Fierce, and Flawless
Lastly, the queens — En Vogue — took the stage and left little question that they’re nonetheless on the prime of their recreation. Trying radiant and transferring like they haven’t missed a step, the trio dazzled from the second they appeared. Their voices? Nonetheless pristine. Their power? Unmatched. The gang was on its toes all the time, belting out each phrase to hits like “Maintain On,” “Free Your Thoughts,” “Don’t Let Go (Love),” and extra. En Vogue didn’t simply carry out — they owned the night time. Pure class, pure fireplace, pure energy.
It wasn’t only a live performance. It was a celebration of R&B — previous, current, and future. Below a moist Philly sky, legends honored legends, newcomers proved their value, and each performer left a chunk of their soul on that stage. The Dell Music Heart changed into a temple of groove and gratitude, and for individuals who had been fortunate sufficient to be there, it was one for the books.
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