Sunday, July 3rd was a typical summer night: hot, humid and full of activity. The Mann Music Center was almost filled to capacity with eager spectators anticipating the concert featuring Marsha Ambrosious, Keyshia Cole and R. Kelly.
It seemed like all of urban Philadelphia was in attendance for this show. It turned into an impromptu family/high school/college/old friend reunion; even Patti LaBelle checked out the show from the sidelines. One thing was very clear, everyone came to the show looking for a good time and they found it ten-fold.
Due to heavy traffic and working on the radio until 7 pm, I missed most of Marsha’s performance. I arrived in time to see the adopted Philadelphian dressed in a black leather short set sing her current hit “Far Away.” Her set up was simple, she was center stage with a mic, DJ Aktive was at the turntables, and there may have been a few musicians on stage, but I could not tell because of the lighting. Marsha exited the stage with a “song from her heart” by singing “Let Your Soul Glow” from “Coming to America,” and I could not help but laugh.
Keyshia Cole entered the stage with four dancers, and all wore white. Keyshia sported a white short set with five to six-inch Fuschia Stiletto booties. Keyshia related well to her fans as she spoke and sang directly to them, I could tell they loved her performance. I, on the other hand, was not as impressed. The singing and dancing in her set did not get me hyped or keep me engaged during the performance, even though I could tell she did rock much of the crowd. I admit I am not a huge fan of Ms. Cole, but I can be won over through a great live performance; I was not won over. The choreography was not hype enough or tight enough for my taste. At times Keyshia was off key but overall, her singing was ok. Keyshia sang but I was looking for her to perform. She covered her hits and closed her set after five or six songs.
There was an extremely long intermission before the R. Kelly performance, but when the lights dimmed the screaming began…it was showtime. His show began with a narrative black and white 1940’s style film of R. Kelly and a woman talking. The conversation served as the introduction of the concept for “The Love Letter Tour.” The stage lights brightened enough to reveal the big band style set up including a big voiced announcer (who sounded like the guy on “Showtime at the Apollo”), and dancing girls. “Step in the Name of Love” was the opening song and everyone jumped to their feet. R. Kelly’s show was electrifying, sensual, stylized, theme-oriented, tight, engaging, exciting and fun. The man has 22 years of hits and attempted to roll through many of them during his set. No song was sung in it’s entirety, but that was okay because it was well executed. At one point in the show he offered to strip for the audience if someone would strip with him. I was a bit fearful of what sight I was about to see but thankfully everyone ate a case of “chicken” just before the show. I enjoyed how R. Kelly’s show was pretty fast paced with very little if no down time. He connected with the fans so much he sang three songs from the audience. The finale included audience members joining him on stage to dance to a remixed reprise of “Step in the Name of Love” with him singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” over the music.
I can honestly say that I was never a die hard R. Kelly fan but I could always appreciate his music. This was my first full Kells show, and I completely enjoyed myself. R. Kelly is, without a doubt, a showman and I would gladly see this show again. –Tiffany Bacon, Cultural Ambassador & Radio Personality for Radio One Philadelphia
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