Maxwell, Jodeci Among Artists Bringing Summer to a Close With Showstopping Concerts in Los Angeles
Maxwell performs onstage during the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Between Hollywood strikes, one too many internet scandals, and a complimentary side of climate change, this summer was definitely one to remember. But as sundress season draws to a close, some of your favorite artist’s favorite artists have descended upon Los Angeles to help bid farewell to the summer that was.
After Beyoncé set up shop at SoFi Stadium during Labor Day Weekend—leaving man, woman, and friendships in her wake—on Thursday, Jodeci, SWV, and Dru Hill brought their Summer Block Party Tour next door to Inglewood’s YouTube Theater and sprinkled a little flavor of their own—because of course, they did.
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Closing out the show was Jodeci, who brought the house down with live renditions of “Come and Talk to Me,” “Stay”, “Freek’n You,” and my personal choice for greatest song in the history of ever, “What About Us.” Additionally, there’s been plenty of concern about JoJo’s health in recent months, but it was a relief to see him looking healthy and whole as he crooned his heart out alongside his bandmates. However, Mr. Dalvin was the MVP of the night, as he kept the crowd hyped while making sure not to detract from K-Ci and JoJo’s lead vocals. I can’t be the only one who misses the days of K-Ci riding around the venue on his bodyguard’s shoulders (y’all weren’t outside for that), but with his fellow Bad Boys of R&B in tow, the older Hailey brother seems to be settling in nicely as one of R&B’s elder statesmen.
Not to be outdone, however, is Maxwell, who took over the Hollywood Bowl—one of the most iconic outdoor venues in the entire world—this past weekend for three consecutive nights. Boasting Spotify favorites Pink Sweats, Inglewood’s own SiR, and Raveena as his opening acts, the BLACKsummers’night singer brought his “Pretty Wings” to thousands (upon thousands) of swooning fans. And as he sauntered through hits like “Lifetime,” “Fortunate,” and “Sumthin’ Sumthin’,” his exuberant dance moves were on full display. He also treated the crowd to favorites like “Lake by the Ocean” and “Get to Know Ya” before closing the night out with his signature song, “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” accompanied by a gorgeous fireworks display that lit up the Hollywood sky.
There’s nothing like summer concerts in Los Angeles, and while I’m definitely gonna miss spending my nights at some of my favorite venues throughout the city, I can’t think of a better way to usher in the fall than with a proper send-off from the likes of Jodeci, SWV, Dru Hill, and Maxwell.
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