Archive for the 'Musicfest' Category

All good things must sadly come to an end. How would the finale of Musicfest unfold? Would City Hall Park be able to contain the adoring fans of R&B Superstar Joe? How are the guys from Naturally 7 able to sound like real instruments? Would anyone rush the stage when Ashanti comes out? To answer the first and last question, City Hall Park was able to keep Joe’s fans from going ballistic and no one rushed the stage when Ashanti came out. As for Naturally 7, I still have no idea how those guys are capable of doing what they do, but it’s something that has to be seen to be believed.

The first performer was none other than seven-time grammy nominated Joe. Dressed in all white, he cast an angelic shadow over the stage as he sang and grooved into the hearts of the women in the crowd. He came off the stage and sang to a few lucky women in the audience. What a seasoned veteran. I wish I had skills like Joe.

Nicole Henry was up next, and what a voice she has! Her sultry vocals and smooth style were very well received. Nicole is a seasoned and accomplished singer, and having her on any bill will always be a draw.

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Day 1 of Musicfest was awesome. Solange, Michelle Williams and Terrence Howard all had incredible performances. They certainly started Musicfest off with a bang.

Day 2 of Musicfest was a more mature affair. While the crowd was certainly older, their enthusiasm for the show was unrivaled. Many were in attendance to see Roy Hargrove and Esperanza Spalding.

The first performance on Day 2 was Aaron Parks. Aaron is an awarding winning Jazz pianist with talent well beyond his age of 24. He has been a notable sideman to the legendary trumpeter Terence Blanchard, and the up and coming Christian Scott. His performance was nothing short of brilliant. He got a tremendous reception from the crowd. He’s one to watch.

The next performer was the delightful Esperanza Spalding. A talented vocalist and double bassist, she gave a riveting performance that left everyone spellbound and wanting more. With her trademark afro swaying as she played the bass, her stunning voice solidified what her fans already know; she plays a mean bass and has a great voice. Those who weren’t fans before became fans. She’s one to look out for in the future. At a mere 24, she will no doubt get better. Considering how talented she is now, one can only imagine what the future holds.

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Featuring Solange, Terrence Howard, Michelle Williams, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Tina Knowles!

Jay-Z Backstage

Beyonce & Jay-Z

Solange

Solange on stage

Tina Knowles & Rachelle Friedman, J&R co-CEO

Michelle Williams on stage

Terrence Howard sings to a fan

Check out the rest of the photos from J&R’s Musicfest on our Flickr page!

The first day of J&R’s Musicfest was a smash success. The weather, oh the weather. It couldn’t have been any better. It was clear, bright and sunny, with a cool, gentle breeze. Throngs of jovial fans came down to City Hall Park to see Solange, Michelle Williams and Terrence Howard belt out some tunes for free. Something that is more than welcome in todays economy.

Up first on the stage was Solange. She was electrifying. She dazzled the crowd with her throwback style, reminiscent of R&B and Soul divas of yesterday like Diana Ross. The crowd certainly enjoyed her performance.

Michelle Williams was the second act of the evening, and boy what a performance! She had everyone singing and dancing and just moving to the rhythm. You just could not help it, it was infectious. Tina Knowles sure couldn’t help it. The mom of Beyonce and Solange could be seen in the crowd singing and pumping her fists in the air. All in good fun of course. Beyonce and Jay-Z were also in attendance.

The last act of the evening was Terrence Howard. Terrence is an Oscar nominated actor, so he’s well known, but can he sing? Well, the answer is a resounding yes!! Before he came out to perform, his female fans began chanting his name. When he did appear on stage, the place nearly erupted. The guy has swag. He commanded the stage and sang with authority. He certainly crooned his way into all the women’s hearts last night, and they all obliged.

Phew! Is that just Day 1 of Musicfest? I can’t wait to see the other performances tonight and on Saturday.

J&R’s Musicfest has been creating buzz all over the web. You can check out coverage here, here, here and here.

Be sure to check in for more coverage of J&R’s Musicfest.