On Sunday, June 23rd, the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, VA, hosted “The Love Hard Tour,” an unforgettable night of love songs and memories. Initially scheduled for spring, the show was postponed to the summer. The Love Hard Tour, brought to you by the Black Promoters Collective, features R&B sensations K. Michelle, Trey Songz, Jaheim, and headliner Keyisha Cole. I’ve enjoyed seeing all of these performers on previous tours. However, given the consistent success and promptness of the promoters at concerts since their formation, I made it a priority to experience this show.
During her performance, K. Michelle showcased a set list that included soulful renditions of her popular songs such as “Love Em All,” “V.S.O.P.,” “Mindful,” “Pay My Bills,” “Hard To Do,” “I Cry,” and “Maybe I Should.” Of note was her tribute to the classic New Edition ballad “Can You Stand The Rain” with her performance of “The Rain.” However, her rendition of “Can’t Raise a Man” particularly resonated with her female audience, securing her a lasting place in their admiration. As she exited the stage, K. Michelle announced her upcoming foray into country music.
After an energetic DJ set, Jaheim took the stage. Although his attire prompted some chuckles from the audience, it was good to see him back on stage after years of personal struggles. Jaheim began his set with “Ain’t Leavin Without You” and kept fans singing along as he performed hits such as “Put That Woman First,” “Anything,” “Fabulous,” and a personal favorite, “Finding My Way Back.” Jaheim had a successful set but lost some cool points for his tepid rendition of the Luther Vandross version of “A House Is Not A Home” and for omitting “Never.”
Virginia’s own Trey Songz was up next, and judging from the audience’s applause, he was missed. To my adoration, Songz kicked off his set with “Gotta Go” from his debut and followed with a plethora of hits, including “Can’t Help But Wait,” “I Need A Girl,” and “Heart Attack.” Of course, the ladies in the audience were blissful when Trigga went into his slow jam bag. “Pantry Dropper,” “Dive In,” and “Neighbors Know My Name” were all met with hooting and hollering from the primarily female audience. Trey closed his portion of the show with a lively rendition of “Bottoms Up.
Finally, it was time for headliner Keyisha Cole to take the stage. Ms. Cole quickly brought the audience to her feet, opening with “Let It Go” and “Last Night.” Mrs. Cole was backed up by a full band and some impressive dancers and backing vocalists. Other up-tempo bops in her set included “Shoulda Let You Go,” “Give It Up To Me,” and “I Changed My Mind.” Naturally, I was there for the ballads and slow jams, though, so hearing “I Should’ve Cheated,” “Heaven Sent,” and “I Remember” made my night. Cole closed the night out with her signature song, “Love.”
“The Love Hard Tour” was another successful tour series by The Black Promoters Collective. Hopefully, they will make this an annual event, as I would love to see other artists on the bill.
Final Grade: B+
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.