Philadelphia, PA—The “Essence of Entertainment” Summer Series continued with a “Jive-Time” Thursday vibe bringing the soulful Rhythm, Blues and Jazz sounds of some of today’s hottest names in music to grace The Dell Center stage.
Soul singer Leela James launched the evening’s showcase with her fire new single “You’re The One” having the crowd swaying to its grown and sexy flow before gliding into “Say That” laying down that vintage romantic feel.
Her next set slowed the tempo to a smoky tone setting the mood to sultry lounge songstress on heartbreak classic “Don’t Want You Back” emotionally tainted “Complicated” and love ballad “Fall For You” having fans caught up in her profound rapture before closing vigorously to “Set Me Free”.
Mint Condition front man Stokley was next under the artist spotlight performing a mix of rhythmic solo and group hit classics. Opening with “You Send Me Swingin”, he turned it up a notch with funky track “Vibrant” spreading that pulsating energy throughout the venue.
Crooning on inspiring tune “We Me” and sweet-sounding “U & I” the vivacious soloist went to town with his Prince tribute on bass filled “Musicology” rekindling that funkdified flavor while flexing his alluring swagger with the ladies to “She” “Breaking My Heart” and “Level” on his flawless finale.
Concluding the evening’s entertainment was Jazz virtuoso the phenomenal Gregory Porter. Setting the ambiance before the artist took to the stage was his outstanding four man ensemble who played exceptionally radiant.
Though the captivating segment was that of the saxophonist playing solos that mesmerized admirers with his seducing notes and breathtaking ranges luring the crowd in his realm.
Porter lead with all time favorite “Holding On” drifting to the calming melodic lyrics of “Insanity” soothing Jazz lovers in every row of the coliseum and shaking their souls with that tambourine feel in “Liquid Spirit” like a church revival.
After unleashing his acoustic symphonious aura in “If Love Is Overrated” and “Be Good”, his velvety baritone took flight into an all jam session kicking off with his rendition to The Temptations classic “3rd Of September” followed by “Musical Genocide” and closing out signature Jazz style on sensational hit “1960 What”.
The entire line-up delivered magnificent performances in the Essence of Entertainment Concert series.
Next Up: Sunday, August 15th-Lady B’s Basement Party
Featuring: Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, Sugar Hill Gang and The Furious Five, EPMD, Nice n Smooth, Roxanne Shante, Turf Crew and RC LaRock.
