Newark, NJ-The aura in Newark’s entertainment epicenter Friday night was exquisitely sophisticated. Music lovers and mothers of all ages came out to enjoy a great time at the Prudential Center’s annual Mother’s Day Good Music Fest featuring an All-Star line up of some of music’s most iconic R&B artists.
Opening the star studded gala was New York’s finest trio SWV looking beautifully dynamic jumping into their set with classic slow jam “You’re Always On My Mind” off their 1992 multiplatinum debut album ‘It’s About Time’ swaying the sold-out arena.
They spiced up the tempo on their 1996 hit smash single “You’re The One” from sophomore platinum recording ‘New Beginning’ and captivated admirers with alluring fire track “Rain” from 1997’s Gold third album ‘Release Some Tension’ spreading their sexy vibe before perfectly closing to fan favorites “I’m So Into You” and “Weak” reprising their eloquent moniker.
Next taking center stage was Georgia peaches’ own Monica gracefully engaging the blissful venue on touching hit “Before You Walk Out My Life” from her 1995 multiplatinum debut album ‘Miss Thang’ bringing the entire audience under one accord.
She followed up with her signature track “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Says) blazing the roof top of the almighty Rock then simmered down dedicating a heartfelt “Angel Of Mine” from her 1998 triple platinum second recording ‘The Boy Is Mine’ to the incomparable Whitney Houston.
Continuing her love voyage, she laced “You’re Everything To Me”, went to church on “Why I Love You So Much” and concluded her set to tender renditions of Mary J. Blige’s “Everything”, Deborah Cox’s “Nobody’s Suppose To Be here” and the original Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin’s “A Natural Woman” ending an amazing performance.
The suave adonis that is Keith Sweat ensued the spotlight making the ladies hot and bothered with his sensual soprano/tenor vocals to some of his greatest award winning hits including “I Want Her”, “Merry Go Round” and “Twisted” making it a full grown and Sexy bash.
Easing in that savory swagger, he melted the sea of women’s hearts with LSG’s succulent track “My Body” followed by seductive versions to Guy’s “Let’s Chill” and Silk’s “Freak Me” turning up the heat then chilling back to cool mode on Johnny Kemp’s “Just Got Paid” bringing that party flavor.
He sealed the deal with a flawless finale of timeless multiplatinum mega hits “I’ll Give All My Love To You”, “Make It last Forever” and steamy love ballad “Nobody” having the ladies squirming in their seats yearning for more.
The time arrived for the showcase headliners, the legendary Isley Brothers hit the stage full-blown gentlemen style kicking off their set with vintage hits “Fight The Power” and “Who’s That Lady” with Ernie slaying those electrifying guitar strings driving everyone in the packed amphitheater to get their two-step on.
Dimming the lights to a romantic flow, they grooved through a multitude of platinum classics “Between The Sheets”, “Footsteps In The Dark”, “Contagious” and amorous “For The Love Of You” having fans floating on euphoric high.
Indulging in the serene aura, the seasoned duo cruised through continued hits “Atlantis”, “Summer Breeze” and sensationally rocked out to “Shout” with a phenomenal performance.
This Mother’s Day production was an iconic and enduring show celebrating abundant love to all mothers not just for one day but for every nurturing moment they support their most treasured seed, family.
