On ‘Nights Like This’, you can expect an eargasmic experience from KEHLANI at the CRASH WORLD TOUR with special guests FLO & ANYCIA!
The #CrashTour came to Raleigh, NC on OCTOBER 1, 2024 | TUESDAY 7:30 PM at RED HAT AMPHITHEATER. We were all ready for the kind of good ‘Distraction’ our soul needs by way of good music and good vibes. The concert opening acts, girl group FLO and rapper, Anyica both gave fantastic performances.
Then Kehlani came to the stage and started singing “Next 2 You” and from that moment you knew it was going to be a magical night! The crowd was mesmerized by the presence of Kehlani. One fan shared with me that many of the songs helped her get through some tough moments in her life. The setlist consisted of old hits, new faves and at the Raleigh show there was even a proposal to “Marry You”.
‘Can I’ just tell you that the whole show was beyond amazing! The Band, The Dancers and of course Kehlani is an incredibly beautiful & talented performer who really knows how to connect to the audience. We all truly wanted to stay ‘After Hours’, because even with the light rain no one wanted to leave. Such high energy!
If you enjoy live music with lyrics that make you feel and sends chills thru your whole being, then you must get your ticket >>https://www.kehlani.com/ Produced by Live Nation, the 31-city tour (which goes until November 2nd, 2024) was highly anticipated following the release of Kehlani’s new album, CRASH. The songs on the album have a beautiful sound and stories that we all can relate to.
Check out some of my favorite moments from the concert and if you were there I’d love to hear what you thought of the show (or your fave Kehlani song) in the comments below! ⬇️
Disney’s THE LION KING has returned to The Triangle on Thursday, May 16 And Play for Four Weeks Through Sunday, June 9th at DPAC !
I attended the media night of the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING on Thursday, May 17th at 7:30 p.m. The show’s four-week premiere engagement in 2011 & five-week in 2016 played a sold-out run at DPAC, so I was excited to experience this beloved Broadway Hit again but this time with our 12 year old daughter!
The movie is a family fave, and to see the story of Simba, Mufasa’s noble son come to life is quite amazing! The music, the costumes, the creativity used to make the audience apart of the circle of life is why THE LION KING remains ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. See a preview and get a peek of the show below:
Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, more than 100 million people have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING ane now you can too! Tony Award winning director Julie Taymor brings THE LION KING story to life with an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals with one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway
THE LION KING is the winner of six Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography and Best Direction of a Musical. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with new songs and additional musical material. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”
DPAC is such a wonderful venue to watch THE LION KING musical. You will leave feeling like you’ve just visited an African savanah! So get your passport, I mean tickets to experience this musical. With so much authenticity and appeal, this show is a sight to see!
For Ticket Information, go Online at DPACnc.com
· DPAC Ticket Center: 919.680.2787
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
**GREAT NEWS !! The digital lottery is now open for Disney’s The Lion King.
On stage, May 15 thru June 9.
A limited number of tickets for $30 + Tax & Fees will be sold to the winners of DPAC’s official lottery.
The lottery will be open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM the day prior to each performance. Winners will be notified via email within minutes after closing if they have won and have one hour to purchase their tickets. Winning seat locations vary per performance and may be filled as single seats. This offer is online only.
Raleigh, NC came ready to sing, dance and praise at the One Hallelujah Tour, a worship event celebrating some of gospel music’s greatest voices and a chance for everyone to come and witness One Sound | One Worship | One Hallelujah!
This highly anticipated concert features the amazing gospel music of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton, and Jekalyn Carr! Here’s how the wonderful idea came together:
Produced by Live Nation, the 25-city tour kicked off on March 6 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston making stops across the U.S. in New York, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, Houston, and more before wrapping up in San Francisco at YouTube Theater on April 21. I attended the concert on Wed Mar 13 — Raleigh, NC — Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts …and was blown away by the musical arrangements, the singing or as we say “sanging” , the community, the fellowship and overall powerful performances given by each artist.
Get Ready for One Hallelujah Tour 2024
TOUR DATES + TIX INFO
You don’t wanna miss when the ONE HALLELUJAH TOUR 2024 comes to a city near you, so here are the DATES:
Wed Mar 06 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway Thu Mar 07 — Philadelphia, PA — The Met Fri Mar 08 — Brooklyn, NY — Kings Theatre Sat Mar 09 — Washington, D.C. — The Theater at MGM National Harbor Tue Mar 12 — Charlotte, NC — Ovens Auditorium Wed Mar 13 — Raleigh, NC — Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts Fri Mar 15 — Miami, FL — James L. Knight Center Sun Mar 17 — Jacksonville, FL — Moran Theater Thu Mar 21 — Indianapolis, IN — Murat Theatre at Old National Center Fri Mar 22 — St. Louis, MO — Stifel Theatre Sat Mar 23 — Memphis, TN — Orpheum Theatre Sun Mar 24 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center Thu Mar 28 — Evans, GA — Columbia County Performing Arts Center Fri Mar 29 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy Sat Mar 30 — Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall Thu Apr 04 — Chicago, IL — Chicago Auditorium Theatre Fri Apr 05 — Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre Sat Apr 06 — Columbus, OH — Mershon Auditorium Sun Apr 07 — Nashville, TN — Opry House Tue Apr 09 — New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre Wed Apr 10 — Houston, TX — Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land Thu Apr 11 — Dallas, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory Fri Apr 19 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre Sat Apr 20 — Los Angeles, CA — YouTube Theater Sun Apr 21 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic
Hailed as the Top Gospel Artist of the Decade by Billboard, Tasha Cobbs Leonard has built her career on larger-than-life performances and powerhouse vocals that will get everyone dancing on their feet. On her new album, HYMNS, Leonard goes bigger and bolder than ever before, reimagining classic hymns of love and grace with a series of sweeping, ambitious arrangements that draw on everything from worship and gospel to country, pop, and R&B.
Jonathan McReynolds has maintained an incredible voice and a beautifully honest approach to songwriting. He made his way from dorm room performances to Christian music’s biggest stages.
Erica Campbell is an American Gospel singer, songwriter, talk show host, and First Lady. Specializing in the urban contemporary gospel , Christian R&B, and contemporary R&B genres, she started her music career in 1998 with her younger sister, Tina Campbell, as part of the group Mary Mary.
Israel Houghton is a GRAMMY award-winning American Christian music recording artist, songwriter, producer, composer, worship leader, and multi-instrumentalist who formed Israel & New Breed, a music group and ministry organization that has produced gold-selling albums. ***I first saw him live with Kirk Franklin on The Reunion Tour (In case you missed it, check out my review of that concert >>>>>here.)
THE MUSIC
It’s really hard to pick one favorite gospel song or moment from the One Hallelujah Tour because everyone did such an amazing job! However, I’m sure you’ll leave the concert happy to have heard your favorite songs and excited to discover some new ones. Get ready for the overflow of music that’s not only good for the soul but from the soul and from the source. This music will grow your faith and are truly love songs for the Lord.
If you enjoy live music that rocks and rolls, thrills and sends chills to your soul, then you must experience Godsmack • Vibez Tour, an intimate evening of acoustic/electric performances + untold stories from Godsmack with special guest Bastian da Cruz!
On Friday, March 08, 2024, fans came to see the band perform at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), located in Durham, NC for a memorable, magical and miraculous night of music. For almost 30 years, Godsmack has an amazing way of connecting with fans on what they are going through in life and how we all can have our spirits lifted up with their songs. This is a very unique concert experience unlike I’ve experienced from the moment you step in the venue, the “Vibez” were set:
How Godsmack sets the mood on Vibez Tour
In continued support of their latest studio album Lighting Up The Sky, multi-platinum Grammy-nominated hard rock band GODSMACK is transforming their thunderous pyro-filled amphitheater rock show into a more intimate experience. The band is set to deliver a series of intimate evenings featuring acoustic/electric performances and untold stories in theatres across North America.
With over 20 years of chart-topping success, GODSMACK have cemented themselves as 21st-century hard rock titans. To date, they’ve accomplished a staggering 11 #1 singles at mainstream rock radio and have achieved 20 Top 10 hits at the format (the most of any act since February 1999). Additionally, they’ve enjoyed four Grammy nominations and were named Billboard Music Award’s Rock Artist of the Year in 2001. Selling over 20 million records worldwide, the band has released eight studio albums; Godsmack (1998), Awake (2000), Faceless(2003), IV (2006), The Oracle (2010), 1000hp(2014), When Legends Rise (2018), and Lighting Up the Sky (2023).
GODSMACK is Sully Erna (vocals, guitar), Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass), and Shannon Larkin (drums). Sully Erna’s voice is as fantastic as ever and leaves an impact on the souls of the audience. Equally, Shannon, Tony and Robbie pour their hearts into their performances creating powerful music!
Here’s the setlist (and playlist of their hits!
1. Time
2. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain
3. Voodoo
4. Turning to Stone
5. Spiral
6. One Rainy Day
7. No Quarter
8. Nothing Else Matters
9. Serenity
10. Touché
11. Truth
12. Growing Old
13. Lighting Up the Sky
14. Under Your Scars
15. Bulletproof
16. Long Train Runnin’
SobeSavvy.com Recap Highlights #VibezTour
Columbia, SC you’re up next on March 10th! Get ready for an exciting night of live music from Godsmack. Get Tickets from LiveNation >>For more Tour Info, visit Godsmack.com >> Donate to scarsfoundation.org to support those who suffer from depression, PTSD , mental illness,etc
Check out some of my favorite moments from the concert and of you were there I’d love to hear what you thought of the show (or your fave Godsmack song) in the comments below! ⬇️
I recently went on a ‘Day Date’ with my hubby to catch a matinee of a production at Theatre Raleigh called BARBECUE. We had heard about the show from a newsletter that I received via email from The Triangle Friends of African American Arts , an organization that strives to expand awareness, understanding and support of African American arts and artists. I follow them as well as Theatre Raleigh to stay in the know about upcoming performances!
The grill is hot, the beer is chilled, and the table is set for a typical O’Mallery family barbecue. Barbecue centers on around the O’Mallerys, a dysfunctional group of siblings who come together for a barbecue in the park to stage an emergency intervention for their sister Barbara, whose drug habit has gotten out of hand. There are in fact two O’Mallery families, one white and one black. Each appear in different, yet similar scenes that juxtapose to create a dialogue about racial and family politics. Their ham-handed intervention ignites the fuse of this raucous and rollicking new comedy that skewers our warped view of the American family.
From Obie and Helen Hayes Award winner Robert O’Hara, this Barbecue serves up a healthy helping of sibling love and loathing.
Strong language and subject matter. Appropriate for 16+
Barbecue’s cast and crew include director Aurelia Belfield and actors Gerald Campbell, Lakeisha Coffey, Hazel Edmond, Ali Evarts, David Henderson, Kyma Lassiter, Jenny Latimer, Kelly Mizell, Julie Oliver and Eden Sharp.
Review
In a post show survey, I gave this show, ticketing & the lobby/bar experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
We received an email prior to the show advising what to expect and also our tickets were sent electronically making it simple to just have scanned at the door upon arrival. We both enjoyed the LIVE pre-show music in the lobby courtesy of Colin Yates while sipping on their signature cocktail ‘The O’Mallery Intervention’ . Every good barbecue has drinks and snacks, so it was good to know that the theater had concessions for its patrons to enjoy in a spacious, beautiful lobby area. Patrons also were able to view and purchase paintings by Burlington, N.C.-painter Derrick Holloway, which will be displayed in the theatre’s lobby throughout the run of the show. There’s plenty of FREE Parking at Theatre Raleigh also so that deserves a bonus ⭐️!
Barbecue serves up the heat – with hot tempers, hot topics, and a family that’s a hot mess! While Barbeque was quite humorous and entertaining, the overall message I was left with was that familial dysfunction has no race or class. The play simply laid out that fact in the rawest way possible in using addiction as that vehicle.
Theatre Raleigh is excited to provide “Share the Show”, an on site, show-themed theatre entertainment program for children of patrons.
This program is presented by Seed Art Share, a nonprofit based in the Triangle area with a mission to create community through interactive site-specific theatre performances, arts education, and parent-artist support programs Not only do their teaching artists provide an entertaining and safe environment for kids, but their staff of experienced arts integration professionals create show-specific, thematic activities that give children and parents a shared experience of the themes in the play.
The program for Barbecue will be available during our matinee performance on October 28th. Reservations are now open and only $25 per child!
For more information on this offering, to reserve your spot, and to learn more about Seed Art Share, please visit theatreraleigh.com/share-the-show
Theatre & Tickets Info
Theatre Raleigh is a professional, non-profit theater company based in Raleigh, N.C. dedicated to inclusion and diversity, enriching our community through innovative and intimate theatrical experiences. *Tax deductible donations are accepted to help bring magic to the stage! Donate >>>>here.
From Oct. 18-29, “Barbecue” performances will be 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Support the arts and purchase tickets at: theatreraleigh.secure.force.com/ticket/#/
Tuesdays and church usually do not go together. Unless of course you joined me and thousands of others at the PNC Arena to enjoy The Reunion Tour. This contemporary Gospel tour includes superstars Kirk Franklin, David and Tamela Mann ,The Clark Sisters, Tye Tribbett and Israel Houghton.
This nationwide tour gave the audience a chance to laugh, cry, smile, shout, praise, worship and fellowship while enjoying the talented lineup, While each artists had their own sets, I really enjoyed it when they all shared the stage together to form the most magical choir ever!
I have been a fan of just about all of these praise warriors for decades. I remember growing up singing along with The Clark Sisters on Sunday mornings while I helped clean the house. Kirk Franklin always had a way with mixing the old school with the new school and making the message universal for all. Tye Tribbett ‘s energy filled the arena and beyond! He truly is a gospel rockstar, We all were in awe of Israel Houghton’s musicality and how he is able to skillfully play guitar and sing so beautifully. David and Tamela Mann came to entertain us and show how their powerful voices are just a part of their power couple formula!
Gospel music just fills the soul and spirit with a unique joy. As the king of contemporary gospel for over 2 decades, Kirk Franklin has an ability to collaborate and lead a group as well as perform on his own . This concert definitely showcases his incredible artistry as well as everyone who graced the stage. At this reunion, we celebrated all the artists, the music, and ourselves while giving glory and gratitude for our lives. No matter who you are, your age, gender, race or stage in life, there are songs that will be sung and remembered at this concert that will touch your heart and lift your spirit!
Be prepared to be up on your feet, clapping, singing, waving and even shedding some tears while enjoying an incredible show filled with so many hits. Don’t worry about not knowing the words because they have set this up in sort of a gospel karaoke with lyrics in a gigantic screen so that we can sing along (and finally get the words right—lol!) Live Nation did it again by bringing such artists together for an unforgettable night.
Now that you read my review, watch this recap of 🔟 Things We Experienced at #TheReunionTour! I had such a great time and would definitely recommend you check the concert out in a city near you. Here in North Carolina, CHARLOTTE is up next at the Spectrum Center in for Oct 12, 2023. Hope you go and enjoy the show ‼️
MJ The Musical, the four-time Tony Award winning new musical has arrived in Durham,NC as part of Truist Broadway at DPAC. Fanfare and excitement was in the air for this Broadway production show, which has been playing to sold out shows in New York since February 2022. It was easy to see why. Michael Jacksons career defies description. Winner of 15 Grammys and the holder of 39 Guiness Book Of World Records, Michael Jackson is widely regarded as the best all-around entertainer the world has ever known. This musical is definitely a celebration of his unique and unparalleled artistry.
This musical is centered around his rehearsal for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The choreography on stage was mind blowing and for some moments you actually THOUGHT you were witnessing Michael Jackson! The singing and dancing was so spot on that you felt like you were seeing him in concert. So many critics have called this a runaway hit for how brilliantly and gorgeously the choreography is executed.
Beyond MJ‘s signature moves and sounds, the musical gives the audience a look at his creative mind and collaborative spirit. The audience is taken on a journey of his early life, performing with his family, the sacrifices, and his success while featuring an ensemble of actors and dancers who do an excellent job at bringing the stories and memories to life!
Get your tickets via Ticketmaster.com>>>here This AMAZING show runs until Sunday OCT 22
Grammy and Juno award winning jazz star Diana Krall performed at the DPAC last night during her North American Tour. Jazz lovers around the world have been enthralled with her unique delivery of jazz standards and original songs since the late 90’s.
Due to COVID, this is her first tour in almost 3 years. She performed to an almost sold out crowd as a quartet. Many singers these days need all sorts of bells and whistles so her stripped down set reinforced the fact that she is a jazz singer of the highest caliber. Her catalog of songs is so deep there was no way she could sing all of her hits. What she chose was more than satisfying. See Setlist here Diana Krall Average Setlists of year: 2022 | setlist.fm
She mentioned more than once how ecstatic she was to be back on stage and able to perform in front of audiences again. Every band member got a chance to highlight their instrument command to roaring audience approval!
TOUR INFORMATION
Diana Krall is more than a smoky voice and accomplished pianist. She is a force, a vibe and a mood. Below are the next couple of tour dates before she picks it up again on a European leg next spring.
As always, the DPAC is one of the best venues ever for seating and acoustics. It was a true pleasure to see a world class artist at a world class venue. To see who is coming to the DPAC next, check out their website at http://www.DPACNC.com
Last night, I had a chance to witness the magic of Broadway at DPAC in Durham, NC. AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time. The audience got to discover what it took for them to get to theat number one spot. It took talent, sacrifice, perseverance, love, some funk and a whole lot of soul!
From the music to the choreography, which won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, this musical depicts The Temptations’ extraordinary journey. Their brotherhood set the foundation for every musical group that has come after them. The original members may be gone but the music lasts forever. Ain’t Too Proud is a must see production that tells history like you’ve never seen before to an amazing musical score!
I was in awe of the actors as they sang, danced (I lost count of how many splits David Ruffin did) and relived some of the many highlights of The Temptations life and treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more.
Every member of the original group played a role in their success. However, I left with a new found respect for Otis Williams, his ambition and his tenacity to keep the group stronger together. Like Aristotle said “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts“.
The show is here until Dec 12th, so get your tickets now at dpacnc.com
Vincent Van Gogh is without question one of the top 5 most well known artists to ever have lived. A failure during his short lifetime, only to be celebrated the world over in death. That celebration has now culminated in a multi media experience called “Immersive Van Gogh”. This exhibit is currently in numerous major cities in The U.S. and opening in even more this fall.
Per their website”, You will be immersed in Van Gogh’s works – from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889), and so much more.“
We had the pleasure of experiencing this unique creation of a event at their Charlotte location in the Camp North End section of the city. This location, which is a fast growing creative artist hub was the perfect fit for Immersive Van Gogh.
The setting was actually a former Ford Model T factory! It was expansive with high ceilings and never seemed crowded.
It opened on June 17,2021 and is slated to run at least until September 12. Think giant digital installations projecting some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings. My soon to be 10 year old remembered some of his works from her art class in kindergarten and first grade. She was so excited to see of his works literally come to life and like all guests become “immersed” in the art.
Some folks sat on the floor, while others opted for a bench or chair seat. Since we had VIP tickets, a cute Van Gogh seat pad was included with our ticket. My daughter commented that Dad seems to be meditating on the floor while enjoying the experience. The music was curated with each scene/painting and went together perfectly.
What we loved is that the whole shows ran on a loop, since we came in mid-show we ended up not missing a thing. Guests can stay as long or as short as they please.
Afterwards we browsed their rather large gift shop area that had everything Van Gogh you could imagine. Selfie and picture opportunities were everywhere. So much though went into all the art pieces sprinkled throughout the venue. From giant sunflowers to an oversized faux paint bucket and brush!
They also have a coffee and snack shop on premise. From the moment we entered until we left, we were truly immersed in Van Gogh. Get your tickets now as they are timed and are filling up quickly.