#Beyonce Slays #Miami ! @FormationWT #FormationWorldTour @MarlinsPark

April 28, 2016SobeSavvy 2 Comments

Photo Credit: Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for Parkwood Enterainment and Photo Edit: Leslie Heigh for SobeSavvy.com

Miami, Florida… Welcome to The Formation Tour http://share.glide.me/lovely/o633iv9i

On April 27, THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR kicked off its North American concert leg in Miami, Florida at Marlins Park to a sold out stadium. Following her release of her visual album Lemonade, BEYONCÉ wowed fans in Miami by performing 35 songs featuring her hits both old and new. THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR, promoted by Live Nation, presented by American Express and produced by Parkwood Entertainment is the most visually creative concert I have ever seen.

That visual album may be a poetic musical tribute to the strength and spiritual power of the black woman but people of all ages, shades and sexuality categories filled the stadium.
Beyhive members came dressed in all black, or donned lemon yellow outfits. Some even wore IVY PARK apparel, the new activewear brand co-founded by Beyoncé.

THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR is BEYONCÉ’s first solo tour since her ambitious Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2013. The sold-out tour spanning two years and five continents thrilled nearly two million fans and was hailed by critics worldwide. During the summer of 2014, BEYONCÉ and JAY Z launched the six-week ON THE RUN Tour (if you missed my review of that amazing tour, see here), playing major stadiums in the US. They ended the tour in Paris, France in September 2014 with two additional dates that were filmed for an HBO Special that was nominated for an Emmy Award.

DJ Khaled along with surprise performances by Lil Wayne, Future, Rick Ross, Yo gotti , 2chainz and Miami’s own Trick Daddy warmed up a crowd that needed no warming up. They were here to see their Queen. The energy was palpable. Anticipation was high. As she appeared center stage on what I think has to be the most massive tour set ever created the crowd lost their collective minds.

For those of you planning to go to The Formation World Tour, here is a bit of what you will experience:

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

Beyonce and her dancers get in “Formation” …I promise you won’t be “Sorry” ! The performances are “Flawless” !

You will be reminded who “Run the World”, why Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter is a global icon and a favorite artist to many ( at least she is “Mine”) and that dancing to “Baby Boy” is good for the soul!

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

“Hold Up”..I know many of you have started a “Countdown” to when Queen B comes to your town so I am keeping the specific details of the tour between “Me, Myself and I”. That way there are no spoilers “Runnin’” thru your mind “All Night”.

“Don’t Hurt Yourself” or “Ring the Alarm” when you bear witness to Beyonce being a “Naughty Girl” live in concert.
She is indeed an “Independent Woman”, a “Diva” who proudly announces when she is “Feeling Myself”.

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

“Yonce” continues to go thru her repetoire of hits such as “7/11” ,
“Drunk in Love” ,“Rocket”, “Daddy Lessons”. She invited 2 women up on the stage to perform “Single Ladies” alongside her. The crowd went “Crazy in Love” for all the “Bootylicious” dance moves!

Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Parkwood Entertainment)

Miami heat continued to rise during her red hot performances of “Naughty Girl”
, “Party”, “Blow”, “Nasty Girl”,
“Sweet Dreams /Beautiful Nightmare”.
The audience was given the opportunity to pay tribute to Prince while singing along to “Purple Rain”. With lighters, well cell phones in the air, people were singing and swaying side to side under the purple glow of love. That is what music does. It unifies people. That is what Beyonce wants for us all to get in Formation and love one another.

The final set is where we in attendance got to witness a miracle.( ok, I guess I will give one spoiler). Some say Jesus walked on water, well Beyonce danced on it while singing “Freedom” , “Survivor” (Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams was there sitting nearby in the beehive) ,“End of Time, “Grown Woman” and “Halo”.
Her set list really showcased all her vocal talents and amazing choreography.

Beyonce thank you for allowing us to be apart of your dream. You shared that as a little girl you wanted to entertain and sell out stadiums. Well you are doing that and more while still remaining humble. You have not only stopped the world, you are changing the world thru your art. This tour is one not to be missed! For complete tour and ticketing information, visit http://www.livenation.com and http://www.beyonce.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEv1ps3CXMn/

beyonce concert florida Miami theformationtour theformationworldtour

Photographs of @BizMarkie 80s vs 90s Tour @RitzRaleigh ! A #soNCsavvy Recap

February 26, 2016SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Last night, party people came out in their 80s or 90s best, dressed and Ready to Party with DJ Biz Markie at The RITZ Raleigh !

From the moment I walked into the venue, I knew it was going to be a fun night ! The Ritz staff did a great job decorating according to the theme: from Rubic Cubes to movie posters from the era; a Moonman a la MTV, even Aquanet Hair Spray in the ladies Room ! Check out my slide show recap here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCPCf1wiXPE/

Two local Raleigh bands: 120 Minutes Band and Trainwreak played favorite hits from the 80s and 90s. DJ Biz Markie’s kept the party rocking with two full sets throughout the night.

Be Sure to Follow on Twitter & Instagram at @RitzRaleigh and like Facebook at facebook.com/RitzRaleigh for information and updates on the next fun concert or music event !

Everyone had a blast partying like it was 1999! Enjoy my #soNCsavvy event photos “As seen on the Scene” by SobeSavvy.Com !

80s 90s bizmarkie concert dj music sobesavvy soNCsavvy theritzraleigh

#PattiLaBelle Live #Concert @MsPattiPatti @DPAC #OnlyAtDPAC #soNCsavvy Recap by #SobeSavvy .com!

November 9, 2015SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On Saturday November 7, 2015 The Godmother of Soul..PATTI LABELLE, a Two-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, New York Times bestselling author, and three-time Emmy® Award-nominated actress returned to Durham, NC after her last performance at DPAC in 2014 sold out quickly! Known for bringing her heart, soul and songs to the stage, Ms.Say My Name ” Patti Patti” did not disappoint her fans at DPAC Durham Performing Arts Center. Her stage was fit for the royalty for which she is. There was fresh flowers by the piano, an assortment of high heels and a chaise lounge as seen here .

Photo Credit: DPAC

“It’s our extreme pleasure to bring the one and only Patti Labelle back to the DPAC stage”, says DOME Group CEO Sulaiman Mausi. “She is a beloved icon who just has a special intimate way of connecting with her audiences and this show will be no exception!”

The word beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. The soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. She is known for belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets. Patti is revered for her unique versatility and vocal range.

Photo Credit: DPAC

At 71 years young, she holds command of the stage, STILL. Her performance thrills with a voice that sends chills up and down the spine EVERYTIME! As heard here singing, “If Only You Knew”
https://instagram.com/p/9znztUiXK4/

She reminded her audience ” to not get it twisted” , she’s still got it and with quite a few songs, she did it First. Alot of fun moments during the show, such as bringing male audience members on stage…black, white,gay straight.. to sing Lady Marmalade with her. In this video, a fan not only got some impromptu singing lessons but a chance to dance with Ms. LaBelle, a former Dancing With Stars star!
https://instagram.com/p/9zvar7iXH1/

In addition to her amazing career, which has spanned over 51 yrs, as an entertainer and entrepreneurial success, Ms. LaBelle’s work as a humanitarian is just as legendary. While Ms. LaBelle’s celebrated career is respected world-wide, she has also endured and survived personal strife. Within a 10-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. She paid homage to her celebrity friends as well as family who are now resting peacefully, while singing “You Are My Friend”. It was a fitting finale to a wonderful evening at Durham Performing Arts Center
To find out what is up next at DPAC, please go to www.DPACnc.com
#ONLYATDPAC !

Here are a few photos I took during this amazing night!

Ms.Patti LaBelle stunned her audience by coming out into the audience to much of our surprse!

A touching moment when Patti LaBelle’s #1 Fan got to meet her Idol

Tears of Joy and Hugs from this #1 Fan !

Thanks again DPAC and Ms. Patti LaBelle for an amazing night and wonderful opportunity to spend one night only with a living legend!

concertreview dpac pattilabelle soNCsavvy

#BadBoyReunion #NCCU Homecoming Concert @Dpac #soNCsavvy Recap by #SobeSavvy .Com !

October 31, 2015SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Durham, NC was the place to be last night as North Carolina Central University’s homecoming week heated up with The Reunion featuring Faith Evans, Mase, Total, Carl Thomas and Black Rob at DPAC !
Durham Performing Arts Center, has become the center for live entertainment in the Triangle.The concert, presented by The DOME Group L.L.C. , showcased all the favorite hits from the late 90’s, early 2000’s and even presented a special tribute to NCCU’s own Mike City.

“We’re honored to bring such an awesome tribute to the golden era of Hip-Hop and R&B,” says promoter and NCCU alum Sulaiman Mausi of The DOME Group, LLC. “This music was the soundtrack of our college days, cookouts and house parties. This night will be EPIC.”

Total opened the show and got the party started with existing members Kima Raynor, and Pamela Long. Best known for their hits “Kissing You”, “Can’t You See” and “Trippin”, The New Jersey R&B trio made their first appearance singing the hook on The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut single, “Juicy”. Garnering attention for the new group, they were also featured on the original version of his next single “One More Chance.” Their debut single “Can‘t You See?” appeared on the soundtrack to 1995 motion picture “New Jersey Drive.” Total produced two more R&B top ten singles including “No One Else” and “Kissing You.”
https://instagram.com/p/9e3QUiCXJG/

Up next, Black Rob who appears on the Bad Boy remix “Come See Me” is most known for his smash, “Whoa” . He was also featured on several other Bad Boy releases including remixes “What About Us” and “Love Like This”, the song “24 Hrs. to Live”, and albums by Puff Daddy & the Bad Boy Family and The Notorious B.I.G.

The mood then turned to grown and sexy as Carl Thomas hit the stage! He has over 4 million records sold, 2 Grammy® Nominations, a couple of Soul Train nominations and S.C.L.C. Image award. With the single “I Wish” released in late 1999, Carl topped the R&B charts for six consecutive weeks, creating strong interest in his debut album, Emotional. On the strength of this single, the album was certified platinum with over 1 million in sales. He still sounds as good as ever and thanked the crowd for coming out to support Black Music. He also used his platform to remind all that #BlackLivesMatter.
https://instagram.com/p/9e8djgCXD4/

Best known as Puff Daddy’s favorite sidekick, Mase secured his place as a Bad Boy label favorite through a series of guest appearances on hit singles by other artists. By the time he issued his debut album, the Bad Boy promotional machine had effectively already made him a star. His flow was slow and relaxed, and his raps often unabashedly simple, which helped make him especially popular with the younger segment of Puff Daddy’s pop-rap audience. Just before the release of his second album, he announced his retirement from rap to pursue a career in the ministry.
https://instagram.com/p/9fBkEdCXN1/

The show’s headliner, Faith Renée Evans is a multi-platinum Grammy® Award-winning recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. With a music career spanning over two decades, Faith has released eight studio albums, with over 18 million albums sold and spawning over 30 singles. Faith has also performed on 20+ soundtracks and appeared at a host of guest appearances during her career. Faith Evans is a seven-time Grammy® nominee, winning “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” in 1998 for “I’ll Be Missing You,” an homage to her late husband and hip-hop legend Notorious B.I.G.
https://instagram.com/p/9fF3EpiXFD/
https://instagram.com/p/9fGQXmiXF2/

Faith Evans also invited her fans,also known as “Faithfuls” to sing along and join her on stage for her final song! We all had a good time going back down memory lane and jamming to some of out favorite hits. Good music is indeed timeless and the Bad Boy Reunion proved just that !

For more pics of who was on the red carpet at DPAC, view photos from the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpacnc
Courtesy of DPAC!

badboy badboyreunion carlthomas concert dpac faithevans mase nccuhomecoming soNCsavvy total

#SobeSavvy Recaps #OnTheRunTour @Beyonce #JayZ #OTR #OnTheRunBmore #Baltimore

July 10, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On The Run is defined as hurrying from place to place. As in “she’s always on the run”. Well when presented with the opportunity to review the concert of the summer, I definitely hurried from Miami to my hometown of Baltimore to see The Carters for their first co-headlining stadium tour together : On The Run Tour http://www.beyonce.com/tour

The tour name spins off from the song “Part II (On the Run)” from Jay-Z’s album Magna Carta Holy Grail in which Beyoncé features. It also follows the criminal ‘on the lam’ narrative found in the couples’ 2002 first single together, “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” . I think everyone realized it would be a crime not to check out this tour, especially after viewing the trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNcJg5svv9A

Upon arriving inside the stadium, there was a message on the screen from J+B that read: “This Is Not Real Life”.They are not “On the Run” literally trying to avoid being captured. Indeed, I feel we are the ones captured and being invited to run with them, to escape, to join them on a retreat focusing on their art thru music. I had on my Converse/Chucks and was ready to dance, run, sing/rap and have fun!

7/7/14 proved to be my lucky day as well as other fans who came out to show love to the Power Couple. While waiting for the show to start, I captured some Beyonce’s fans aka members of The BeyHive , who were ready in their custom made concert wear in support for King Bey !

As the sun set over downtown Baltimore, it was time. They came out to a welcoming roar that only one could hear in a stadium setting. Beyonce was giving us Sasha Fierce , Yonce , Peaches and whatever other names she go by the entire night. She was on ! The ultimate performer. Voice? Flawless. Wardrobe? Flawless
Choreography? Flawless.

Jay-Z had the kind of swag that one would expect from the Emperor of Hip Hop. Jigga was in top notch form. He had the crowd rapping verbatim to all of his biggest hits. Fun stuff indeed. His catalogue of music in the genre is unmatched. His reign is far from over.

The decades-spanning set list (http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/beyonce-and-jay-z/2014/m-and-t-bank-stadium-baltimore-md-5bc1eb40.html) of 43 hit songs along with highly stylized vignettes and dazzling dance numbers, kept us all entertained for 2 plus hours. I appreciated the balance of Beyonce and Jay Z songs. They both have a wealth of hits and solo juggernauts in their own right.

Beyonce also surprised us by covering Lauren Hill’s “Ex -Factor”. It was a wonderful rendition and honored the original.

The interaction between the two seemed genuine. They were having fun being Forever Young! Unexpected celebrity cameos appeared on “Big Pimpin” and celebrity mugshots on “Izzo”

Ringling Bros no longer has the greatest show on earth. Jay and Bey do. A night to remember.

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #SobeSavvy

(Photo by Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/PictureGroup).

(Photo by Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/PictureGroup).

(Photo by Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/PictureGroup)

(Photo by Robin Harper/Parkwood Entertainment/PictureGroup)

(Photo by Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/PictureGroup)

(Photo by Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/PictureGroup)

beyonce concertreviews jay-z jayz ontheruntour otr queenbey

Posts navigation

→