Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey, and B. David Whitworth sing with Earth, Wind, & Fire at Capital One Arena on Aug. 9, 2017. (Photo by David LaMason)
Earth, Wind & Fire swept into the Verizon Center, newly renamed Capital One Arena that very same day, and dazzled a large crowd on their 2054 Tour on a double bill with Nile Rodgers and CHIC on last Wednesday.
Izzy Bizu sings at FedEx Field on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017.
Soul singer Izzy Bizu charmed the early audience during Coldplay’s concert at FedEx Field on Sunday, treating the gathering crowd to upbeat R&B numbers with passion and grace.
Earth Wind & Fire dance at MGM National Harbor on Feb. 18, 2017. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)
If you ever have heard Philip Bailey sing, you know what an amazing voice the gent has. But I would say you really have to see him live to get the full effect of how he turns on a dime to raise a falsetto and drop it into a baritone, such as when he sings “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” made famous by Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics. Thankfully, you have an opportunity to do just that as Philip’s powerhouse disco and funk group Earth, Wind & Fire are here in DC Wednesday, Aug. 9, for a show at Verizon Center.
And even better, they are teaming up with their contemporary Nile Rodgers, who is bringing the CHIC collective along with him.
Dru Hill (Photo courtesy Howard Theatre)
R&B and soul vocalists Dru Hill have reported working on a new album, which would be their fifth overall and their first since 2010’s InDRUpendence Day, released on Kedar Massenburg’s label Kedar Entertainment Group. While the gents are hard at work, they also are hitting the road with a date at the Howard Theatre on Friday, Aug. 18.
Diana Ross performs at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, on July 8, 2013. (Photo by Claudio Poblete)
Diana Ross arrived on the stage at Wolf Trap as the personification of 25 years of popular music packed into a regal package. The nearly sold-out show, attended by people of all races and generations available, roared heartily throughout the ensuing show-stopping performance.
Diana Ross (Photo courtesy Wolf Trap)
In April, Diana Ross saw her seminal album Diana released in its original mix by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards on vinyl for the first time ever. Diana – The Original CHIC Mix appeared on two 45rpm discs via Motown/UMe/UMGI.
The classic album features irresistible disco tracks like “Upside Down” and “I’m Coming Out.” And it just so happens that Diana is on tour, so you can hear her sing them live when she comes to Wolf Trap on Tuesday, July 25.
Al B. Sure! (right) with Charles Everett on Jan. 26, 2012. (Photo by Back9Network)
Al B. …Sure Still Has It!
Blueprint. Foundation. Imprint. Artists like Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Bryson Tiller enjoy the contemporary mesh of melodious R&B and heavy-hitting hip hop beats. However, this mesh and the idea behind it isn’t a new phenomenon. Deep R&B fans can recall how Al B. Sure!, heralded by the New Jack Swing subgenre, was a pioneer for the male singer to be suave and street. Al B. reminded us of this when he played at the Howard Theatre on June 28.
