(Kia Center, Orlando FL) Mary J Blige's "For My Fans" tour performance was postponed in the City Beautiful from its original Friday April 25 show date due to the Orlando Magic's recent entry into the NBA playoffs, but was able to still pack the Kia Center on its new date the following evening Saturday April 26.
In previous cities, Blige had front acts in the way of Mario and Ne-Yo who were not present in Saturday's performance, likely due to conflicts created by the rescheduled date. To bide the time, DJ Nasty kept the crowd entertained for over an hour from Stage B, located there beside the soundboard toward the back / middle of the Kia Center's ground level seating. This same location was actually where Mary J. Blige's concert began which happily delighted audience members toward the rear of the Kia Center. Blige made her way toward the main stage by an elevator-looking contraption that lifted her into the air just and carrier her over the heads of 100's of fans below.
The show was a celebration of resilience and empowerment, and was a clear demonstration of the enduring power of R&B. It was full of 'thank-you's to the fans, multiple callouts of 'Orlando' from the hip-hop soul queen herself, and a fusion of nostalgic old school hits coupled against uplifting new material.
As I looked out to the audience, I saw men and women of all races dancing and singing along, which spoke volumes of Blige's popularity and wide-ranging appeal. She had connected on so many levels with so many people, and you could feel it as much of the audience would clap and cheer as the first few notes of each song rang out, with many of those same people singing along to the music the entire time. In fact, thousands in attendance had their hands up throughout the evening, swaying in unison to the inspirational performance of the 9-time Grammy Award winner through a 30+ song setlist which lasted just about 90 minutes.
This was a great throwback show, reminding attendees of old school classics and favorites. It was a very relaxed environment, which left many with warm feelings of nostalgia as they exited Kia.
Hoping to see more shows like this in Central Florida!
-- Bailey Guinigundo
In previous cities, Blige had front acts in the way of Mario and Ne-Yo who were not present in Saturday's performance, likely due to conflicts created by the rescheduled date. To bide the time, DJ Nasty kept the crowd entertained for over an hour from Stage B, located there beside the soundboard toward the back / middle of the Kia Center's ground level seating. This same location was actually where Mary J. Blige's concert began which happily delighted audience members toward the rear of the Kia Center. Blige made her way toward the main stage by an elevator-looking contraption that lifted her into the air just and carrier her over the heads of 100's of fans below.
The show was a celebration of resilience and empowerment, and was a clear demonstration of the enduring power of R&B. It was full of 'thank-you's to the fans, multiple callouts of 'Orlando' from the hip-hop soul queen herself, and a fusion of nostalgic old school hits coupled against uplifting new material.
As I looked out to the audience, I saw men and women of all races dancing and singing along, which spoke volumes of Blige's popularity and wide-ranging appeal. She had connected on so many levels with so many people, and you could feel it as much of the audience would clap and cheer as the first few notes of each song rang out, with many of those same people singing along to the music the entire time. In fact, thousands in attendance had their hands up throughout the evening, swaying in unison to the inspirational performance of the 9-time Grammy Award winner through a 30+ song setlist which lasted just about 90 minutes.
This was a great throwback show, reminding attendees of old school classics and favorites. It was a very relaxed environment, which left many with warm feelings of nostalgia as they exited Kia.
Hoping to see more shows like this in Central Florida!
-- Bailey Guinigundo
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