The Dell Music Center kicks off its 2017 Essence of Entertainment summer concert series tonight with performances from award-winning R&B artists Jaheim, Johnny Gill, and After 7. Year after year, the Dell continues to deliver unforgettable shows from the some of the hottest names the R&B music scene has to offer, and this season, it will be crossing generational lines with performances from artists ranging from Erykah Badu to The Dramatics.
Jaheim will be headlining tonight’s show, who has become a household name in the world of R&B and neo-soul. Some of his most well-known hits “Just in Case,” “Put That Woman First” and “Finding My Way Back,” has earned him two Grammy nominations. His latest album “Struggle Love” was released last year with a blend of R&B and soul, the epitome of the kind of music showcased on the Dell’s stage every summer. The Grammy-nominated artist will be in good company tonight. Johnny Gill, former member of the platinum-selling boy group New Edition, seems to be making a name for himself too these days. Most known for his solo hits “My, My, My”, “Rub You The Right Way”, and “Fairweather Friend” released on his second self-titled album in 1990, Gill has continued to keep loyal fans satisfied over the years. His latest album Game Changer that released in December 2014 made top 10 on the Billboard R&B chart. Most recently, he reunited with New Edition to accept the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards this summer. Last but certainly not least, the Dell’s stage will be graced by After 7, a group acknowledged to be one of the most successful R&B/soul acts of the 90s. Two of their most popular singles, “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop” made the US top 10, and their second studio album Takin’ My Time reached certified gold status.
Tonight’s show is anticipated to set a groundbreaking tone for what’s to come the rest of the summer at the Dell, and fans should not expect to be disappointed. Rain or shine, the show will go on, so all concert-goers should brace themselves accordingly. 2017 Essence of Entertainment is back and better than ever at the Dell, and we are looking forward to another great season!