Alright now Akon and Ne-Yo! As much as I’m here for anybody from St. Louis and the Metro East, when I tell you that my first reaction to hearing that Akon and Ne-Yo were teaming up for a tour, I was like, “Oh for real…good for them.” I’m so glad I went – event if the only reason was to make sure I always show love to my homeboys and homegirls. Y’all, Tuesday night is easily in my top ten all-time performances at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. And I’m talking all the way back to the Riverport days. I know what you’re thinking, “Delores, girl, are you saying they are up there with Sugar Water?” You better know it! When I tell you they put their ankles, toes, elbows and shoulder meat up in that show. “Nights Like This” should be renamed “An Incredible Night,” because that’s really what it was. All those former cheer squad captains trotting towards their seats in the tiniest skirts paired with the biggest boots you’ve ever seen knew what time it was. I know their poor little calves and ankles probably looked like peach fruit roll ups when they peeled those things off their feet! And what’s the point of having a skirt on if I can see the seam of your panties? I mean, you’re basically wearing a waistband. But let me get on with the show. It was absolutely everything! Akon should have performed “Put On” right after “Soul Survivor,” because that’s exactly what he did for East St. Louis – all night long! Now I know Ne-Yo is gonna put on a show everywhere he goes. I’ve seen him perform everywhere from a hotel lobby and the Galleria parking lot (y’all remember that Microsoft event?) and give like he was playing a sold-out show at Busch Stadium. Finally seeing him on a big stage, I know that he is everything I assumed he would be. Him and Akon said, “Usher and Breezy, we are entering the chat as far as the ‘blow your mind’ pop adjacent R&B shows.” The only downside in seeing the show is how my mobility esteem tumbled after seeing those double jointed twerkers fly through the air. They were tooted, booted and bent up like pretzels on that pole! Lydia, I will be back at your Mid-County YMCA Pilates class as soon as I can. My usual Silver Sneakers Yoga is not gonna get me on those ladies’ level. If they ever get tired of being half-nekkid (yes, nekkid), those heffas can join Cirque De Solel! Ne-Yo and Akon had me locked in. And when Akon showed he could keep up with Les Twins, I was shook. I was so thrilled with “Nights Like This” that I gave Ne-Yo a pass on those gold pants! Every time I thought they played all their hits, they pulled some more out of the bag. And I ain’t mad at Ne-Yo’s little country schtick either. That “Up Out & Gone” song is a bop!
Kicking it with Kindred at City Winery. I already brought up neo-soul with my Sugar Water reference. So, I might as well go ahead and tell y’all about the time I had at City Winery catching Kindred The Family live in the flesh yet again Saturday evening. Aja, girl, drop the link to that outfit on one of your social pages. I would love to have that kimono as an option for Gala En Blanc. I’m just sayin.’
As usual Aja and her husband gave us life more abundantly with their cute little set. It’s crazy that I’ve been seeing them slay for twenty years and somehow they are not yet a household name as reliable husband-and-wife act. Because of the type of music they make, I can understand why they are not Ashford & Simpson. But War and Treaty snuck past them from behind. Saturday wasn’t the absolute best I’ve seen them, but I would have felt like I got my money’s worth if I paid.