“That show was off the chain,” Missouri Black Expo President Tom Bailey said as entertainment headliner Kem made his exit from the stage. He was right. Crowds of all ages sat engaged as the singer presented his unique brand of soul as the final segment of the 18th Annual Missouri Black Expo Sunday night at America’s Center.
The Budweiser Music Fest Stage area was filled beyond capacity – each seat was taken and attendees were standing for several rows beyond the seating area to get an eye and earful of Kem’s compelling stage performance.
With a full band and energy to spare, Kem was captivating – experiences that guests who were not necessarily fans of his music could appreciate and enjoy.
He performed for more than an hour, including selections from his debut CD Kemistry, sophomore release Album II and selections from his forthcoming third studio release.
Part performance, part testimony, Kem encouraged the audience to follow their dreams and endorsed faith and belief in God as he transitioned effortlessly through his music.
By the time he closed the show with “Love Calls” the song that made Kem a household name on the R&B/Neo-Soul scene a few years ago, there was an overwhelming sense of success for this year’s expo. Staff and participants proceed to break down booths and close up shop while hundreds –including more than a few exhibitors stood by watching the singer’s finale.
Once Kem left the stage, there was a mass exodus that symbolized the end of another “Black Expo.” It was over. As people scrambled to head home and make the most of the remaining minutes of their weekend in preparation for the week ahead, there was a smile that was a hybrid of relief and accomplishment on Bailey’s face as he officially closed the weekend with the announcement of the 19th Annual Missouri Black Expo’s dates (Aug. 27 – 29, 2010).
When it was all said and done, Bailey had captured more than a few audiences with a weekend of special guests that included Reality TV “it girl” NeNe Leakes of Real Housewives of Atlanta and best-selling author Terry McMillan for a literary panel, a Black America “Power Panel” featuring Donna Brazile, an old school hip-hop showcase featuring the Sugar Hill Gang and MC Lyte, a concert featuring gospel icon Dorinda Clark-Cole and (last but certainly not least) Black Expo show closer Kem.
The singer not only left the audience with the impression that the 2009 Black Expo had been a resounding success; Kem’s presence gave the audience a sense of excitement and anticipation for future Black Expos.
“This was the best one we’ve had in a while,” Bailey said. “And we started this thing (planning and preparation for 2009 MBE) with nothing.”
