Philadelphia, PA —A sultry summer night set the stage for a remarkable celebration of soul, storytelling, and sisterhood as the Dell Music Center played host to a stacked lineup of powerhouse vocalists on Thursday, night. The evening featured standout performances from Philadelphia’s own Laurin Talese and Carol Riddick, rising star October London, and the legendary En Vogue, each artist offering a distinct blend of musical artistry that had the sold-out crowd on its feet throughout the night.
Laurin Talese: Soulful Sophistication in Every Note
Opening the evening was Laurin Talese, who brought a sophisticated grace to the stage. Known for her jazz-influenced style and lyrical finesse, Talese delivered a beautifully curated set that included “This Love,” “Forgive and Forget,” “Love Poems,” and “Light the Universe.” Her vocals were airy yet emotionally grounded—each line delivered with poise and intention. As an artist rooted in Philly’s rich musical tradition, Talese set a high standard for the night, effortlessly drawing the audience in with her quiet strength.
Carol Riddick: A Homegrown Voice of Passion and Power
Next up, fellow Philadelphian Carol Riddick turned the energy up a notch with her signature blend of R&B and soul. Opening with “We Are One” and moving through emotional renditions of “If Only You Knew,” “Don’t Let It Go to Your Head,” “I Like The Way It Feels,” and “Loving You,” Riddick captivated the audience with her seasoned voice and magnetic presence. Her performance was both a celebration of classic Philly soul and a testament to her enduring relevance in today’s R&B landscape.
October London: A Voice from the Past, Poised for the Future
Indiana native October London took the stage with a velvet voice and vintage vibe that immediately evoked comparisons to Marvin Gaye—a parallel he embraced head-on. London’s set was rich and varied, featuring “Slander My Name,” “Touch On Me,” “Third Shift,” and “Do What You Do.” But the emotional high point came during his impeccable Marvin Gaye medley, featuring “Sexual Healing,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Distant Lover.” He followed with “Mulholland Drive,” “Back to Your Place,” and ended on a sultry note with “She Keeps Calling.” London’s performance was a masterclass in soul revivalism, delivered with charm and vocal precision.
En Vogue: Still Setting the Gold Standard
Headliners En Vogue closed out the evening with a tour-de-force set that reminded everyone why the group remains one of the most influential vocal acts in R&B history. Opening with the explosive “Free Your Mind,” they moved seamlessly through hits like “Never Gonna Get It (My Lovin’),” “Don’t Let Go (Love),” and “Hold On.” Their harmonies were flawless, their energy palpable, and their charisma undeniable.
The group also paid homage to their musical foremothers with a powerful medley honoring Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, weaving snippets of classic hits into their set with reverence and vocal excellence. The tribute wasn’t just heartfelt—it was vocally stunning and deeply moving.
This multi-generational celebration of soul and R&B served as a reminder of the genre’s enduring power to connect, uplift, and inspire. From emerging talents to legendary voices, the July 17 concert at the Dell Music Center wasn’t just a night of music—it was a masterfully curated love letter to Black musical excellence.
Rating: 5/5 — A must-experience event for lovers of real soul music.
