Newark, NJ/Boston, MA–Summertime is the season we all just can never get enough of. The official start of warmer weather, vacations, celebrations, and living your best life outdoors. Yet nothing gives summer its true sizzle better than the famous festivity simply known as the cookout. That momentous gathering where communities, families, and friends unite sharing their common love of laughter, good vibes and most of all great music.
This summer creative genius and R&B pioneer Charlie Wilson collaborated with some of the genre’s most influential vocalists to deliver the true essence of that seasoned pastime. Introducing the Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour featuring music heavyweights El DeBarge, Babyface, and K-Ci Hailey of multi-platinum group Jodeci. We at Four Point Zero Sports and Entertainment were honored to take part of their New Jersey and Boston premiers to experience this first time ever historical event.
Opening the grand affair was the tantalizing sounds of five-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter extraordinaire El DeBarge. Swaying his longtime admirers to timeless DeBarge classics “Love Me In A Special Way”, “All This Love”, “Time Will Reveal”, including performing Switch top hits “There’ll Never Be”, and “I Call Your Name” where he took a tender moment of remembrance in honor of his late brother Bobby DeBarge that touched the entire venue. The silky falsetto regained his momentum, closing to fan favorites “I Like It” and signature jam “Rhythm Of The Night”, leaving the audience in pure backyard party mode.
Following the suave crooner was former Jodeci powerhouse K-Ci Hailey, who seamlessly veered the mesmerizing vibe to an all-out soulful preaching session. Kicking off his playlist to the late Tupac collabo smash hit “How Do You Want It”, his signature timbre kept the vivacious crowd at its feet. While belting out K-Ci & JoJo tracks “You Bring Me Up”, “Last Night’s Letter”, “Life” along with Bobby Womack infectious remake “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”, the explosive soulster left the stage engaging with the intensified crowd to some of Jodeci’s greatest hits “Come & Talk To Me”, “Love U 4 Life”, “Forever My Lady”, “Feenin”, and blowout anthem “Get On Up” giving fans exactly what they anticipated in true K-Ci style.
Legendary hitmaker Babyface was next to the stage, opening his performance in pure formation with his classy ensemble in tow, accentuating that trademark velvety flare. The 13-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and stellar producer set off his massive collection of hits “For The Cool In You”, “Every time I Close My Eyes”, “Soon As I Get Home”, “Never Keeping Secrets”, and the succulent track “Whip Appeal” having the ladies squirming in their seats. Revealing just why he’s a four-time Producer of The Year recipient, the polished icon serenaded chart-topping songs ranging from artists like Karyn White, The Deele, After 7, The Whispers, Johnny Gill, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown, TLC, and Mary J Blige in addition to Boomerang and Waiting To Exhale movie soundtracks.
Jokingly sharing what being sixty-two feels like, Babyface ended with an unforgettable tribute to the late Whitney Houston, leaving his loyal listeners in awe.
The moment had finally arrived for what was a groundbreaking turnout at the Leader Bank Pavilion. Luminous stage lights centered on the main screen outlining the name of a voice that’s defined generations of R&B and funk. Welcomed by a thunderous roar of applause, Uncle Charlie emerged with his sophisticated style launching his live set to Gap Band classics “Party Train”, “Early In The Morning” followed by his 2003 Snoop Dog and Pharrell crossover smash “Beautiful” before downshifting the tempo to a rendition of Guy adorned ballad “Let’s Chill” and Zapp joint track “Computer Love” captivating die-hard devotees.
The seasoned trailblazer continued the celebration playfully reciprocating joy to his day ones between jams “Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”, James Brown’s “Funky Good Time”, “My Name Is Charlie”, “There Goes My Baby”, “Yearning For Your Love”, and “I Wanna Be Your Man” while performing a flawless finale to “You Are”, “Blessed”, “Outstanding” and funky jam “You Dropped The Bomb On Me”. Charlie Wilson reminded everyone exactly why he’s a living legend.
Throughout the entire showcase of impeccable performances, I observed humanity in its purest form, witnessing generations of families and friends greet each other with genuine love, having it all come together full circle. For more information on Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour visit: www.charliewilsonmusic.com for tour dates and locations.
