Philadelphia, PA–The ambient summer evening breeze offset the perfect vibe to this years’ 2022 Essence of Entertainment series at the world-class Dell Music Center Thursday night. Thousands of music lovers paraded the open amphitheater to enjoy the delectable sounds of some of R&B’s most refined artists coming together joining one of the greatest icons in the music industry.
Kicking off the annual summer fest was the profoundly talented Two-Time Emmy Award winning violinist Damien Escobar. The native New Yorker played a beautiful melodic mix of original and rendition masterpieces to top charting hits from the King of Pop MJ’s “Rock With You”, the suave Frankie Beverly and Maze “Before I Let Go”, and the remarkable Luther Vandross’s “Never Too Much” firing up the sold out arena.
Humbly interacting with his admirers, the Amati genius graciously thanked everyone for supporting him throughout his near two decade career as a musician, author, humanitarian, and philanthropist notably with his children’s book The Sound Of Strings and non-profit organization Violins Against Violence Foundation before exquisitely closing on Chaka’s “Sweet Thang” and Prince’s “Purple Rain” in memory of gun violence victims.
Next to the spotlight was the ever debonair Grammy Award nominee singer, songwriter Kenny Latimore gracing the stage swaying fans with his playlist of jams “Priceless” off his 2017 ninth album Vulnerable, “Come To Me”, and “Weekend” from his 2001 third release Weekend along with signature classic smash “Never Too Busy” making everyone get into their groove.
Smoothing out the tempo, he massaged his flawless tenor/falsetto ranges to tracks “What Must I do” and “Pressure” before dropping his jazzy skills on the great Sinatra remake “Fly Me To The Moon” then caressing his love flow to “You Are My Starship”, Luther jams “So Amazing”, “Promise Me” and chain of hit makers before lacing Grammy nominated single “For You” and rocking out to “Love Me Back” off his 2015 seventh album Anatomy Of A Love Song concluding his fine set.
Lastly, the time arrived for the brightest star to shine her light on this outstanding event. The lovely Gladys Knight came on center stage to an astounding royal welcome from the entire Dell Music Center. Wearing her treasured smile, she thanked her long-time fans and reciprocated her love performing her slew of endless classics “Forever More”, “Make Yours A Happy Home”, “The Nitty Gritty”, “Every Beat Of My Heart”, “Love Overboard”, “Your The Best Thing”, “If I Was Your Woman” and “I’ve Got To Use My Imagination” setting the coliseum ablaze.
The groundbreaking songstress continued leading her beloved fans down memory lane with timeless hits including signature favorites “Save The Overtime (For Me)”, “Grapevine”, heartfelt “Neither One Of Us” following a graceful worship medley and sealing her amazing finale with all-time classic “Midnight Train To Georgia” raising everyone out their seats to a unison singalong.
The Dell Music Center’s Essence Of Entertainment series is the leading-edge of pristine eminence and ideally the best source in summer night entertainment events. For more information visit: thedellmusiccenter.com.
