Philadelpha,PA—-The sultry summer air clung to the crowd as they gathered at The Dell Music Center in Philadelphia. On Thursday, August 1, 2024, anticipation buzzed like an electric current. The gates swung open, revealing a sea of eager faces, their excitement palpable.
The stage was set, bathed in warm hues, Patty Jackson ready to host an unforgettable lineup for the night. The artists were poised to weave their magic, and the audience knew they were in for a treat. Here’s how the night unfolded:
Mike Phillips: The saxophonist stepped onto the stage, his instrument an extension of his soul. His melodies danced through the air, wrapping the audience in a musical embrace. The crowd swayed, lost in the smooth jazz vibes. Mike hit the crowd with Frankie Beverly, “We Are One”, Grover Washington Jr., City Lights, Michael Jackson, “PYT”, Jill Scott, “Is It The Way”, “I’m Cool Like That”, and Stevie Wonder, “The Key Of Life”.
Maysa: With her velvety voice, Maysa took the mic after Phillips. Her soulful ballads resonated with raw emotion. Couples held hands, lost in the lyrics, while others closed their eyes, savoring every note. She blessed the crowd with: “Hypnotic Love”, “Asking”, “Deep Waters”, Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”,”Love Is A Battlefield”, Chaka Khan,”Sweet Thang”,”Last Chance For Love”,”Nights Over Egypt”,”Rain Drops”,”Am I Dreaming”, and “What About Our Love”.
Bryant Culbertson: The piano keys came alive under Bryant’s nimble fingers. His energy was infectious, and the crowd erupted in applause. His set was a fusion of jazz, funk, and pure joy. He hit the keys with, “Secret Garden”, “Colors Of Love”, “Fullerton Ave”, “Play That Funkin Music Whiteboy”, “Bad Mama Jamma”, “Hollywood Swinging”, “Sisco Kid”, “If Only For One Night”, “Together Tonight”, and “Dreaming Of You”.
Kem: The headliner emerged, a charismatic force. His voice carried stories of love, heartache, and resilience. The Dell swayed as one, singing along to hits like “Love Calls”, “Lie To Me”, “My Favorite Thing”, “On My Mind”, “Nobody”, “Heaven”, “Find Your Way”, “Stuck On You”, “Share My Life”, “Can’t Stop Loving You”, “Matter Of Time”, and “Why Would You Stay.”
The night was a crescendo of talent, each artist outshining the last. The sound system, meticulously tuned, enveloped the audience, making every note resonate deep within their chests. The lighting danced across the stage, painting the performers in hues of passion and mystery.
And the stage presence? It was electric. Kem’s smile reached the farthest seats, and Maysa’s eyes held secrets. Mike Phillips swayed with his sax, and Bryant Culbertson’s fingers blurred across the keys. They were more than entertainers; they were conduits of magic.
As the final chords echoed, the crowd rose to their feet, a standing ovation that seemed to shake the very trees surrounding the Dell Music Center. Culbertson returned for an song with KEM and had the audience up out of their seats dancing in the aisles.
And so, on that steamy hot summer night, The Dell Music Center became a sanctuary of music, where souls connected, and the world faded away. The stars above twinkled in approval, and the applause echoed through the Philly city streets.
As the last notes hung in the air, the audience filed out, their hearts full. They’d witnessed greatness—a powerhouse of talent, a symphony of emotions. And they’d carry that night with them forever, a memory etched in gold.
