Saratoga Performing Arts Center played host to Sean Kingston, En Vogue, TLC and Shaggy on Friday June 16. SPAC stands head and shoulders above any outdoor venue in the Capital Region, and this evening, the venue lived up to its reputation as even the rain couldn’t stop a good time.
The way that thousands of people filed into SPAC in the name of R&B brought joy to my heart. It is wild how much we take basic necessities for granted until we lose access to them. Alas, a mix of live hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall always proves essential for the well-being of citizens.
R&B + Dancehall Concert in New York
Sean Kingston maximized his thirty-minute set with plenty of vibes. Dutty wine dancing, nostalgia, and vocal energy set the tone for the whole evening. Certainly, when “Beautiful Girls” blasted through the speakers, every person of age instantly reminisced about the era of ringback tones.
Next, En Vogue continued the theme of setting the tone with radiant energy. Not one drop of rain could stop their shine as they played renditions magnificently. Some people questioned the order of the setlist but nobody could debate the way En Vogue prepared the audience for the next act, TLC.
TLC-Waterfalls [06/19/23]
Now, TLC stole the spotlight if you ask me. It seemed as if the rain would subside during breaks and lesser-known songs. But when songs like “Red Light Special” and “Diggin On You” made their way through the airwaves the whole crowd started to feel the rhythm. Ironically, when the best songs came on the rain began to steadily flow.
Rain Washes Worries Away
This precipitation did not put a damper on things, whatsoever due to its light and misty nature. The beautiful woman by my side chose not to untie her rain jacket from around her waist as she embraced the evening elements. Altogether, the moment felt like it belonged in an R&B video.
The break between TLC and Shaggy proved to be well-deserved for the audience. After exiting the TLC trance, concertgoers gathered around for one last hurrah. Performers who emit strong stage presence tend to make you feel close to the stage no matter where you stand.
Toward the beginning of his set, Shaggy grew discontent with the energy level of the crowd. Calling an audible, he threw on “Red Red Wine” to lift the crowd to the level he desired. From there, not one person could resist swaying their hips to Mr. Wasn’t Me. While that song is the classic, “Boombastic” and “Guardian Angel” were the ones that really brought the house down.
Overall, this show at SPAC proved to be extremely worthwhile. Everyone needs an outlet and an opportunity to let loose. This dual-purpose event provided the chance to immerse within an incredible atmosphere and truly let any anxieties or worries dissipate for the entire evening.
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