Source: Facebook Anthony Hamilton
Detroiters started their Sweetest Day weekend with the What I’m Feelin’ tour at the Fox Theatre, Friday, Oct.14. The grown and sexy vibe was on 10 as Eric Benet, Lalah Hathaway and Anthony Hamilton gave fans a consummate show of melodic vocals and stimulating instrumentals.
With 20 years in the R&B game, Benet continues to entice with his honey coated vocal range. He had ladies shouting and twisting in their seats as he sang favorites like, “Chocolate Legs,” “Georgy Porgy” and “News For You.” True fans felt nostalgic when he sang “A Love of My Own.” Revealing that his 50th birthday was the following day, Benet promised that he’s not slowing down anytime soon. His set ended with a rousing performance of his latest single, “Sunshine.” Lucky fans seated near the stage got a treat when he came into the crowd, dancing and taking selfies with them.
Exuding her majestic aura, Lalah Hathaway represented for the ladies and her musical legacy. After singing the classic, “Little Ghetto Boy,” she removed her heels, joking that they were the “one song shoes.” Enchanting the crowd, she took her time delivering hits like, “Forever For Always For Love” and “Something.” She mentioned that her latest album, Lalah Hathaway Live was recorded in the same studio as her father’s album, Donny Hathaway Live. Epitomizing beauty, class and strength, she honored Detroit songstress Anita Baker with “Angel.” Not everyone can cover R&B greats and get respect, but Hathaway’s lush vocals are irresistible.
Headliner Anthony Hamilton closed out the show with his signature Southern soul. Accompanied by the harmonious Hamiltones, he gave an incredible performance that kept the crowd rocking and swaying.
The charismatic crooner complimented Hathaway for rocking purple tinted locs. He humorously pointed out that her style is not something that every woman can pull off. A master at the art of shifting the mood smoothly, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter performed slow, mid and uptempo hits such as “Do You Feel Me” and “Cool” and “Sista Big Bones.”
Showing that a mature man isn’t ashamed to be vulnerable, he sang “Walk In My Shoes” with raw honesty. Fans felt Hamilton when he spoke about others judging you without knowing your story. Refusing to dwell on bad times, he took it back to those blue light in the basement parties with the title track off of his current album, What I’m Feelin.’
Inciting hype one minute and quiet reflection the next, Hamilton reminded fans how he earned their loyalty with stirring renditions of “Charlene,” “Point of it All” and the ballroom joint, “Best of Me.” Giving fans one last ballad, he ended the night with “So In Love.”
The What I’m Feelin’ tour will definitely have fans in their feelings for a while.
Photo Gallery Credit: Raquelle Harris for Steed Media except where noted
