This past Saturday, the Lauderhill performing Arts Center celebrated its grand opening as R&B fans packed the house to see Boyz II Men with their special guest EnVogue. Both groups are responsible for some of the hottest R&B mega hits of the 90s. Through-out their career spanning over two decades, Boyz II Men has won countless awards including 4 Grammys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With their smooth harmonies, they are one of the best-selling R&B groups of all time. EnVogue, the iconic female trio who blends soul and sex appeal, has sold over 20 million albums throughout their career and don’t plan to let go.
The “Real Funky Divas,” hit the stage first with sophistication and sass with original members Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis and long standing member Rhonda Bennet. They serenaded their admirers with their timeless classics like, “Don’t Let Go,” “Free your mind,” and “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It).” While also paying tribute to the those who paved the way, they sang Cheryl Lynn’s “To Be Real,” Arteha Franklin’s “Respect,” and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” The lucky audience also got a preview of their new album to be released later this year, as they performed the first single “Déjà Vu.”
After a short intermission, Boyz II Men hit the stage and started with the high-energy hit, “Motown Philly,” immediately bringing fans onto their feet and into the isles. Member, Shawn Stockman took a moment to greet the crowd saying “We’re honored to be here with you for the grand opening!… By the way, we’re Boyz II Men.” He then introduced the rest of the trio, brothers Wanya and Nathan Morris. They took time to have a moment of silence for Prince, a huge inspiration to them, who passed away April 21.
Nathan and Shawn gave the crowd “something they’ve never seen them do before,” as they picked up guitars and played “Jammin,” paying homage to legend Bob Marley. Wanya showed fans that he earned his spot on this season’s Dancing with the Stars, as he took center stage and showed off his moves. The group sang covers of songs like R. Kelly’s “Your body’s callin,” Tony Toni Tone’s “Lay your head on my pillow,” and Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s get it on,” before exciting the crowd with their biggest hits. Women swarmed the stage as the men handed out roses while performing “I’ll make love to you.” They ended the show just how they started it, with a party in the isles to “Motown Philly.”
Boyz II Men currently have a residency at the Mirage in Las Vegas that started in 2013, and will continue to perform on select weekend dates through 2018.
For more information about tour dates and upcoming music, visit BoyzIIMen.com and EnVogueMusic.com
