That Teowonna!

New Edition is Back… or Are They?

Photo courtesy of David Cox/Global Spectrum

OK. So I have this job that takes me out of town. And wouldn’t you know it, I had to travel on the day that one of my favorite childhood groups was coming to Columbia. Even though I was out of town, bringing home the bacon, I realize that does not relieve me of my duty to bring the happenings to you. Therefore, I garnered the services of my friend and fellow blogger, Ebony Looney of Make Me Over Eb, to bring the New Edition concert to you in my absence. So here you go. Enjoy!

Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph, and Johnny hit the stage Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the Colonial Life Arena as part of their US tour. Although, the group wasn’t able to fill out the arena like maybe Usher, Keith Urban or Tyler Perry (who’ve played the arena), the crowd was just as hype. I was on my feet most of the night dancing.

The group performed fan favorites from their 29+ years of making hits such as Candy Girl, Mr. Telephone Man, If It Isn’t Love, Can You Stand the Rain, and a song from their new album. They also each performed hits from each of their solo acts, which stood well on their own. This is a testament to each of their talents. Some members in the group are clearly better in vocal talents (like Johnny Gill), but they all have good chemistry that shows on stage.

A chemistry that apparently is so good, that they didn’t mind Bobby doing several monologues during the show thanking people for the support giving him and his family after Whitney Houston’s death. He’s not what he used to be as performer, which could be seen by his constant breaks and screeching voice, but he’s quite entertaining in a “weird uncle” kinda way. He seems to be the comic relief of the group.

At any rate, the show reminded me of my childhood and was a great way to spend my Sunday evening. I ran home to play all my New Edition ‘records’.

All photos courtesy of David Cox/Global Spectrum.