The Ludlow Garage | Cincinnati OH
They May Not Know... But We Do!
It had been a minute since I last saw Jon B live, but when I heard he was coming to Cincinnati to perform at the Ludlow Garage, I knew I had to be in the building. I mean, come on—this man has been serenading our souls for three decades, and he still moves the room with the same smooth energy that made us all fall in love with his sound from day one.
Let me say it plain: Jon B is a bonafide blue-eyed R&B soul artist. And yes, that play on words was very intentional because this night, May 23rd marked the 30th anniversary of his debut album Bonafide. That’s right—30 years! Where did the time go?
From the first note, it was clear that time hadn’t touched his voice. Still silky. Still effortless. Still that comfortable, confident swag we ladies love about him. At one point during the show, Jon shared that he’s been married for 18 years to his cocoa brown queen and together they’re raising two little princesses—although, he joked with a smile, they might be a lighter brown. 😂 It was a sweet and funny moment that made us love him even more. He was cool, humble, and connected—letting us know straight up that he came before JT and Robin Thicke. That R&B is in his blood and that we, the Black audience, raised him. And the way he said it? So respectful, so grounded—we weren’t offended in the slightest. Why would we be, when he was just telling the truth?
We, the day ones, watched Jon grow from the beginning, way back when Bonafide hit and gave us that unforgettable slow jam realness. And after all the shows I’ve seen since my first time in 2011, this night felt extra special. He had a full band this time, and baby, it made a difference.
Jon was, of course, on keys, and he was joined by a drummer, a guitarist, and two beautiful background vocalists—both cocoa brown queens who matched his energy with pure vocal power. One of my favorite moments of the night was when Jon performed “Overjoyed”—his duet with Faith Evans—but this time, with one of his BG vocalists. Whew! That song is already a favorite of mine, but hearing it live like that? Heaven. The other duet featured his second background singer on a song from his new album (forgive me, Jon—the title escapes me!), and it was just as smooth and soulful.
Of course, he gave us the classics—the hits that made the crowd go wild and had me singing like I was in my own living room. He brought the house down with songs like:
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“Someone to Love”
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“They Don’t Know”
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“Are U Still Down”
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“Don’t Talk”
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“I Do”
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“Cool Relax”
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“I Ain’t Going Out”
Each one had the crowd swaying, clapping, and straight up testifying. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a vibe.
And let me tell you, I was not about to miss it this time. The last time Jon was at Ludlow Garage, he sold out so fast they had to add another night—and that one sold out too before I even had a chance to grab tickets. So when this show was announced, I was ready and got my ticket on day one! Best. Decision. Ever. The energy, the live band, the connection—it was truly a whole vibe and then some.
Seeing Jon B again was more than a night out—it was a moment that reminded me why I fell in love with R&B in the first place. His voice just makes you feel good… period. And yes, let’s not ignore the obvious—Jon is still fine. Like, real fine. Ain’t nothing changed.
We were all hoping he’d come back out to meet fans after the show—I was definitely crossing my fingers for an updated pic since I had the chance to meet him back in 2011—but no such luck this time around. Still, that memory holds strong.
Jon, if you ever read this: the way you brought it in Cincy? I’m ready for you to bring it again, and you already know I’ll be there.
