Riverbend Music Center | Cincinnati OH
Together Again Part 2!
This was a night my friends and I had been looking forward to for months! We were finally going to see Janet Jackson live in concert in Cincinnati, Ohio. You’d think we had never seen her before 😂 , however, adding to our excitement, Nelly was set to open the show, promising a night of unforgettable music and entertainment.
“Club Derrty” was set and Nelly got the party started, hitting the stage with all his greatest hits. From “Hot in Herre” to “Ride Wit Me,” he had the crowd hyped and singing along. We enjoyed every minute of his performance, though a part of us was hoping for a surprise appearance from Ashanti, baby bump and all. That didn’t happen, but it didn’t dampen the energy one bit. Another wishful moment was hoping Nelly and Janet would perform their song “Call on Me” together. Unfortunately, that also didn’t come to pass…and it would have been EPIC I tell ya! Do you hear me Ms Jackson? Listen to your big Sis 😉😂
After Nelly finished, and the DJ bumped music to pass the time as the anticipation built for the main event. THEN…the lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The song “Jus Dance” by Mr V. played as Janet’s dancers made their moves along the stage getting us ready. It was a song I had never heard before, but I was digging it. It was a great beginning as Ms Janet finally took the stage! From this point, it was on! Janet came to slay and we were here, on our feet and ready for it all!
Janet’s set was energetic with strategic wardrobe changes while showcasing hits from almost every album in her illustrious career, performing at least 30 songs!! She repped Control (1986), Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), janet (1993), Design of a Decade (1995), The Velvet Rope (1997), All for You (2001), Damita Jo (2004), 20 Y.O. (2006), Discipline (2008), Number Ones (2009), and Unbreakable (2015). It was a special treat to hear songs I, personally had never heard live before.
She even changed up the choreography a bit here and there, keeping things fresh and exciting. There’s no need, but I’ll say it anyway…Janet looked fabulous, exuding style, confidence and sex appeal…all while being fully dressed.
A minor, personal annoyance…Okay, so as long as it took me back in the day to coordinate and perfect my fingers for the “5-4-3-2-1” countdown for Rhythm Nation and was ready to show my skills in unison with her…she didn’t do that part!! She did the song, but my fingers were ready to perform too!😂
The most emotional part of the evening for me was when she performed “Scream.” Yes, she has performed it during every tour since his death, but still….when I see Michael Jackson on the background screen, it’s always a moment that brings me close to tears. I do wish she had done the choreography like in the video, but then again….that was some years ago, so I’m not mad if she wasn’t about to get down like that. The fact she still honors her brother in this way makes me happy.
Overall, the concert was almost three hours of nonstop music that left us exhilarated and wanting more. Nelly brought it and Janet Jackson proved once again why she is a music icon, delivering a show that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new. It was a night of pure fun and music magic! Even though she could almost send her child to college on my concert investments, I can’t wait for the next opportunity to see her live again.
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