Encore at the Wynn Theatre | Las Vegas NV
NE4Life!
Let me set the stage for you: November 1, 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada. The iconic city of lights and entertainment was buzzing with a special kind of magic that night, and it wasn’t just because of the slot machines and neon signs. Nope, this was all about New Edition’s residency—a show I’d been trying to get into ALL YEAR LONG. Every stint, tickets vanished faster than a Vegas Mirage, leaving me empty-handed. But THIS time, oh, this time, the stars aligned! I scored my golden ticket, and though it wasn’t up front and center like I’d normally get, it didn’t matter. I was in the house!
And what a house it was. About a week before the show, I got an email that nearly knocked me off my chair: This show was being filmed for a future project! Say what?! Knowing this added a whole new layer of excitement. Not only was I about to experience NE’s magic live, but I’d also be part of something BIGGER.
Fast forward to show night. Picture this: the energy in the venue was electric, the crowd buzzing like we’d all just hit the jackpot (because let’s face it, we had). When those lights dimmed and the first notes hit, I swear I could feel the Earth tilt slightly. NE kicked things off with a classic medley that had everyone on their feet, belting out lyrics like our lives depended on it.
But wait—there was more! They threw in a surprise homage to one of my all-time favorite groups, The Spinners. Now, if you know, you KNOW how much The Spinners’ hits can stir the soul. NE’s medley was a masterful tribute that had me smiling from ear to ear. Just when I thought my heart couldn’t take any more, it happened. The moment I’d been waiting for at every NE show I’ve attended in the last decade: Johnny Gill’s “This One’s For Me and You.” This gem from his 2014 Game Changer album, featuring NE, is an instant classic. When the first beat dropped, I nearly lost it. Imagine a full-on fan meltdown, because that was me. It was a whole vibe!
But the surprises didn’t stop there. At the end of the show, NE’s legendary choreographer (and uncle to Ronnie DeVoe), Brooke Payne came out to deliver the news: filming for the project wasn’t quite wrapped up, and we needed to bring our A-game energy for a redo. Challenge accepted! The crowd gave it everything, and NE, being the legends they are, fed that energy right back to us tenfold.
Let me not gloss over the rest of the night because, as any NE fan knows, their concerts are like getting five in one. New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant & Johnny Gill. Each member delivered their signature flair, reminding us why they’ve been the blueprint for over 40 years. They’re masters of their craft, each set dripping with style, heart, and history. From the soaring harmonies to the synchronized dance moves that defy time, NE proved once again why we’ll always be NE4Lifers. And this show? It was more than just a concert; it was a moment in history.
Here’s to 40+ years of greatness, and here’s to that future project—I’ll be watching, knowing I was part of the magic that night in Vegas. Because when New Edition’s in the building, it’s not just a show; it’s an experience. No matter how many times you see a New Edition show…it’s like the first time over and over again!🎤✨
