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R&B's bright future

Miguel/ Tory Lanez/ JR Castro
Centennial Hall, University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
February 27, 2016
Miguel
Miguel
Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez
Miguel
Miguel

Review and photos by Mary Andrews

This was a night for rising stars and the Hot 98.3 went all the way with this show. The show package included a meet and greet backstage with all of the performers, JR Castro, Tory Lanez, and Miguel for lucky Hot 98.3 listeners. There were photo ops and autographs that added more for a memorable night.

On stage, Las Vegas native, JR Castro, had a thirty-minute set of his R&B songs. The tall, charismatic singer performed his big hit, "Get Home." The singer/songwriter admits that the song's 'X-rated' lyrics "takes off all of the disguises and gives you the raw, naked truth of what's really going to happen." Castro may be the singer who injects new life into a genre that needs some new voices.

Hip-hop and R&B singer Tory Lanez kept the momentum going. From the first moment he took the stage, he was on FIRE! He prefers his fans up close and invited everyone to come neareer to the stage. He left the stage and hopped up on the barricade in front of the pit section and performed most of the show either running from one end of the wall or crowd surfing. The man has no fear and the fans loved it. His "swavey" style of music set the bar for Miguel later in the show.

The roar of the crowd marked Miguel's highly anticipated appearance of the night. This year has been huge for Miguel with the release of his third album, the critically acclaimed Wildheart and his tour of the same name to support his new album. By the fans raucous reception for the R&B star, it may be safe to say that Miguel is succeeding in taking over Prince's spot as an innovative and flamboyant figure in rock, R&B, soul, hip hop, jazz, and pop. Miguel's lyrics are intimate and they speak to today's youth and that is important.

Miguel was sporting a feather-fringed, cream-colored, leather jacket, white jeans, and brown boots. His clear, precise vocals soared throughout the venue creating an electric pandemonium for the whole show. There was a lot of choreography displayed during the performance and the long feathers on his jacket seemed to morph into an angelic bird-like figure at times.

After the third song, Miguel spoke, "Are you here to have a good time or what? Are you Wildcats? (Wildcats are University Of Arizona sports team). Then, it is no coincidence. I'm a Wild Heart!" As he spoke between songs, it seemed that he cared about his fans and what is going on politically in the world today. "I'm not ordinary, but the way I see it, neither are you. Beware of those who do not dream in color. Pay attention and read. Please stop listening to what is being said. Pay more attention. Taking people's freedoms away doesn't sound like a free country to me. Things will change before you realize it." The statements were in reference to our upcoming elections. Regardless of any statements that were made, this was a very uplifting show filled with love and joy.

During one of the songs, Miguel's ring went flying off his finger into the audience. This was obviously not deliberate. After the song, he said, "Somebody has my ring. You can hold on to it for a little while, but I want it back." I'm not sure if he got it back.

It is hard to predict the future for Miguel. However, if he remains grounded and continues writing music on par with what he has produced thus far, superstardom is certainly a probability for Miguel. This show was a home run!

Related articles:

Drake / Miguel - Concert review - Chicago, Il - December 2013

Selist:
1. Simple Things
2. Sure Thing
3. a beautiful exit
4. ...goingtohell
5. Hollywood Dreams
6. leaves
7. Don't Stop
8. All I Want Is You
9. Drugs
10. Quickie
11. face the sun

Encore:
13. coffee
14. How Many Drinks?
15. Adorn
Miguel
Miguel
Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel
Miguel

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