Shawn, Wanya, and Nathan made their return to Winnipeg last night showing all their loyal fans that after 18 years, they still got it!
The show started at 8pm as scheduled with Chad Pollett and FLO each opening with a 4 song set. It was an amazing showcase of Winnipeg’s emerging Rnb talents. I look forward to hearing more from these young artists very soon and agree that they have a bright future ahead of them.
Hot 103’s Bubba B hosted and kept the audience intrigued with his natural humour. Dj Hip Notic was on the turntables in between opening acts. The venue, Burton Cummings, was a very small yet intimate space. We had row 15 seats (second row from the back) but had no problems viewing the sweat coming down Wanya’s forehead.
Boyz II men hit the stage at 9:11pm with cuts from various music videos projected behind them. I had wished that a live band had performed, but pre-recorded background tracks were definitely required to fill the void of their fourth member Michael. The set included 3 stools, and 3 mic stands. They opened up with a portion of Motown Philly that brought the audience up and the house down! Also, those synchronized Motown dance moves were off the chain!
Shawn mentioned that even the biggest superstars have problems at the Canadian border. He mentioned that he had “never felt more like a criminal in my life” when commenting about the hold up at the border. Boos would fill the Burton Cummings Theatre as Shawn commented on their experience with the Canadian Custom Agents.
The highlight of the show as when the boys slowed it down with I’ll Make Love To You. Each of the members brought out a handful of roses for the lovely ladies that surrounded the stage. I’ll Make Love To You shattered billboard records by spending 14 weeks at the top of the chart.
The show ended with Wanya addressing the crowd and expressing his deepest gratitude for the support that their loyal fans have had for the past 18 years. This was one of the most touching moments of the concert. You could really feel the emotion in all his words and that they were really truly grateful for the amazing career they’ve had for many years. They wrapped up their concert with a full encore of Motown Philly. The boys didn’t leave without shaking the hands of their adoring fans surrounding the stage.
Photos and a meet and greet were offered to die-hard fans for $30 and were sold at the front lobby after the show. Anyone who purchased a VIP ticket beforehand got the photo and meet and greet for free.
Set List:
Motown Philly
Song from their New Album
On Bended Knee
The Perfect Love Song
4 Season of Loneliness
Motown Classics:
– Tracks of my Tears
– Just My Imagination
– War
– Money (That’s What I Want)
– I’ll be There
Please Don’t Go Away
Water Runs Dry
I’ll Make Love To You
Song For Mama
It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye (Wanya Solo)
End of the Road
ENCORE: Motown Philly
All of this would have not been possible without Kevin Manswell, Donnette Thomas, Ken Odidison, and the Black Ice Entertainment staff. They did an amazing job with gathering the opening lineups, and bringing a legendary act to Winnipeg. The show was flawless and went perfect. I look forward to attending more events produced by Black Ice Entertainment very soon.
Here are photos our official photographer Huy. Special thanks goes out to Henry Quach for acting as a guest photographer for us with such short notice. The photos all turned out amazing!
Huy’s Boyz II Men Photos:
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Henry’s Boyz II Men Photos:
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