On Friday, August 17th, the renowned boy band New Kids On The Block presented their Magic Summer Tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. The esteemed DJ Jazzy Jeff and Paula Abdul were the supporting acts on the tour. Upon entering the venue, it was evident that the enthusiastic fans adorned in neon colors were poised to support Donnie Wahlberg, Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood, and the Knight brothers (Jordan and Jon).
In 2015, I attended my inaugural New Kids concert and developed a strong affinity for the band, prompting consistent attendance with my spouse at all subsequent tours. Regrettably, my spouse was unable to attend the most recent show. Consequently, I invited an uninitiated companion to partake in the unique experience of a New Kids concert. This particular tour endeavors to compensate for the shortcomings of the band's performances during their 1990 tour of the same name.
The event commenced promptly, with DJ Jazzy Jeff taking the stage to an enthusiastic reception. He delivered an impressive set encompassing hip-hop, pop classics, rock, and TV themes. Previously having witnessed Jeff's opening act for the GOD MC a few months prior, I noted that his set was distinctly different. Jeff's performance showcased his extensive music knowledge and remarkable capacity to tailor his set to diverse audiences.
Paula Abdul performed next, but unfortunately, her set gave off imitation Vegas vibes. My lack of enthusiasm for her performance was influenced by her opening act for the New Kids on the Block's Total Package Tour in 2017. Nevertheless, her fans were in heaven as Abdul sang all of her hits, including "Straight Up," "Opposites Attract," "Rush Rush," and closed with "Forever Your Girl." Although I wasn't a fan of her performance, credit to Ms. Abdul, who is sixty-two years young and living her best life.
The New Kids' hit the stage at approximately 8:50 with a display of high energy. Their set opened with "Magic" and "Summer Love" from their most recent album, "Still Kids." Although these songs did not initially resonate with me on the album, they displayed exceptional live quality. The performance then transitioned to their classic hits, and the energy was captivating as they performed crowd-pleasers such as "Remix (I Like The)," "The Right Stuff," "Summertime," "My Favorite Girl," and a personal favorite of mine, "Dirty Dancing." The momentum continued as the group interacted with fans during a performance of "Tonight" and immersed themselves in the crowd.
Joey McIntyre showcased his piano proficiency by performing "Where Do I Go from Here?" and "Treat Me Right." To my surprise, the group revisited their third album, "Step By Step," performing numerous songs. However, they omitted the ballad "Funny Feeling" from that album, resulting in a slight loss of appeal. Nonetheless, they compensated by incorporating slow jams such as "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)," "Valentine Girl," and "Please Don't Go Girl" in the setlist.
DJ Jazzy Jeff reappeared on stage to accompany the group in performances of additional songs from their new album. The evening culminated with renditions of three of the group's signature songs: "I'll Be Loving You Forever," "Hanging Tough," and "Step By Step." The absence of material from "Face The Music," their notable 1994 album, was my only issue with the show.
After thirty-six years in their career, the group exhibits unwavering momentum, and I eagerly anticipate their next tour.
Final Grade: A-
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