Jazmine Sullivan comes to Genesee Theatre in Waukegan

Jazmine Sullivan was at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan this past weekend. I was out of town, so I couldn't make it to give a good review. I hear there were people that didn't even know she was coming to town, so i'm not sure if the house was packed or not. I did manage to get some reviews from a few people that went though. So check these out and hopefully I can get to the next big show at the Genesee.

Margie wrote:
The concert was nice. Not as packed as I thought it would be, but it was straight. Maybe if they had some acts that had more then 1 or 2 songs. BUT, Jasmine blew it up with her live band. She sounded greatttt! You know how some people get on stage and you are like wtf! She did an awesome job. I got to go backstage and she is a very sweet person also. So if I had to rate it on a scale of 1 - 10, I would give it a 7. The after parties sucked. Seem like nobody went to either one. I didn't even go. Ya'll should have thrown a party real talk. Peace, love & all that jazz.

Shanda wrote:
On a 5 star scale, I'd give her performance a 4. Her vocals were great..all songs sounded as good if not better than her recordings. The band was on point...back up singers and all. The only improvements I would have liked are: greater variety...her singing songs other than those on her album, some sort of interaction with the audience, and a longer performance..she only sang about 5 cuts. The other acts were decent too...Cash City, Rain, Ben One and Jeremih. Leon Rogers was FUNNY but a bit much for the kids. I guess if their mommas let em come see the 'birthday sex' dude all bets are off - lol.

Krystal wrote:
Jazmine Sullivan’s performance Saturday night at the Genesee Theatre solidified why this newcomer is a force to be reckoned with in the R&B/Soul arena. Performing songs from her debut album, “Fearless,” the Grammy-nominated artist was backed by a four-piece band and two back-up singers. After walking out onto a spotlited stage á la jazz cafe, Sullivan broke the performance’s ice with her second single, “Bust Your Windows” before venturing into the inspirational and encouraging “Dream Big.” In the tradition of a true entertainer, Sullivan connected intimately with her audience during “After the Hurricane,” telling of the projectile path her voice put her on at the age of three, which led to a record deal at age 15.

Sullivan’s signature honey-coated vocals were especially flavorful on her sing-a-long ballad, “Lions, Tigers & Bears,” where she reveals her vulnerability in love. The audience eagerly responded to her confession with a cell-phone vigil. It was during this song that Sullivan demonstrated why she is a top contender, effortlessly climbing up and down the vocal ladder reminiscent of Kim Burrell’s gospel-tinged riffs. The 1960’s-influenced “One Night Stand” and “Switch” provided a light-hearted alternative to her more serious selections, and Sullivan soulfully apologizes for an indiscretion of the heart on “In Love With Another Man.” With the way she uses her voice to bare her soul, her soon-to-be-ex has no choice but to accept her apology.

At this point Sullivan announces that this is her final song, only to be met with objection and the overwhelming demand for her signature anthem, the reggae-laced “Need You Bad.” Hearing a live version of “Need You Bad” makes you quickly realize that the radio simply does not do this song justice. The live, heavy thumping bass and the keyboards define the acoustics and flow through one’s body as the blazing electric guitar takes over toward the end of the song. With a sea of hands waving in the air, the audience is satisfied, yet still begging for more as we simply have not gotten enough of Ms. Jazmine.

Sullivan’s performance Saturday night was nothing short of extraordinary. She makes you forget that she is a relative newcomer. Sullivan’s confidence and the ability to connect with her audience disguises her as a seasoned veteran. Also a gifted songwriter, this soulful siren is a force to be reckoned with. If she remains “fearless” Jazmine Sullivan will definitely be around for a while.

If you went to the show too, please post your thoughts....

Jazmine Sullivan comes to Genesee Theatre in Waukegan