Bell Biv Devoe Unity Concert Benefit
Concert Date: September 7, 2017
Location: City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA
I first discovered Bell Biv Devoe (BBD) after I watched the New Edition miniseries on BET. And I became an even bigger fan after seeing BBD live in Boston.
Concert For A Cause
This concert was particularly special because not only did the concert take place in Bell Biv Devoe’s hometown of Boston, but also it was a fundraiser benefiting Houston schools and children impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Admissions was free but the audience was encouraged to donate school supplies.
The Venue
The concert was outdoors in the Boston City Hall Plaza in September, which worked out perfectly. It was the end of summer so it was not too hot. And it was the beginning of the fall but it was too cold. Definitely made standing outside in the crowds tolerable.
Of course I got there early so I could stand closer to the front, near the stage. I was even lucky to meet Bell Biv Devoe’s choreographer and New Edition founder, Brooke Payne.
The Show
The show started with Ricky, Ronnie and Mike entering the stage with fire in their bodies! BBD definitely knew how to energize the crowd. They performed a mixture of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe songs including Mr.Telephone Man and Poison. Despite their age, their choreography was on point and moved all over the stage.
My favorite performance was “When I See You Smile Again”. Ricky really put his whole heart into the song with his lead vocals. He even held my hand and I didn’t want to let go!
There was also a moment during the concert where a woman in the crowd fainted and Bell Biv Devoe had to pause the whole concert. She was probably really feeling the concert and the moment overwhelmed her. Or she got dehydrated. We never found out why she fainted. However, BBD were very accommodating and ended up bringing the woman onstage. Ronnie encouraged everyone to bring “positive energy” to the fainted woman as they tried to wake her back up. Miraculously, the woman did wake back up and they gave her some water and she felt better. BBD was able to continue the show. I was worried they would have to skip some songs.
Their finale performance of their hit song “Poison” was truly special. They invited kids and teens to join them on stage and show off their hip hop moves. It really brought the community together and the kids clearly had fun. This was definitely NOT my last Bell Biv Devoe concert!
