On a sultry summer night with temps flirting with 100 degrees on July 17, the Dell Music Center in Philadelphia transformed into a sanctuary of soul, swag, and serious vocal power. The evening promised magic — and it overdelivered. Headlined by the legendary En Vogue and rising star October London, the stage was also blessed by hometown heroes Laurin Talese, Carol Riddick, and the unstoppable Sixers Stixers drumline.
Laurin Talese: A Star Steps Into the Spotlight
Opening the night, Philadelphia’s own Laurin Talese graced the stage with a presence and voice that immediately commanded attention. Channeling a vibe reminiscent of Jill Scott, her powerful, buttery vocals soared across the amphitheater, effortlessly warming the crowd and setting the tone for a night steeped in authentic R&B. It was clear from her first note — she’s not just a newcomer, she’s next up.
Carol Riddick: Pure Philly Soul, Front and Center
Next, Carol Riddick brought all the Philly flavor you could ask for, offering up a set that felt like a masterclass in soul music. From her sultry cover of The Isley Brothers’ “Atlantis” to an electrifying tribute medley honoring local legends, she had the audience in the palm of her hand. Singing along to Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows,” Patti LaBelle’s “If Only You Knew,” Teddy Pendergrass’ “Come On and Go With Me,” Hall & Oates’ “Sara Smile,” and Frankie Beverly’s “We Are One” — the crowd was locked in, living every lyric. And just when we thought it couldn’t get more Philly, she brought out the Sixers Stixers, the official 76ers drumline, who lit up the stage with their signature percussive flair.
October London: Cool, Confident, and Classic
Then came October London — stepping onto the stage like a modern-day crooner with cigar in hand, a bottle of spirits, and smooth charisma to spare. His velvety voice melted into the night as he rolled through his catalog, including crowd favorites “Mulholland Drive” and his smash “My Place.” But what made his set unforgettable was the way he paid tribute to the giants who came before him — pausing to give Marvin Gaye his flowers before diving into a medley of “Sexual Healing,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Distant Lover.” The crowd swayed, swooned, and sang every word.
In a bold moment of crowd connection, London called off security, urging them to ease up and let people feel the music. He asked everyone to light up the night with their phones, joking about Android users lagging behind — and the audience roared with laughter. He sipped, he smoked, he sang his soul out. And as he declared, “This ain’t no autotune *ish — R&B is alive autoune is dead,” he proved it with vocals so pure, so flawless, they shook the foundation. Every note was pitch perfect. Every moment? A vibe.
En Vogue: Timeless, Fierce, and Flawless
Finally, the queens — En Vogue — took the stage and left no doubt that they are still at the top of their game. Looking radiant and moving like they haven’t missed a step, the trio dazzled from the moment they appeared. Their voices? Still pristine. Their energy? Unmatched. The crowd was on its feet the entire time, belting out every word to hits like “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” “Don’t Let Go (Love),” and more. En Vogue didn’t just perform — they owned the night. Pure class, pure fire, pure power.
It wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of R&B — past, present, and future. Under a humid Philly sky, legends honored legends, newcomers proved their worth, and every performer left a piece of their soul on that stage. The Dell Music Center turned into a temple of groove and gratitude, and for those who were lucky enough to be there, it was one for the books.
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