Photos and Review by Natasha Lewandowski
Mary J. Blige brought down the house with her “For My Fans” tour in Buffalo, NY on Saturday March 22nd. She brought with her openers Mario and Ne-Yo.
After seeing her live, I can understand why Mary J. Blige is considered one of the most influential and successful R&B and hip-hop artists of all time. She is an incredibly strong female role model known for her emotional depth, strength, and ability to overcome adversity. Her songs speak to this theme. The title of her set opener, “Take Me as I Am,” details the challenges Blige has faced and how she has overcome them and it still here, like it or not.
Her voice is incredible, and her range is astonishing, sometimes like smooth velvet with a jazz sound and at other times commanding, powerful and even angry. She managed the R&B vocals flawlessly on “Love No Limit” and “You Bring Me Joy” and she had no problem hitting the deeper notes on “You Ain’t the Only One.” She had the entire crowd singing along to well-known hits, “Everything” “Not Gon’ Cry” and “No More Drama.” She showed off her hip hop skills with “The One” and “Da Rockwilder.”
She has so many hits. It was a fun throwback to listen to the music she has put out over the past thirty-three years. Blige moved around the stage engaging her fans and connecting with them on an emotional level. I must believe that every single person in attendance left the show feeling inspired and empowered by what Mary J. Blige brings to her live performance. She ended the evening with, arguably, her biggest hit, “Family Affair” leaving the audience chanting for more. If you have never seen Mary J. Blige live, you are missing out. Definitely check her out if you get a chance.
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