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Review By: Janel Spiegel
Concert Review: Janet Jackson
Together Again Tour 2023
Featuring Lil’ Kim
PPL Center
701 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
The city of Allentown was in rare form on such a beautiful evening, as the PPL Center welcomed the ICON that is Janet Jackson. Janet Jackson has an album catalog that is so legendary. I’m pretty sure, no, I’m positive there isn’t a being or a soul in the whole galaxy that doesn’t know at least ten Janet Jackson songs. Janet Jackson is also celebrating fifty years in the music industry. Imagine that. There are few artists that can say that. Stevie Wonder, Cher, and Willie Nelson, just to name a few. Janet stands on her own.
The Allentown Police and PPL Center Security and staff were helping everyone make their way into the PPL Center. The PPL Center is always prepared. I parked my car, and walked around the Arts Walk and there was a band playing Jackson 5 songs. People were enjoying the nice weather, taking in the sunshine, or at least I was. There are certain songs that you hear, and you just know the song. It brings back a memory. I wound up talking to a bunch of different people, as usual. People came from all over to see Janet Jackson. She is sort of like a mythical being. You see her, she’s been on television forever but to see her in person, it’s wild.
The Queen Bee herself opened for Janet Jackson. Lil’ Kim opened the show, and they started almost right at 7:45. Lil’ Kim said she was glad to be back onstage. She just performed at the Lovers & Friends concert with quite an iconic line-up. Lil’ Kim talked about The Notorious B.I.G., and how his birthday is coming up. (Happy Birthday May 21, 2023 B.I.G.). She was interacting with the fans, and she performed some of her biggest hits. Lil’ Kim performed everything from “Get Money” (Notorious B.I.G. & Lil’ Kim (Junior M.A.F.I.A.) to “Magic Stick.” She also paid homage to Michael Jackson and to Janet. Lil’ Kim also performed “Crush on You.” “Crush On You” made the crowd go wild. It’s a classic song.
The crew was setting up the stage while music played. Everything from the Jackson 5 to Naughty by Nature. They changed the stage for Janet, and the anticipation was building. The crowd was excited and most of us just wanted to celebrate and forget about everyday life. That’s what concerts are, they make you forget about life, and all the worries. People connect with music. As soon as the lights went down, and the music started, the crowd erupted like a volcano. I’m not surprised if New Jersey heard us.
Janet Jackson is part of one of the most iconic families in history, but she became THEE ICON! Janet “No, my first name ain’t baby. It’s Janet… Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty” Jackson. (That’s from “Nasty”) Janet Jackson appeared on stage. The crowd was ecstatic, and full of energy. Janet’s energy is contagious, she has this kindness, and, a I don’t put up with no nonsense energy about her. She commanded the stage. I’ve never been to a concert where someone had every person in the venue just mesmerized. Janet Jackson performed everything from
“Damita Jo”, “Together Again”, “Got ‘til It’s Gone”, “That’s The Way Love Goes” (I thought I was going to melt into the floor.)
Her second act was just as energetic, and filled with love and she interacted with the fans. She did “Control”, “Because of Love”, “The Best Things in Life Are Free”, “Again”, and “Any Time, Any Place” (I’m pretty sure some people will wind up having babies after tonight.) Janet changed ensembles a few times. There was a bit of an intermission, and if you’re wondering if Janet did her legendary choreography?!!! She DID, and it was BEYOND amazing. So many people in the crowd were dancing along with Janet.
She performed “What’s It Gonna Be?!” – a cover song from the one and only, Busta Rhymes. Busta Rhymes joined Janet in New York at Madison Square Garden. There were a few new songs, some mixes, and Janet’s DJ was great. The energy of the crowd, no one sat down. There were no breaks for us, we wanted to keep up with that energy Janet has. Janet’s last act included “Miss You Much”, “Escapade” – which, OH THAT SONG! That song makes my soul melt.
Then, THEN…. THEN! The lights dimmed for one of the greatest collaborations EVER started It was Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, Janet performed “Scream” with her beloved brother Michael Jackson on the screens. The PPL Center sounded like there was an earthquake, the audience just screamed, and sang their souls out. Janet Jackson reminded everyone why she is the greatest entertainer of all-time.
Janet also performed “Rhythm Nation” in which I had to call one of my best friends who is like a sister to me. (Hi Naddyia) It was one of my favorite concert moments ever. To hear RHYTHM NATION, live, and have an entire venue of people singing along, and dancing along, it was unforgettable. Janet thanked the fans, she told everyone she loves them. The crowd was so excited, and still full of energy. The chanting started. You KNOW the chanting, if you’ve been to a concert. I’ve never been so proud of my fellow Lehigh Valley/Allentown, and people who came from all walks of life. They started the “Janet” and “One More Song” chant. The PPL Center was rumbling.
Janet did come back onstage. She sang one more song, and made a crowd of people so happy. This show was amazing. It was one of the best concerts I’ve seen, and I’ve been so fortunate and grateful to have seen so many different artists everywhere and anywhere. Janet Jackson we will “Miss You Much”, and we hope you will visit Allentown “Again.”
(I went on my own to this concert and I wanted to write this. I wanted to share this experience. This was unforgettable. If you ever get a chance to go to one of her songs, RUN, GO!
