Bell Biv Devoe, En Vogue & SWV – Mann Center for the Performing Arts – Philadelphia, PA – June 1

Updated: Jun 27, 2022

Bell Biv Devoe, En Vogue & SWV – Mann Center for the Performing Arts – Philadelphia, PA – June 1, 2017

Poisonous beats infected The Mann last week as Bell Biv DeVoe brought their classic 1990’s hip-hop out as headliners on a stacked three band bill with En Vogue and SWV.

Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe still have the slick voices and harmonies to woo anyone to sway to their beats. The crowd, which certainly enjoyed the two openers, leapt to its feet and stormed to the front of the stage to get as close to these Boston natives as possible. And the song “Poison” still delivers a beat unlike anything before or since.

En Vogue, with a deep catalog and voices that have not aged one bit, put on a phenomenal mini set. “Whatta Man” and “Free Your Mind” stirred up memories of the previous millennium, yet also have stood the test of time as they were live knockouts, among many other songs.

Opening the night was SWV (Sisters with Voices). Another awesome trio of harmonies, they treated early-comers to a delicious slice of their oeuvre. From beginning to end, this night was one that stirred up memories and showed that the music of our past can stand the test of time.

Chris Sikich