Concert Review: Usher at the House of Blues (November 25)

by Misti Day

The House of Blues crowd grew anxious on Tuesday night after waiting nearly an hour for their show to start. As the repeating background music played, both levels filled with fans. With the slightest move of the curtain cheers dissolved the rising tension and, finally, the voice of Usher Raymond IV - better known as the famed R&B-Pop singer Usher - filled the venue.

Tuesday night was the final stop of the "One Night Stand" tour. Back in the city in which he was born, Usher made sure to give the supporting crowd a fulfilling and unpredictable show that he claimed they “would never forget.” An interesting combination of backup singers, dancers, outfit changes, props, lighting and surprising tricks from the crew gave the show an interesting relationship of interaction between the crowd and the performers. Usher continually walked to the edge of the stage and directed his voice towards the top seating area, which helped get everyone involved. Singing and dancing along with all the songs, the crowd enjoyed being part of the show.

The set consisted of songs mainly from his most recent album, Here I Stand, but also incorporated older songs. Before singing “Superstar”, from his 2004 Confessions album, Usher asked for a woman volunteer to come onto stage with him. After picking her out of the many hands raised, he asked her some questions and then serenaded her with the song.

Usher received a few surprises throughout the night from his crew members. Being the last night of the tour, it was obvious they all wanted to make it as fun as possible, thus making Usher laugh was definitely a theme. When the woman volunteer was on the stage, the backup dancers brought out cookies, milk, chicken wings, and juice poking fun at the “romantic” song that was supposed to involve champagne. Usher continued the joke by putting the items into song, teasing the volunteer and laughing the whole time.

Even though it was the end of the tour, energy was everywhere to be found. "Well worth the wait" seemed to be the general consensus of the crowd, evidenced by the laughter and smiles beaming across the room.