Sunday night concert at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, headlining NKOTB and featuring 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men turned out to be more than I bargained for, in more ways than one. Even though I went mostly for 98 Degrees, NKOTB put on a lively eye-catching show with great music and cool dance moves.
Boyz II Men was the first band to perform, and all 3 members were dressed smartly in white. My favorite song that they sang was “Water Runs Dry” which showcased their smooth deep voices and perfect harmonies. I also enjoyed “On Bended Knee” beautifully, with red roses and yes, on bended knee.
Next, 98 Degrees came out in all their handsome boy band glory decked in jeans and a vest, which they soon enough shed off to reveal their buff muscle figures in white tank tops. They sang all of their hits and sounded amazing. I was especially jealous when they each brought a girl on stage to serenade them “I Do (Cherish You),” hugging and putting their arms around them throughout.
There was a short break, then NKOTB came out and thoroughly entertained us for the next 2 hours! They managed to do quite a few costume changes seemingly on the fly and used raising platforms that made the stage look like a spaceship; fire; falling sparklers; big white balloons; neon flashing lights of blue, pink, green, yellow…
They also gave energetic dancing, pelvic thrusts, revealing abs and chest, as well as Donnie’s out of the blue make out session with a fan while he was writhing around on the floor of the stage. Their songs were catchy and fun, and some of their slower, more romantic ballads really showed that they (Jordan Knight especially, who was my favorite) could sing.
I enjoyed it when they took the time to slow down a little, with an acoustic band and do an acoustic medley with snippets from hit songs, such as “Single,” “I Remember When” and “Tender Love.” Then, amped it up a little with “Hot in Here” and paid tribute to New York with a cover of “Empire State of Mind” which earned thunderous applause and singing along.
Also, since it was Father’s Day, Joey McIntyre came out with his little blond grandson (I believe),who cried out, “What’s up Brooklyn” to all of us and was too adorable singing and dancing with the rest of the boys for one song.
Here is a Set List of the entire concert, courtesy of NKOTB News Blog.
Afterwards, my friend and I headed out, a little surprised that we had so much fun and a bit giddy from the excitement. As we were exiting, I felt a sudden headache, my legs felt weak and I was unable to walk straight so I grabbed hold of my friend who led me to sit down by the stairs. The attendant radioed for security, who brought me to the EMT who took some quick tests and suggested I go to the hospital to get checked out. I finally decided I should go and thankfully my friend rode with me in the ambulance and stayed by my side the whole way through, which was such a comfort, providing me with good conversation, making me laugh and sharing healthy snacks.
The folks at the emergency room joked that it must’ve been Nick Lachey (98 Degrees) or Jordan Knight (NKOTB) taking his shirt off that caused this… After several tests and a CT scan, everything looked fine and the doctor told me that vertigo may have been the cause of my sudden headache.
After a day of rest off work, I feel much better now and despite the hospital visit, had such a great time at “The Package Tour” Concert, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
Dress, Dine & Sparkle 