If two things are true about summers in Phoenix, they’re as follows: They’re guaranteed to be scorchers, but fans will show up to hear their favorite throwbacks anyway. As proof, the Valley’s Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre was packed for the Hot Summer Nights Tour featuring Shaggy, TLC, En Vogue, and Sean Kingston despite the 100+ degree temps even after the sun had set.
Sean Kingston kicked things off with a tight seven-song setlist of his biggest hits, calling on the “Beautiful Girls” to dance along. Without interjecting commentary, he kept the focus on the music that was back to back bangers from the mid 2000s, while his DJ’s role was crowd engagement.
Funky divas En Vogue were similarly no-nonsense, emerging in matching outfits and going straight into the heavy hitters: “My Lovin'” to “You Don’t Have to Worry” to “Lies.” Perfect harmonies and synchronized choreography showcase the trio’s abilities both as individual performers and as one entity, and the crowd was loving it. (Why wouldn’t you love hearing “Whatta Man” live?)
At this point, the sweltering heat had to be addressed. TLC, after performing five songs, let us know “it’s about 20 degrees hotter” under the lights — “but we’re here anyway!” They gave their backup dancers the floor while their DJ played a medley of dance hits, and they returned to thunderous applause for a closer of “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls.” Even though the duo has been touring for several years after ending their hiatus, it still feels like a triumphant return and an honor to be in the presence of icons.
The crowd was wildly appreciative, and Shaggy slid right in to capitalize and keep the party going. Mr. Boombastic himself was all smooth dance moves and expressive eyebrows slinking through his setlist, playing up the persona as his silky shirt fluttered in the breeze. “Angel” and “Luv Me, Luv Me” were venue-wide singalongs, but of course it was the finale of “It Wasn’t Me” that tied the bow on the performance. Nostalgia satisfied, the crowd dispersed into the hot summer night.
