Fresh off headlining performances in London and at the Squamish Valley Music Festival, neo-soul legend D’Angelo will grace Portland’s quaint Crystal Ballroom with his presence on Sunday, August 9.
The singer-songwriter expedited the release of “Black Messiah” in order to reach audiences following the cases in Ferguson and the murder of Eric Garner. D’Angelo stunned at the Apollo Theater, and during an appearance at Saturday Night Live in February, and then hit the road in June.
Backed by The Vanguard, the singer will reportedly undergo several costume changes in contrast to his insanely famous—and might I add beefy—Birthday suit from the “Untitled (How Does it Feel)” music video. The 2000 release casts D’Angelo in the role of a real-life sex symbol, which caused him feelings of self-consciousness and made him question whether it really was his music that his fans so severely adored.
Even after a 14-year sabbatical, there will undoubtedly be some squealing ladies with sharp memories in the crowd on Friday. But the album sales from “Black Messiah” do not lie. Inspired by Prince, Black Messiah and The Second Coming tour showcase the neo-soul singer’s musical control by having him perform on three instruments (guitar, keys, voice), and you’ll notice him giving musicality cues to his 10-piece Vanguard during the set. He is expected to perform the album almost entirely, as well as some deeper cuts like “Lady,” “Cruisin’,” and “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”.
Doors at 7:30, 8:30 show.
This is 21+ event.
$59.95 advance; $65 day of show First-hand tickets have sold out, but there’s always StubHub!
Cover: D’Angelo on stage in Oakland. Photo by Ashleigh Reddy.