House of Music

Keyshia Cole

Oakland Arena

Oakland, CA

March 28th, 2024

Photos and Review by Alexander Andrade

The Bay Area was treated to a night of pure musical magic as the Love Hard tour made its much-anticipated stop at Oakland Arena on Thursday. Featuring a stellar lineup of R&B royalty including K Michelle, Jaheim, Trey Songz, and Keyshia Cole, the evening promised to be an unforgettable journey through the soulful sounds of the past and present.

The festivities began promptly at 8 PM with the sultry vocals of K Michelle, who graced the stage with an electrifying presence. Amidst announcements of her upcoming ventures, including a foray into country music and a new restaurant in Atlanta, K Michelle set the stage alight with her powerful voice and infectious energy, setting the perfect tone for the evening ahead.

Next up was Jaheim, who emerged in a resplendent all-white tuxedo, accompanied by a troupe of dancers and a live band. Despite a minor hiccup with the microphone settings, Jaheim delivered a mesmerizing performance, captivating the audience with his smooth jazz-infused melodies. As he descended into the crowd to distribute roses during his classic hit “Just in Case,” Jaheim’s connection with his fans became palpable, culminating in a gracious bow to his adoring audience.

During the intermission, the DJ treated concertgoers to a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a medley of 2000s R&B hits, setting the stage for the next act to come.

Trey Songz took the stage amidst cheers and applause, instantly commanding the crowd’s attention with his undeniable charisma. Despite encountering sound issues during “Jupiter Love,” Trey Songz seamlessly transitioned into an impromptu sing-along, showcasing his raw talent and stage presence. From the sensual ambiance of “Panty Dropper” to the infectious energy of “Say Ahh,” Trey Songz enraptured the audience with his dynamic performance, effortlessly blending smooth vocals with electrifying choreography. With each song, the atmosphere became more electrifying, reaching a crescendo as Trey Songz shed his shirt and ignited the crowd with his infectious energy.

Closing out the evening was none other than Oakland’s own Keyshia Cole, who dazzled the audience with her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence. Adorned in a striking all-leather ensemble, Keyshia Cole delivered a show-stopping performance, showcasing her impressive dance moves and heartfelt ballads. As she expressed her gratitude to her loyal fans after two decades in the industry, Keyshia Cole brought out special guests E-40 and Too $hort, adding an extra layer of hometown pride to the evening’s festivities.

Throughout the night, the Love Hard tour proved to be a celebration of soulful rhythms and nostalgic hits, brought to life by a lineup of incredibly talented artists. From K Michelle’s infectious energy to Trey Songz’s electrifying stage presence and Keyshia Cole’s heartfelt performance, the concert was a testament to the enduring power of R&B music. Thanks to the efforts of the Black Promoters Collective, the Bay Area was treated to a night of unforgettable memories and soul-stirring melodies.