Year in Review: Best Concerts of 2016
December 20, 2016
There's nothing like going to a good show, seeing an artist you've been following live in concert. Over the course of the year we had the opportunity to see some pretty cool shows. From Chance The Rapper and Mick Jenkins, to Chic Corea and Usher, 808s and Jazz Breaks ranks some of the year's best shows we've attended.
15. DJ Khaled — Made In America
Location: Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
DJ Khaled can throw a party. Inviting Philly Legend, Freeway, Jay Electronica, and others on stage, DJ Khaled had the Parkway rocking!
14. Hillsong — Outcry Tour
Location: BOK Center, Tulsa, OK
No group has been been more influential in shaping the sound of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) as Hillsong. Embarking on a world tour, Hillsong brought their eclectic brand of music to Tulsa's BOK Center.
12. Willow Smith — Roots Picnic
Location: Festival Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Roots Picnic Instagram
I didn't really know what to expect from Willow Smith when I saw she was on the lineup for the 9th annual Roots Picnic. I mean, my only exposure to Willow was Whip My Hair. But, whatever expectations I had for her prior to The Picnic were exceeded, as Willow performed a phenomenal show! And to cap off the set, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff joined Willow on stage to perform Summertime, in Philly, during the Summer . . . the crowd went CRAZY!
11. Kaytranada — Roots Picnic
Location: Festival Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Merging House, Hip-Hop, Soca, and R&B, Kaytranada's taken 2016 by storm. Following the release of his debut album 99.9%, Kaytranada played a DJ Set at this summer's Roots Picnic, as the crowd did the electric slide and danced along to Kaytranada's beats.
10. Christian Scott
Location: SOUTH Jazz Lounge, Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Ralston Smith
Since the beginning of Christian Scott's career, Scott has made it a point to merge his cultural upbringing as a New Orleans native, Native American background, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Combining all of the aforementioned elements, Scott put on an excellent show in Philly.
9. Mick Jenkins — Quest For Love Tour
Location: The Foundry at The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
Though young, Jenkins displays excellent showmanship and high performance intelligence. Following the release of his debut album The Healing Component (THC) Jenkins set out on the road. In October Jenkins' tour made its stop in Philadelphia.
8. Chic Corea — 75th Birthday Celebration
Location: The Blue Note Jazz Club, New York, NY
Chic Corea is one of the greatest pianists ever. At 75 with 22-Grammys under his belt what's left to prove? Well, nothing. Corea's passion and zeal for music was on full display as he played a month long residency at the historic Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan.
7. Anderson .Paak — Roots Picnic
Location: Festival Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Roots Picnic Instagram Account
Anderson .Paak's had one of the best years in 2016. Following the release of his album, Malibu in January .Paak's been working non-stop. In June .Paak stopped by The Roots Picnic, giving the crowd all it could handle, dancing, singing, and playing drums.
6. Usher — Roots Picnic
Location: Roots Picnic, Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Roots Picnic, Instagram
With a discography spanning more than 20 years, Usher's solidified himself as an R&B legend. Backed by the Legendary Roots Crew, Usher played the hits as he headlined the 9th annual Roots Picnic.
5. GARY CLARK JR. — MADE IN AMERICA
Location: Ben Franklin Parway, Philadelphia, PA
Photo: Gary Clark Jr. Instagram Account
The Blues have all but disappeared from popular music. But, there's still hope because of Gary Clark Jr. In the tradition of B.B. King, Albert King, and Muddy Waters, Gary Clark Jr. played a phenomenal set at Made In America.
4. COLDPLAY — MADE IN AMERICA
Location: Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pa
Headlining Day 2 of Made In America, Coldplay gave the festival a spirited performance. Accompanied by a light show, lead singer Chris Martin danced from one end of the stage to the next, as they played music from their discography spanning 20 years.
3. Kirk Franklin — 20 Years In One Night
Location: The Criterion, Oklahoma City, OK
For some, Kirk Franklin is an artist that pushes the envelope, and tries too hard to fit in. For others, he's a musical genius and brilliant songwriter. I happen to fall on the end of the spectrum that thinks he's a genius. With a discography spanning more than 20 years, Kirk Franklin embarked on celebratory tour in 2016.
2. Chance The Rapper — Made In America
Location: Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Few artists perform with the energy, joy, and excitement as Chance The Rapper. Accompanied by the Social Experiment, Chance performed music from mixtapes, 10 Day, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book. And in many ways upstaging the headliner, Coldplay.
1. Tye Tribbett — Live Recording/GA Reunion
Location: The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
Most concerts last about an hour and a half. If you get your money's worth, 2 hours. Well, in July Tye Tribbett put on a 3 hour concert split between a live recording, and a reunion concert. Performing in both sets, Tribbett never missed a beat, or even looked like he lost any energy. Undeniably, the best show this year.
