This is a review of a concert I attended on March 7, 2020 at MGM National Harbor, which is a luxury resort that includes casino, hotel, dining, entertainment and retail shops located in Oxon Hill, MD right outside of Washington DC. The performers at The Theater MGM National Harbor that evening were Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill whom many of their fans affectionately refer to as the” Dynamic Duo”. Most people will recognize these two as the lead singers of super group New Edition. These two guys have an undeniable connection both on and off the stage and their voices blend together quite well. Both of these gentlemen gave an exceptional performance but this review will focus on Mr. Ralph Tresvant, who happens to be my favorite entertainer of all time, well it’s a close tie between him and Michael Jackson. I fell in love with them both around the same time, circa 1983.
Ralph the Solo Artist
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been an RT (Ralph Tresvant) fan since New Edition released the song Candy Girl. Many including myself will argue that Ralph is the greatest front man of all time. He has masterfully led New Edition to many accolades over the years. Although Ralph is well known for his work with New Edition, outside of his loyal fanbase he is not as widely know for his work as a solo artist. So, allow me to introduce you to Ralph Tresvant, solo artist extraordinaire as I share this concert experience with you. RT has three solo albums to date: Ralph Tresvant (1990), It’s Going Down (1993) and Rizz Wa Faire (2008). You can purchase all three on Amazon (links listed below). He has also been featured on multiple movie soundtracks, acted on stage and screen and collaborated with many well-known artists. Ralph is a consummate professional dedicated to honing his craft and giving the fans unforgettable experiences. He recently announced that he will release a new single in April 2020.
Ralph the Radio Show Host
Ralph played an instrumental part in starting and hosting a radio show called Inside The Ride which is broadcast on The Urban Heat 98.1 FM from Boston, Massachusetts, Ralph’s home town. This show first aired in September 2016. As a radio host Ralph is engaging, endearing and quite entertaining. As a loyal listener of the show I learned that there is so much more to love about Ralph beyond his talents as an entertainer. Ralph is an amazing human being, with a beautiful spirit who exudes love wherever he goes. Ralph showed us his intellectual side discussing relevant topics and current events and his amazing sense of humor as he shared stories about his childhood and life as an entertainer and family man. Ralph also showed his fun side by cracking jokes with fellow hosts and fans. Ralph made himself accessible to fans via social media and his radio show’s call in format. I am one of the fans fortunate enough to communicate with him on a number of occasions. Ralph lovingly refers to his fans as “Fan-mily” and also calls us his “Riders” (Inside the Ride loyal listeners). Ralph also used his radio show to promote the African Philosophy of “Ubuntu”; I am because you are. Ralph has been vocal about his intention to spread love and unity throughout the community.
Concerts/Tours
Ralph kicked off his current tour run back in August 2018 in Philadelphia, PA and has been going strong every since. Many of his “Riders” from around the world can be seen in the audience at every show. Many friendships have been formed between members of his loyal fan base. I have been “on tour” with him since that first show following him to multiple cities. The love he has for his fans is always evident. I enjoy seeing him and all the fellow “Riders” at each show. Although Ralph tends to stick with the same playlist for each show he continues to awe and entertain making each show feel like the first. No two shows are ever the same.
March 7, 2020 at MGM National Harbor
The show on March 7 was no different. Ralph emerged wearing a cream-colored suit, matching hat and custom Timberlands that coordinated with his outfit. Ralph wowed the crowd with some of his best known hits including, “Money Can’t Buy Love”, “Rated R” in which he also showcases his rapping ability and of course the soulful, “Sensitivity”. Ralph of course gave us some of the great New Edition hits as well including the one that started it all “Candy Girl”. Ralph also did a solo rendition of “If It Isn’t Love” which happens to be one of the highlights of his show. No was can deny the infectious beat on the song and thanks to the New Edition biopic that aired on BET in 2017, now young and old are familiar with the iconic choreography of this song. Ralph is a masterful dancer with dance move just as smooth as his vocals. Ralph has very distinct dance moves that are unique to him. I look forward to those smooth signature moves as much as hearing him sing. One thing that is sure to set the crowd on fire is when Ralph seductively opens his shirt and unleashes “Those Abs”. The women go crazy. Ralph gives his fans a very interactive show, often coming to the edge of the stage to serenade fans that are lucky enough to be close to the stage and coming down into the audience. Ralph skillfully turns “If It Isn’t Love” into a one man show. It is a sight to behold. After Ralph finished his set Johnny Gill came to the stage and delivered many of his hit records and fan favorites in great fashion. One of the highlights of Johnny’s set included him bringing his mother on stage and serenading her to “Soul of a Woman”, it was a quite memorable and tear-jerking moment. Ralph joined Johnny on stage for the last part of the show which is customary when they perform together. These two are musical magic setting the stage on fire. Their duet of “Can You Stand the Rain” never fails to get the crowd excited and on their feet. The remainder of the evening found Ralph accompanying Johnny on multiple Johnny songs. At one point Johnny and Ralph ventured into the audience and Ralph seemed to disappear, I could hear him but he was nowhere in sight. I kept saying, “Where’s Ralph?” to the ladies around me. Nobody seemed to know. Eventually he emerged from the crowd. I later heard that maybe some fans got a hold of him and he was stuck in the crowd for a moment. Can’t say that I blame those ladies. He is truly a gem.
Meet and Greet
There was a Meet and Greet VIP Party for Ralph held a few hours prior to the show. This provided an opportunity for fans to meet Ralph and get a picture with him as well as mingle and enjoy drinks before the show. There were even signature drinks named for both Ralph and Johnny. The Meet and Greet was very well organized and was an enjoyable experience. It is always a pleasure to be in Ralph’s presence. Off stage Ralph is soft-spoken, has a laid -back demeanor and a very gracious and approachable personality. This can best be described as the quiet before the storm. When it’s time to hit the stage, Ralph is anything but laid back. He gives the fans a high energy electrifying performance every time. Ralph Tresvant the entertainer is truly a force to be reckoned with. His energy is undeniable and infectious. He knows how to work the crowd and somehow he manages to make every woman feel like the only woman in the room. It always feels as if he is singing to you and only you. Ralph Tresvant is an immensely talented and gifted man who appreciates and acknowledges his loyal fan base. I will forever be an Ralph Tresvant fan and supporter.
#Ralphscandygirl #Myfirstcrush #MrSensitivity #SugaHoneyDip
