The chance to see two of the top R&B groups of the ’90s — hitmakers SWV and Xscape — share the stage together proved to be a huge draw, pulling in a capacity crowd of some 13,000 fans on opening night of the Queens of R&B Tour on Thursday (June 27) at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord. And the show turned out to be as great, and maybe even better, than fans could have hoped for, as the two trios mixed and matched songs — and, most wonderfully, occasionally shared vocals — during the course of a thoroughly entertaining co-headlining set that touched on (at least parts of) some 30 songs. Fans who are planning to catch this tour — also featuring fellow ’90s R&B favorites Mya, 702 and Total — as it continues through other parts of the country, before winding to a close at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Aug.
18, should expect to have a ball. That’s because, only one night into the run, this . One could feel the energy of the occasion well before they got to the Pavilion, as cars inched along Kirker Pass Road and passengers prepped for the show with shared laughter, smiles and passionate vocal work.
Even though the traffic was horrendous, causing the Pavilion to use its overflow parking and shuttle service, people still seemed to be in a great mood (even though, in many cases, it caused them to miss some/many of the acts who were listed lower on the bill). Yet, SWV and Xscape would make dealing with the traffic and parking issues feel very much worthwhile as they tw.