After much anticipation, CeeLo Green finally kicked off his Love Train Tour at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday (March 2) night. The line to get in was literally wrapped around the block. Doors opened a little after nine. The venue began to fill with a diverse group of people. As Green insisted in our interview, his show attracted people from all walks of life.
“When it comes to [a CeeLo Green show], maybe one person may come not knowing they would see somebody that they would never share the same room or experience with — that can be a bond between two strangers,” he told Rated R&B.
The show began around 10:03 p.m. with opening act Escort, a contemporary disco band based in New York City. Although most of the audience was unfamiliar with their music — or at least I was — Escort was able to keep the audience entertained with their upbeat performance. Adeline Michèle, the lead singer, had a voice that was very impressive. From her vocal range to her stage presence, everything was just on point. The band performed some material from their Animal Nature album. There’s no question why they were the right pick for the Love Train Tour.
“I’ve been this mood of trying to draw inspiration from the ’70s, 80’s and the disco era,” Green told Rated R&B.
Dressed in a black linen ensemble with silver accessories, Green hit the stage around 11 p.m. He opened his performance with Trick Daddy’s 2002 single “In Da Wind,” which features himself and Outkast’s Big Boi. The crowd instantly cheered when they heard the throwback jam. Green followed-up with “Working Class Heroes (Work)” from his 2015 album Heart Blanche. The song will also be featured in the upcoming film, Barbershop 3, which premieres in April. During act one, Green took us on a musical ride through some of his signature jams including “Closet Freak,” “I’ll Be Around,” “Bright Lights Bigger City,” “All Day Love Affair,” “The One,” and “Fool For You,” to name a few. He also paid homage to singers who came before him including Minnie Riperton, Michael Jackson and Maurice White.
There was a brief intermission around 11:45 p.m. Green’s DJ played some old school jams to keep the audience engaged until Green arrived back on stage. He opened part two of the show with Outkast’s 1994 classic “Git Up Get Out” featuring Goodie Mob. Following the hip-hop jam, Green took us right into his hit single “Crazy,” “My Kind of People” and “Living Again.” Toward the end of the show, Green performed an encore of his Grammy award-winning single “F*ck You,” and closed his set with “Smells Like Fire.”
Green’s Love Train Tour was nothing short of amazing. From the very moment he hit the stage, it was pure entertainment. His energy on stage was just impeccable. Green and his crew will travel to other cities in the south including Asheville, N.C.; Atlanta, Ga; Mobile, Ala; New Orleans, La, and more.
Don’t miss your ride! Get your tickets to CeeLo’s Love Train Tour at ceelogreen.com.
