In the center of United Center, Alicia Keys’ positive energy unlocks “Keys To The Summer”

Photos provided by Theo Wargo / Getty Images for AK

So many new compositions have flowed from the pen of Alicia Keys as of late that it not only led to a sold out stop at Huntington Bank Pavilion At Northerly Island last summer, but prompted an encore to fill the first two floors of the United Center.

However, the “Keys To The Summer” Tour (shown in provided photos from New York) wasn’t just a repeat of the prior year’s outing supporting both the pandemic-derailed “Alicia” and its follow-up “Keys,” but a radically different and exceptional “in the round” experience.

Sure, some of the same tracks were present, though there were also quite a few surprises throughout exactly 30 complete or partial versions of what have steadily become modern pop meets R&B classics.

Keys is of course one of the finest lyricists of this century, not to mention vocalist, pianist and now an arena-filler again, who worked every angle of the centrally-located stage and runways on each side as gigantic screens ensured everyone a fair shake at seeing her magnetic star-power up close.

It was nothing but positive energy and chill vibes as the troubadour turned in “Fallin’” to start a breathless stretch that included “You Don’t Know My Name,” “Teenage Love Affair” and others.

She eventually greeted the diverse audience of all ages and soon had fans play Usher’s part throughout “My Boo,” then went to change gorgeous clothes while her soulful band and background supporters maintained the groove.

Upon her return, Keys pulled up another seat at the piano for a solo rendition of Prince’s “How Come U Don’t Call Me,” offered the exclusive anthem of rebirth, “Brand New Me,” and championed ladies from all walks of life throughout “Superwoman.”

The two-hour evening especially glowed come “Girl On Fire, “Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down,” a cover of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This),” her own rhythmically complimentary “In Common,” plus “No One” and “If I Ain’t Got You” as every last phone light further illuminated the glow of an everlasting artist in her expressive and performance prime.

For additional information on Alicia Keys, visit AliciaKeys.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include Thomas Rhett (Jul. 28); Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (Aug. 5); Lil Durk (Aug. 11-12); LL Cool J (Aug. 13); Sam Smith (Aug. 15); Chance The Rapper (Aug. 19); Lil Baby (Aug. 24); Arctic Monkeys (Aug. 27); Pearl Jam (Sept. 5 and 7); Eason Chan (Sept. 10); Aerosmith (Sept. 15); 50 Cent (Sept. 16); $uicideboy$ (Sept. 22); Peter Gabriel (Sept. 30); Mana (Oct. 1); Playboi Carti (Oct. 2); Wu-Tang Clan and Nas (Oct. 8); SZA (Oct. 10); Phish (Oct. 13-15); John Mayer (Oct. 18); Joji (Oct. 20); Enhypen (Oct. 22); Queen + Adam Lambert (Oct. 30-31); Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin (Nov. 1-2); Depeche Mode (Nov. 13) and Doja Cat (Dec. 13). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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In the center of United Center, Alicia Keys’ positive energy unlocks “Keys To The Summer”

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