The songs of Shalamar certainly haven’t gone out of circulation, but outside of Howard Hewett’s solo performances or Jody Watley, former member turned groundbreaking star in her own right, briefly launching a Reloaded edition, it’s been well over 25 years since a version of the group appeared in the area.

The Venue At The Horseshoe Casino and Concert Management Inc. were the collaborators who finally made it all come to fruition, and for 75-blissful minutes, “The Second Time Around” was just as sweet thanks to Hewett, founder Jeffrey Daniel and Carolyn Griffey, singer since 2001 and daughter of SOLAR Records mastermind/“Soul Train” executive Dick Griffey, who initially put the act together in 1977.

There was obviously an element of extremely welcome nostalgia getting to hear “Make That Move,” “Sweeter As The Days Go By,” “Dead Giveaway,” “I Can Make You Feel Good” and so many other oldies together in a single evening, but there continue to be just as many contemporary references to Shalamar in R&B, soul, pop and dance music.

For instance, “Dancing In The Sheets” will likely never go out of style thanks to its inclusion in the iconic “Footloose” film, plus the ballad “This Is For The Lover In You” was once reworked with the classic line-up, Babyface and LL Cool J, though it endures to this day.

The current trio, a five-piece band and two background vocalists also dazzled with the aforementioned disco delight, “The Second Time Around,” as the crowded house rose to its feet and roared for more.

“A Night To Remember” lived up to its title too, enchanted by Daniel’s jaw-dropping dance moves, including the “moonwalk” he personally taught Michael Jackson, while Shalamar as a whole finally made up for so much lost time in town.

The headliners were joined by Rose Royce, who’ve been covered by the A-list likes of Beyoncé, Madonna, Mary J. Blige and Christina Aguilera, yet there was nothing like hearing “Ooh Boy,” “Wishing On A Star,” “I’m Going Down” and “Car Wash” from the direct source itself.

On the heels of the “#NewOldSchool” album, which ended a whopping 31-year recording hiatus, opener Al Hudson led One Way through as many funky favorites as time would allow to further compliment this jackpot of a combination.

For additional information on Shalamar, visit Shalamar.Info.

For a list of upcoming Concert Management Inc. shows, visit ConcertMgmt.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at The Venue At Horseshoe Casino include Switchfoot, Blue October and Matt Nathanson (Aug. 17); Dogstar (Aug. 23); Keyshia Cole (Aug. 30); Jeff Dunham (Aug. 31); Voz De Mando (Sept. 13); Carly Pearce (Oct. 4); Nick Swardson (Oct. 5); Los Angeles Azules (Oct. 11); Kem (Oct. 12); Juanes (Oct. 19); Clay Walker and Sammy Kershaw (Nov. 1); KC & The Sunshine Band (Nov. 2); Elle King (Nov. 9); Gary Owen (Nov. 16) and Beat (Nov. 30). For additional details, visit Caesars.com/Horseshoe-Hammond/Shows.

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