Reunited Floetry “Say Yes” to Chicago Theatre, plus soulful support from Raheem DeVaughn

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In a relatively brief but nothing short of brilliant burst in the 2000s, Floetry re-wrote the rules of R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop, pop and poetry, prior to “The Songstress” Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart applying their individual flavors to fruitful solo careers.

However, when the English duo announced a reunion tour after a decade apart, fans from then through now quickly made sure to “Say Yes” and sell out such prestigious places as the Chicago Theatre, in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective, joined by fellow soulful singer/songwriters Raheem DeVaughn and Teedra Moses.

In spite of their extensive time apart, Ambrosius and Stewart’s chemistry remained firmly in tact as they mainly presented tunes off the renowned “Floetic” and “Flo’Ology” projects, backed by a four-piece band and a no-frills stage set-up, featuring simply the same phone booth that graced the former’s album cover.

Even so, Floetry completely captivated and found renewed relevance thanks to the timeless nature of groove-induced tracks “Big Ben,” “Opera” and “Mr. Messed Up,” which demonstrated members’ signature blend of bridging gorgeous vocals and innovative spoken word segments, each overflowing with tremendous depth on love, life, hope and healing.

As their 90-minutes unfolded, it became apparent just how unique the primary pair remains, in addition to the Michael Jackson-covered “Butterflies,” “Sunshine” and “Hey You” being quite classically-constructed in the first place.

Floetry further tapped into its streak of singles as it was “Getting Late,” whether it was an extended edition of “Say Yes” or keeping the “Floetic” vibes going until the very end, reclaiming its position as collective megastars and leaving faithful hoping it won’t be so long before these immensely gifted artists work together again.

Meanwhile, there were plenty of silky sounds to savor from Raheem DeVaughn, a headliner in his own right who has unquestionably earned the title “The Love King Of Soul & RnB.”

Alongside four tasty musicians of his own, the romantic crooner conquered Smokey Robinson’s “Quiet Storm,” the Earth, Wind & Fire-sampled “Guess Who Loves You More” and “You,” frequently passing out roses to the ladies along the way.

Opener Teedra Moses and her backers previewed the “Single” season, which comes on the heels of her breakthrough “Complex Simplicity” turning 20, though it turns out the authoritative vocalist could still “Be Your Girl,” while also getting everyone ready for the fabulous Floetry.

For additional information on Floetry, Raheem DeVaughn and Teedra Moses, visit Facebook.com/FloetryOfficial, RaheemDeVaughnOnline.Global and TeedraMoses.com.

For a list of upcoming Black Promoters Collective concerts, visit BlackPromotersCollective.com.

Upcoming shows at the Chicago Theatre include Michael McIntyre (Apr. 16-17); Michelle Buteau (Apr. 18); Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Apr. 19); Cazzu (Apr. 23); Akaash Singh (Apr. 24); Puscifer (Apr. 25); Matteo Lane (May 2); Joe Satriani and Steve Vai (May 3); “Sesame Street” Live! (May 9); Rodrigo y Gabriela (May 13); Ari Lennox (May 16); Comedy Bang! Bang! (May 28); Rilo Kiley (May 29); Bobby Lee (May 30); “Stand By Me” (Jun. 14); “The Kevin Langue Show” (Jun. 18); The Human League (Jun. 23); America (Jun. 27); Rick Ross (Jul. 17); Buddy Guy (Jul. 25); CeCe Winans (Aug. 16) and Jill Scott (Aug. 20, 22-23). For additional details, visit TheChicagoTheatre.com.

Chicago Concert Reviews

We’ve got the Windy City covered.

Reunited Floetry “Say Yes” to Chicago Theatre, plus soulful support from Raheem DeVaughn

Related Articles