Gwen Stefani and EVE live at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Gwen Stefani and Eve’s “This Is What It Feels Like Tour” hit Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Thursday night with the duo who brought us the Dr. Dre produced hit “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” nearly fifteen years ago (with a follow-up collaboration “Rich Girl” some years later). For a point of reference, these two all-stars have (collectively) won 4 Grammy awards, garnered a slew of Billboard hits, and have been on/off dominating both the Pop and Rap scene since the 90s.
While the duo has been pursuing acting (Eve in the “Barbershop” franchise), TV spots (Gwen on NBC’s “The Voice”), and fashion (both artists have established clothing lines), music is and always will be at their cores–their prowess is undeniable and their knack for the art of live performance is utterly satiating. Everything the two performers have on their respective resumes translates perfectly to stage: their charisma, their style, their connection to the audience, their sick beats, and their incredibly unique and powerful voices.
EVE kicked off the night with an army of back-up dancers. As a whole, she put on a totally unexpected show–keeping the energy high, joking around, and successfully getting the crowed hyped for the main event. EVE played hit singles like “Who’s that Girl” with added unreleased/upcoming singles into the mix. Her performance was marked by a setting sun and a wave of growing anticipation as Gwen took to the stage.
The tour, which supports Gwen’s third solo studio album This Is What The Truth Feels Like (Interscope, 2016), is undeniably a showcase of one artist’s evolution over the span of nearly 30 years. While Gwen noted that it’s been nearly seven years since her last tour, she still preforms with the verve and vitality that she did when she toured with No Doubt decades ago. She pays homage to her No Doubt years with songs like “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak” and her early solo years with “What You Waiting For?” and “Hollaback Girl.” Interlacing hits from the years between now and then while mixing them in with hits off her latest album, gives her audience a true history and understanding of Gwen’s personal life and the depth of her music. The most endearing part of her show is how incredibly grateful she is for her fans (at points, joining them in the crowd, pulling them on stage, and taking selfies with them). Gwen is truly one act that shouldn’t be missed–not only because of her talent, charm, and incredible music…but also because she is a cultural and historical icon.
Be sure to check Gwen Stefani out at gwenstefani.com and on iTunes.