Bilal

If you're expecting a relaxed, smooth, soulful performance think again. If you're hoping to hear the soulful, sexy, feel good song "Soul Sista", don't hold you're breath. People were trying to hold out thinking that maybe he would sing it at the end. Nope! Maybe THAT Bilal was industry made and THIS Bilal wants nothing to do with that identity. I did not enjoy the performance. His music certainly wasn't anything you could groove to. Complete waste of my money because I had different expectations.

I love the fact that he never shies away from doing new materials. He always changes up the songs he performs, which is why I love to check him out whenever he comes in town.

Bilal is such an incredible performer on stage. Even when he's not singing, he keeps the audience completely engaged. He was true to form at The Birchmere. I'm loving all of his new music and he mixed in a lot of the old. I will go see him everytime he is in town. Only disappointment was that he didn't perform "Soul Sista", which is his classic hit. He stayed after the show to sign autographs and take selfies with fans. Love me some Bilal!

AN AMAZING VOCAL EXPERIENCE (exhales) you never go to his concerts to listen to music, so if that's what you want then just go see someone else. Funk, Blues, Soul, Gospel, Rock it's all there in one man and his band!!! he returned with tone whitfield on the bass (soul sista - for those who don't know) ...he jumped into the crowd and held me. so im obviously biase, but i am a die hard bilal fan since forever. anyone who did not rate this 5 star was obviously uptight. it was valentine's day he performed songs from ALL three albums and performed an additional 2 or 3 songs after his time was up. he showed love to everyone there. some girl even drew a lifesize picture of him that he immediately signed right after the show. i was at the show he did last year as well and everytime i see him live he out does himself. if you arent a fan of raw pure and unadulterated talent... then his show is not for u. you may want to think about going to see usher trey songz or someone else bc it's not that kind of show LOL. no subpar song and dance over stereo music... he brings forth that feel good in music w/o the celebrity factor we see in some "performers" ...the man does not miss a note or skip a beat. HE SANGS!!!, he is not a singer. he always gives u that comfort blues bar/ jazz lounge feel fans come looking for, it's always authentic. if u know anything about his music and/or voice than the live experience speaks for itself. PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5,000,000 stars.

Amazing performance as always. He gives it to you like no other. I love Bilal. Fortunately, even his openers were awesome. I hope He gets that Grammy next go around.

The band was amazing, the crowd was energetic, and Bilal was LIVE!!! No matter how many shows I attend, each one is its own unique experience.

Now, I absolutely LOVE neo soul...but this show did something to me!! Bilal and his whole crew were wasted and it SHOWED! I like a good show, but if you have to get like that to perform it takes away from the raw talent. On another note - Rudy Currence was AWESOME. That boy has a soulful voice and he was great. The other act ripped the stage as well, he was live and very different! I would have to say that I will NOT be going to another one of his concerts!

I was expecting the concert to begin at 8:30 and It actually got underway early at 8:15. The seating was great, the music was on point, and the SugarBabies entertained well. The opening acts were a great choice! Bilal really put on a show and I wound return to this venue or anywhere else he may perform!!! Loved it!!!!

The concert was great. It was timely. Bilal did excellent and even graced the crowd with a few additional songs. I love him, and will be there next time!

I consider myself to be a true bilal fan every since 1st born. The venue was nice with more than enough seating. Centerstage's decor was cool as well. Parking was a bit pricey. We parked behind a building down a hill for ten bucks. Opening act Rudy Currence has a very nice voice and was pleasurable to watch. Rahbi was the second act and I must say I was thrilled to have such a great entertainer as him to perform. I did not expect the openers to be that good. Great vocals, stage presence, energy. He was great and I look forward to seeing him do bigger venues in the future. Then out comes Bilal. It was simply great. He did music from all of his albums. His voice is amazing He gives an awesome live show. there is nothing I couldve asked for once he finished. I dont believe anyone felt he had not performed enough songs. He left it all on the stage. The true added bonus Bilal was gracious enough to sign my album after the show. He was very receptive of his fans and I truly appreciate that. I wish all of the performers well. Sidenote * Bilal's guitar player was off da chain!!!

One of the best concerts that we have ever attended!!!!

I'm a bit biased as I wasn't too aware of his music prior to going so I won't discuss that. What I will comment on, however, is how loud it was in there; and not the good kind of loud either. There were many times where I sincerely wished I had brought earplugs or, at the very least, brought my headphones from my phone with me so I could partly block out the sound. It didn't help that he belted and screamed half the notes on top of that. I saw a few others covering their ears at times as well, so it's not just me... I was sincerely unable to enjoy the show because of how loud it was. The two performances prior were great though (in terms of loudness). I'm not sure if the DJ cranked it up because it was Bilal or what but ouch!

It was an absolute treat to see Bilal perform live. His voice is wonderful. He has so much energy on the stage from the moment he comes out. The band was great and on point. I love his new music but I love that he did some of the old favorites (love poems, sometimes) too. He's so great to his fans. I had an opportunity to do a meet and greet with him unplanned. He just invited people backstage. Then he came out in the lobby for more pictures and to sign cds. He is so real and down to earth and a great artist. I can't wait to go to another show. The opening acts were great too!

The show was an experience of all range of emotions. He celebrated Valentines Day with plenty of couples and or love related songs, but managed to include the songs that rock and range in emotions. His voice is a work of art and his performance covered the entired stage.

That show was probably the best show I've ever been to for under $50. The two opening acts made Bilal's job easy and he did not disappoint.

I bought the Bilal tickets for my fiance, because he is a huge fan. I had heard of this artist, but wasn't familiar with his music. Well needless to say Bilal showed up and showed out it was amazing. Ususally when you go to a concert you want to show up a little late to bypass the pre-show acts but even they were amazing! Rudy Currence and Rahbi made me fans and I hope I see them in concert again. ***** (5 stars) All the way

He was pure entertaining. Still thinking about some of the songs he sang that sparked my interest to buy his CD. Love the way he went from neo-soul to an more alternative rebel soul vibe. It was great, he seems to poor out his emotions when performing. He seemed a lil drunk but I give it 5 stars Loved it

Bilal was so amazing!!!!!!!!!! His stage presence is great and his voice has always attracted me to his music and style. I know he was promoting his new album, (which is great!) but I wish he would have performed more songs off of his "First Born Second" Album:) Overall, he gave a great show.

Bilal is incredible. His voice was bigger than the venue, and the performance was so sexually charged you could cut through the pheromones with a knife! Rudy Currence was a fun opener... he's always impressive. Rahbi was a ball of weird, confusing energy the definitely was an experience everyone should see once. Bilal should be a staple of Atlanta. How fitting that Valentine's Day be Bilal Day in Atlanta. I will never miss his performance here again.

Superb performance. Very talented artist. Looking forward to more shows.

The entire show was amazing from Rudy, Rhabi (I think that was his name) and Bilal were all outstanding!!!

AFTER ATTENDING THE CONCERT, HAD TO GO HOME AND PULL OUT MY ONE & ONLY BILAL CD (HATE TO ADMIT) & LISTEN TO IT AGAIN.LOOKING FORWARD TO BUYING THE NEW CD

Bilal is awesome. I've wanted to see him live for over 10 years now, so it was bittersweet to finally see him. The set up and the crowd however was not up to par. It was set up like a lounge, which really took away from the AWESOME (in the true sense of the word ) performance Bilal gave. The brother is truly talented. The Akron crowd was not fully deserving of the performance he gave. I think people weren't up on his new album, so they didn't really get into it. Still Bilal was gracious enough to sign autographs and take pictures. He's one of my living heroes, its hard to be a true artist in a world where popularity is what sells. It was a blessing to have him in Ohio and he gave us his all. I felt bad that we didn't reciprocate. Oh well, I'll just have to see him in New York, Chicago, or Philly where he is truly appreciated and loved. The brother is the truth... no doubt!

I loved Bilal's performance! Lots of energy and he had a great opener! Loved the venue... Every seat was great, sound was great! Won't ever miss him when he comes to Atlanta.

Surprised hubby for a date night with his favorite Artist. Bilal was amazing to say the least. It was also a nice treat to see Janelle Monae and her new Artist Roman Gianarther. We enjoyed the show and are looking forward to the next.

It was awesome. Really enjoyed the experience. Thanks

He was late and the music was somewhat okay. He performed a few songs that I love, but when he cleared his throat on stage and continued singing, I was in so much shock...lol. Towards the end it sounded as if he was just yelling through the microphone.

Great show and awesome venue!!! Bilal and the band did their thing for sure. I'd go again.

Bilal kept us waiting for nearly 2 hours. Once he appeared on stage, he spent another 45 minutes or so being rude, calling names and yelling. I endured just enough to hear a few of my favorite songs but after which I got out of there. I know he s eccentric, but that show was ...simply disappointing (to be polite).

You really can't go wrong with Bilal live but this was the best Bilal show I've seen in years. His voice was impeccable and his energy was amazing.He truly brought his "A" game. Such a great show!

I really enjoyed the whole vibe, that night. My date had a great time, and, ultimately, that's all that mattered to me. I'm a fan of Bilal, so, I was going to enjoy the show, regardless. Being my first time, I was wowed by how nice the Theater was/is! Definitely keeping an eye on upcoming shows, as, I plan to check it out, again, sometime, soon. The staff was great, too! Food was a little pricey, though, for what they actually put on the plate! LOL

Pretty dope lil concert. And I'm digging the Howard Theater renovation.. I recommend

My honey and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was very intimate and exciting! The drinks were fantastic, and we can't wait to go back for another show!

He yelled the entire concert and was 1 1/2 hours late. Love his music but he was soooo disappointing in person.

The event was nice and energetic.....can't wait to see him again!

Bilai delivered! Not only can he sing beautifully, he can improvise vocally when things are not 100% right! His voice is mesmerizing and his ability to captivate his audience is superb. I would definitely continue to attend his shows so I can hear more of his new music!

After that let down from the Tank concert at the Birchmere, I was concerned about Bilal's performance time. Tank's peformance was uder an hour! Bilal came on a little after 7:30 and we were walking out at 9:15! His vocals were on point, the band was on point; he started out with his sophmore album (which I have yet to learn the name of) singing cuts like Something to Hold on To and You're All I Need then went into First Born Second. He then sang some new songs including one he wrote for his 9 yr old son who is Autistic. He briefly stopped to talk about bringing awareness to to Autism. We really enjoyed the show to the fullest! A must see. Props to his back-up singer who could hit them notes just like Bilal!

It was an awesome concert! Full of musical elements beyond anyone's comprehension. Bilal proves himself to be the pure talent that he is. His band only enhanced the musical qualities of his voice. No autotune, no synthesized keys, just pure music and God-given talent.

The entire time was amazing! That BAND is outstanding!! Bilal....you were just what the doctor ordered!

Bilal was awesome. The atmosphere at the Birchmere is great. Once they figure out how to make good desert, it will be the best place ever.

Loved it! The venue was intimate and I felt like he was singing to me! Bilal's range is amazing his band was on point. I could have listened to Bilal for another hour!

The Bilal show at the Birchmere was well worth it. Homie came out and got right to business. I recently put my wife onto Bilal and she was a lil hesitant because he can get a lil funky with it sometimes. Well, after the show, she was sold...lol. Good work homie.

Bilal was AMAZING! He was singing his heart out, his band is awesome, and his show was very personal. I had never seen him in concert and his show at the Birchmere has made me into a true fan of his musical genius!

Blial is pure soul not neo- soul not r&b but soul. WOW. And much respect to bilal for coming out and spending time with his fans on the born day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILAL... HE PERFORMED FOR US ON HIS BIRTHDAY... WHAT A BLESSING....

PEOPLE ARE REALLY SLEEPING ON A GREAT ARTIST. HE HAS A SOUND OF HIS OWN THAT IS UNTOUCHABLE BY MOST... WOULD LOVE FOR HIM TO BE MAINSTREAM. WAKE UP WORLD!!! THE CONCERT WAS GREAT, GOT TO MEET AND GREET AT THE END OF THE SHOW. REAL PEOPLE... REAL TALK... LOVED IT!

I've seen Bilal at the Echoplex earlier this year and this time at the El Rey where he celebrated his birthday. 1 word: A-mazing! When he performed at the Echoplex it was to promote the release of his newest album, Airtight's Revenge. The concert was good but since most people weren't familiar w/ his newest album at that time, the vibe was a little flat and all of my friends ended up leaving early... eventhough it didn't get REALLY good til the end. This concert, I'm glad to say, was a horse of a totally different color though. He had an indie band as his opening act. The 2 guys, 1 girl group wasn't well known but they brought great energy and kept it random and funky til the last song of their set. When Bilal hit the stage he opened up the concert with "Something to Hold On To". Starting off the set with a song from his unreleased Love for Sale album let the crowd know he was ready to take the concert/b-day celebration to a whole nother level. He performed stuff off every album and kept the musicality up with sets that went long and music that kept going long after his vocals finished. The songs flowed together and the energy the crowd gave back to him was infectious. Definitely one of my favorite concerts as of recent.

I've seen Bilal now three times and still cannot get enough! The show in ATL at Variety Playhouse (7/23/2011) was beyond words. He recently played in Columbus, OH at Vonn Jazz (8/14/2011) and I was left speechless. The artistry and musicianship displayed is one of a kind that only a small portion of entertainers possess. Actually, watching Bilal and his band at work is truly an honor. A must-see show- you will not be disappointed!!!

We need more concerts and artist like this togetherperforming in Atlanta. Price, seating, crowd, entertaiment and performance from both artist was the BEST. Girl and I really enjoyed it.

My wife and I saw a great show. Bilal is a beast, he showed me that there is a difference between singers and sangers. The man can sang. I was very impressed with the bands for both artists. True professionals. I am a fan of great music and that is what i witnessed. The opening act for this show was awesome. Nyambi ( i hoped I spelled it right) was off the chain, Babygirl you have a new fan :) Her band was tight and background sangers on point. All in all a great show and a beautiful evening, thank you Variety Playhouse for a great memory.

Awesome stage presents, vocals showed range, band was tight and on point! What more do you want? The show was incredible and if possible, Bilal would've kept going. Never a dull moment during the show, I mean what do you expect? The man is from Philly! Definitely a underrated entertainer in the business. It makes you wonder what do you have to do in order to get credit where credit is due? Don't miss this show or you'll be sorry you did. It's the BEST KEPT SECRET!

Bilal is so on top of his game that his opening acts are strong enough to headline, they just aren't noticed! He switched up this performance by using more synthesizer to funk up the music and he sung more of Air Tight's Revenge.....His band who all helps with background vocals, sounds as if an elephant is in the room bringing the house down!

I also saw Bilal in April at the jazz cafe in London and both performances were awesome. Not many artists can perform as well as him against a live band, but he does so with such great emotion. Love him!

The opening performer, Eric Roberson, was amazing! He engaged the crowd and did a wonderful job keeping the energy alive. His voice is like no other artist. Extremely talented. As for Bilal, I can't really rate him fairly because I was expecting more neo soul style of music but was surprised with his different style of music. I can't say that I enjoyed that portion of the show.

Every artist was awesome and the event was very punctual! Loved it

Bilal truly brought the house down with his musical talent and gift of showmanship. Listening to the CD isn't the same as his live performance!

The energy from start to finish was beyond words. He by far puts on a great show!!! Not only did he come back for a encore 1 time but he came back a 2nd time. This is a show that SHOULD NOT be missed. I look forward to seeing Bilal perform again..

I LOVED his performance. He is by far one of my most favorite artist, and I say that with full confidence and free of doubt. I've been trying to see him live in action for some years now. I bought a ticket to Erykah Badu's concert just to see him open but it didn't turn out that way. His performance has made this the best Valentine's day ever. His music, intensity, and performance was my love on V day. I'll definitely be going to every show I can get access to from now on. His performance was all music and passion; I loved it! The band was great and his singers complimented his voice and performance well. I was able to loose myself in the music and it was GREAT! I wish it would never end. If you still appreciate music as an art form I highly recommend Bilal live. Cheers!

I saw Jahiem live a couple of years ago and thought it couldn't get any worse. I was wrong. Left early and didn't leave by myself

The venue was perfect for a performer like Bilal. I Didn t know house of blues had such a room. I will see performers well for the house of blues if there in that environment.

I thought this would be a great third date, I was sadly embarrassed. The vocals and the lyrics were gravely assaulted by the abusive loudness of the instruments. The stage presence seemed to be a poor imitation of the singer formally known has Prince in his early days of touring. The opening artist Roman, out shined the talent of Bilal, hands down. That is how it gets two stars, for choosing a great opening artist, best decision of the evening.

Bilal gave me life!l! His vocals, stage presence, and presentation were on point! He performed favorites from each album and commanded the audience. The band and background vocalist were amazing. I didn't want the show to end.

awesome new album and performance!!! one of my favorite artist. and the guitar looks good on you, bro!

The opening acts were 1000 times better than bilal was he turned it into the worst exp ever

Enjoyed the concert and I would go see him again!!

Bilal live brings so much more life to the songs..

I was so excited to see Bila'dl performance. .but ended up so disappointed. ..he did not sing any of the old songs. .but on another note Eric Roberson performance was AWESOME. .had a great time listening and singing along to his songs

Incredible! Definitely a genius. He gets into his music and almost forgets ur in the audience....Zoning out for you.

I have been a Bilal fan for years and it was good to see him live and in person. He did not disappoint. His unique style and energy are a breath of fresh air. In person you really get to see his passion and dedication to his craft!!!

The show was amazing. He was unforgettable, animated and entertaining.

You got it all remixed versions of tracks from the first album, bomb male background singer and stage light set up was killin. I enjoyed the new love songs off the new album. It was fun!! Thanks Bilal for the encore of Soul sister, losing my voice screaming "Soul sister" @ the end was well worth it.

The brother is multi-faceted with lyrics, range, and vocals. You feel his energy & spiritually connect with his words. You will hear jazz, rock, blues, soul & hi-hop. I love live music & thoroughly enjoyed great talent! Thank you Bilal for uplifting us & allowing us to freely groove with you! I'm convinced you are from another universe because you are like no other!

Amazing Show, I will see him anytime. Bilal has a new fan.

This concert was the most horrible concert that I have ever been to. I have been attending concerts since I was 14 years old. I have seen performances from many artists of many different genres of music. This one was the worst. I have listend to this artist's song for years and love his songs but this was the first time that I have seen this artist in concert. I was very disappointed.

Bilal was excellent! I don't think everyone got it bc he's a bit weird/unique and not cookie cutter neo soul. He is a perfect blend of soul, rock, and alternative. He gave 100%. I enjoyed his energy and uniqueness.

Great performance from Bilal, gave his all. Would see him again at a different venue.

A Love Surreal is just what the audience experienced. I was more than happy to be there to see Bilal for the 3rd time. Excellent performance!

Bilal's concert in ATL at CEnterstage was absolutely breathtaking. WAs cool to see Janell Monae, new artist was cool, show got started late which was a bummer. But Bilal, band, singers = awesome, absolutely breatakenly, awesome. Good music.

I thought we were going to see classic and new neosoul but felt like a rock concert! None of his music sounded like the cd's with the rhythm and soul he projected!!! I really could not tell even soul sista!!The alcohol kept me from going completely away from the concert but highly disappointed!!!

The overall concert was pretty good once it started. The start time was 9PM, but the artist did not come on stage till after 10PM. It would have been nice to have a cover band or artist instead of a DJ. But again, once the artist came on stage, the event was enjoyable.

I had a blast. I enjoyed Bilal's performance.This is my third time seing him, 2nd time at CenterStage and i enjoyed, per usual

The show was ok. He could have sung a better selection of songs. His mic came apart from the cord. I don't know when the last time i saw a corded mic. But if that happens often i would invest in a cordless mic. It would not interrupt the flow of my show because of a mic issue. The female back ground singer was at times standing still as a board. not good. the drummer left the stage abruptly, what was that about?

A Love Surreal is the artists fourth album and it a very good interpretation of his growth and maturity as a singer. One of the leading neo-soul artist of today he is like no other! Roman GianArthur opeed up for him which was also amazing!!