Philadelphia, PA— August 29, 2026 — The Dell Music Center was transformed into a celebration of classic R&B on Saturday night as generations of music lovers gathered for an evening filled with timeless melodies, unforgettable grooves and performances from some of the genre’s most recognizable voices.
From the opening notes to the night’s final song, the concert delivered exactly what the packed Dell crowd came to hear: music that has provided the soundtrack to countless memories.
The evening featured performances by Mark Williams of Chicago, Howard Hewett, The Whispers and Jeffrey Osborne, with each artist bringing a different chapter of R&B history to the stage.
Mark Williams Gets the Party Started
Mark Williams opened the evening and immediately gave the crowd a taste of what was to come.
Representing Chicago, Williams worked through a collection of familiar favorites, including “Remember the Time,” “Before I Let Go,” “Between the Sheets” and “Money in the Bank.”
His performance served as the perfect introduction to an evening built around music that has remained relevant across generations. Williams connected with the audience, with fans singing along and setting the tone for the performances that followed.
The crowd was clearly ready for a night of nostalgia, but nostalgia wasn’t the only thing on display. The artists continually reminded the audience why this music has endured.
Howard Hewett Brings Shalamar to Life
Next came Howard Hewett, whose appearance quickly turned the Dell into a dance floor.
The legendary vocalist revisited the music he helped make famous with Shalamar, performing songs from the group’s catalog while moving across the stage and interacting with patrons.
Hewett opened the door to plenty of memories with Shalamar classics, including “A Night to Remember,” “Make That Move,” “Dancing in the Sheets,” “Dead Giveaway,” “Second Time Around,” and “Take That to the Bank.” The songs immediately had longtime fans singing along and remembering the dance floors and radio stations that helped make Shalamar one of R&B’s most recognizable groups.
Hewett also reached into his solo catalog with songs including “I’m For Real,” “Stay,” “Strange Relationship,” “Show Me,” “Say Amen” and “If Only You Knew.”
But Hewett didn’t simply stand behind a microphone and sing. He brought the performance to the audience.
At one point, Hewett made his way into the crowd, dancing with patrons and interacting with fans as he performed. That personal connection created one of the night’s most memorable moments and showed why Hewett remains such an engaging live performer.
The combination of Shalamar classics and his solo material gave fans the best of both worlds. Whether they came to hear the songs that defined Shalamar or the music from Hewett’s solo career, there was something familiar for everyone.
For fans who grew up with Shalamar, hearing Hewett perform “A Night to Remember” and “Make That Move” live was more than entertainment — it was a trip back to an era when R&B groups dominated radio, television and dance floors.
By the time Hewett left the stage, the crowd was fully engaged.
The Whispers Deliver a First-Class Performance
Then came The Whispers.
In true first-class fashion, the legendary group delivered the kind of performance that has made them a staple of R&B for decades.
The packed Dell audience was treated to hit after hit as The Whispers moved through their catalog, including “The Beat Goes On,” “It’s a Love Thing,” “Rock Steady,” “Lost and Turned Out,” “Keep on Loving Me,” “Lady” and “Say Yes.”
Every song seemed to generate another wave of memories from the crowd.
Fans swayed, danced and sang along as the group revisited the music that has remained part of the fabric of classic R&B.
And then came one of the biggest crowd favorites of the evening: “In the Mood.”
The response was immediate.
The Dell audience erupted as fans moved to the familiar groove, proving once again that some songs don’t simply age—they become part of the culture.
The Whispers continue to tour with a full band, maintaining the live instrumentation and musicianship that have been central to their sound. Their touring ensemble has included regular performers Emilio Conesa on guitar, John Valentino on saxophone, Dewayne Sweet on keyboards, Jamie Brewer on bass, Richard Aguan on drums, Magic Mendez on keyboards, bass and background vocals, and Harmony Blackwell on background vocals.
The musicianship throughout the performance gave the songs the depth and richness that longtime fans have come to expect.
The Whispers didn’t simply perform their greatest hits—they recreated the feeling attached to them.
Jeffrey Osborne Brings the Night Home
Jeffrey Osborne had the difficult assignment of closing an evening that had already featured several legendary R&B performers.
He delivered a fitting finale.
Osborne took the audience on a journey through his celebrated solo career, performing some of the songs that established him as one of R&B’s most distinctive voices.
The crowd was treated to favorites including “On the Wings of Love,” “Stay With Me Tonight,” “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song),” “Don’t You Get So Mad,” “I’m Only Human,” “She’s on the Left” and “We’re Going All the Way.”
Osborne also brought the emotional side of his catalog to the stage with “The Last Time I Made Love,” before continuing to remind the audience why his music has remained relevant across generations.
There was something special about watching fans of different ages respond to Osborne’s music. Some knew every word, while others were discovering or rediscovering songs that have helped define the R&B landscape.
Osborne’s distinctive voice, stage presence and catalog provided the perfect closing chapter to an evening built around timeless music.
A Celebration of Music and Memories
The August 29 concert at the Dell Music Center was more than a collection of performances. It was a celebration of an era of music that continues to influence artists and audiences decades after the songs were first released.
Mark Williams opened the door.
Howard Hewett brought the Shalamar memories to life.
The Whispers reminded everyone why their music remains timeless.
And Jeffrey Osborne closed the night with a collection of solo classics that had the Dell audience singing and dancing until the final notes.
For the fans who packed the Dell, it was a night of dancing, singing and remembering—and a reminder that when legendary R&B artists take the stage, the music truly speaks for itself.
Four Point Zero Sports Media was there to experience an unforgettable evening of classic R&B at the Dell Music Center.
