When Bobby Brown goes solo, he speaks for himself. It’s a beautiful thing.
“This is a performance, a great performance, live, direct, in your face,” the former New Edition member says in a recent phone chat. “It is exciting. It is raw Bobby.”
“Raw Bobby” is headlining The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday night. He brings a five-piece band, two dancers and four backing singers. Brown promises a generous sampling of “Don’t Be Cruel,” his 1988 release. The album spent six consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and 11 weeks overall. It has sold about 12 million copies.
“Don’t Be Cruel” also propelled Brown to the top of the pop world — and into heavy rotation on MTV — behind massive hits, including “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step.” The singles remain a top draw for New Edition’s touring and residency shows, including the band’s recent revival run at the Encore Theater.
The album signaled that, artistically, Brown was growing out of his original boy band image. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, himself a Pearl headliner, co-produced the album alongside Teddy Riley and L.A. Reid.
The 57-year-old Brown recalled entering the studio for his sophomore effort.
“My memories are just trying to do the best that I could possibly do, as far as music was concerned, getting with Teddy Riley, L.A. Reid and Babyface in L.A. and trying to make the best album possible,” he says. “I think we accomplished our goal.”
Brown still chats with Edmonds, who has a home in Las Vegas.
“We talk sometimes,” Brown says, then chuckles. “He still performs my songs in his show. There’s a medley of ’em. So, it’s funny how it’s turned out.”
Brown has appeared with “his fellas,” as he calls his New Edition bandmates, in three series at Wynn Las Vegas from 2022 to ’24. All 21 shows sold out, the crowds packing the room walking in ready to party. NE was also the headlining act in the all-star tour featuring Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men that played T-Mobile Arena in February.
Another edition of the boy band show is “not on the table right now,” Brown says. But a show that is a proven hit cannot be totally ruled out.
“We have talked about it, we’re thinking about it, and we’re looking forward to coming back to Las Vegas in the near future,” he says. “We would love to come back to Vegas and spend a couple of months there, having our fans come to us and give them what they deserve. They were great shows.”
What Works in Vegas …
Returning to the topic of the Encore Theater, British comic Jimmy Carr has sold out the venue Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Also …
Versatile Vegas performer Gabie Lopez’s “Turn the Beat” Gloria Estefan tribute is a full-force production running that premiered at the South Point Showroom on Tuesday and Wednesday. Expect it to return. Lopez is a formidable vocalist/dancer/producer, spinning and singing to sparkling effect.
The horn- and percussion-powered band (donning Cuban fedoras) delivers Estefan’s mind-blowing catalog. Lopez has also brought in six backing dancers, with a pair of backing singers.
It’s all live, many moving parts, among the highlights in the South Point’s tribute-spiced roster. See “Turn the Beat” upon its return (to be announced) to the hotel-casino, which should be its Vegas home.
Turning on the AC
Artists hosted by The Smith Center for the Performing Arts have a chic housing option at AC Element Las Vegas Symphony Park. AC Element is The Smith Center’s the newest season sponsor.
“We are thrilled to have a brand-new hotel in the neighborhood and even more pleased to partner with AC Element,” Smith Center President Myron Martin said. “I know that our visiting artists and guests coming in for a show will love staying there.”
The hotel opened in the fall. Smith Center guests now have multiple options for pre- and post-show noshes, at AC Kitchen & Lounge and Vic’s Las Vegas. Symphony Park has grown into an extended hang for a night of Broadway touring shows and performances at Myron’s.
Cool Hang Alert
Thiago Gusi, a guitarist in “Turn the Beat,” and “Fantasy” vocalist Lorena Peril play The Copa at the Bootlegger Bistro at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Expect a Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz kind of vibe. The couple will perform originals and spin stories about their respective lives and the paths they took to be together. They’ll perform songs in Portuguese, Spanish and Italian.
There shall be laughing, hugging and lots of energy. Dial up or text 702-609-3390 for reservations. That’s the way to be ticketed at The Copa, which always does it old school.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.