A righteous tandem has locked in August dates at Voltaire at The Venetian.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are back with their 40 years of hits, and their rapid-fire stage show. “Nothing But Hits” plays 10 dates, Aug. 7-9, 12, 14-16 and 21-23. Tickets are on sale at voltairelv.com.
The duo sold out their first set of six dates in April, the show building momentum through strong word-of-mouth. We called the August extension as they closed their original series, when they were accompanied by “American Idol” champ Ruben Studdard and “Star Search” winner Shanice Wilson.
Jam and Lewis have played a role in 42 No. 1 Billboard hits and more than 100 gold, platinum, multiplatinum and diamond albums. Jam said from the stage, “There are good songs, there are bad songs, and there are hits. Good and bad are debatable. But there is no arguing a hit.”
The show is filled with such classics as “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” by Cherelle, “Human” by The Human League and “What Have You Done for Me Lately” by Janet Jackson.
Jam and Lewis are especially aligned with Jackson, producing such monster hits as “Control,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and “Rhythm Nation 1814,” recently inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The tandem that sports the shades and fedoras are known for their studio and songwriting acumen with Michael Jackson, Prince, George Michael, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Chaka Khan, Toni Braxton, The Human League, H.E.R., The Time, The SOS Band and Yolanda Adams, among many others.
The massive catalogue requires some inventive editing. Jimmy am explained in April, “Some of it will be a full meal. Some of it will be a tasting menu, like a medley.”
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykatson X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.