On a warm summer evening at Merriweather Post Pavilion, fans gathered for a night of music, nostalgia, and pure entertainment. The MixTape Tour, featuring New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul, and DJ Jazzy Jeff promised a journey through the best of pop, hip-hop, and R&B from the 80's and 90's—and it delivered in every way.
The night kicked off with DJ Jazzy Jeff, who quickly transformed Merriweather into a massive dance party. His skills on the turntables were as sharp as ever, blending classic hits with fresh beats. The crowd erupted when he dropped tracks like “Jump Around” and “Don’t Stop Believing,” transporting everyone back to the golden era of hip-hop. His performance was a perfect warm-up, getting everyone hyped and ready for the night ahead.
Next up was Paula Abdul, who took the stage with the grace and energy that has made her a pop icon. From the moment she launched into “Straight Up,” the audience was hooked. Abdul’s choreography was a highlight—her dance routines were sharp, precise, and full of the personality that fans have loved for decades. She worked the stage like a true professional, proving that her skills haven’t faded a bit. Her set was a mix of high-
energy hits and slower ballads, with “Opposites Attract” and “Rush, Rush” being particular crowd favorites. Paula's warmth and connection with the audience were undeniable, making her set one of the night’s standout performances.
Photos & Article by: Jennifer Racho
As the headliners, New Kids on the Block had the audience in the palm of their hands from the moment they stepped on stage. Opening with “Magic” the band set the tone for a night filled with their biggest hits. The setlist was carefully crafted, blending their classic tracks with newer material, keeping the energy high throughout the show.
The setlist was a masterful blend of their biggest hits and fan favorites, ensuring that every moment was met with enthusiastic cheers and sing-alongs. From the high-energy “Step by Step” to the heartfelt “Please Don’t Go Girl,” NKOTB took the audience on a journey through their extensive catalog, each song a reminder of why they became pop icons. The band also included newer tracks like “Better Days seamlessly integrating them into the flow of the show and proving that they still have fresh material to offer.
The band’s chemistry was evident, with each member shining in their own way. Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Jonathan Knight, and Danny Wood brought their A-game, interacting with the crowd and each other in a way that felt genuine and effortless.
The production was top-notch, with dynamic lighting and visuals that complemented the music without overshadowing the performance. The outdoor setting of Merriweather added a special touch to the evening, with the warm summer breeze and natural surroundings enhancing the overall atmosphere. The iconic pavilion, filled to capacity, buzzed with excitement as fans, many of whom grew up with NKOTB, sang along to
every word.
Photos by: Jennifer Racho
One of the standout elements of the night was the band’s ability to connect with the audience. Each member—Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Jonathan Knight, and Danny Wood—had their moments to shine, whether through solos, banter with the crowd, or spontaneous dance breaks. Donnie’s energy was particularly infectious, often leading the charge with his charismatic stage presence and playful interactions with fans. Joey’s vocals were as strong as ever, particularly during the acoustic moments, where the raw emotion of the songs resonated deeply with the crowd.
The New Kids on the Block’s performance at Merriweather was a celebration of their legacy and a reaffirmation of their continued relevance in the music world. The Magic Summer Tour lived up to its name, creating an evening that was not just about reliving the past, but about celebrating the present and looking forward to the future. NKOTB showed that they are not just surviving—they’re thriving, and they continue to bring the
magic to fans, old and new alike.
Comentarios