ATL Live on the Park has a reputation for bringing the hottest R&B acts back to the forefront or breaking the careers of new artists, but Monday night was a lil bit different (August 26, 2013).
The popular showcase’s creators Shanti Das and Marlon Nichols joined forces with Peter Thomas and Gregg Leakes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta to produce the first-ever PLATINUM edition of ATL Live on the Park.
Scheduled performances included R&B crooner Case, new jack swing artist Christopher Williams (“CMB We all we got!”), King Shakes (Peter Thomas’ son), and while Porsha Stewart was listed on the flyer as one of the performers, she certainly wasn’t missed after R. Kelly hit the stage for a surprise performance! Kelz was then followed by other impromptu performances from Teddy Riley and hip-hop pioneer Greg Nice (of Nice ?n Smooth).
Lifestyle specialist Kenny Burns alongside DJ Mars and the Teddy White Band continued to keep the crowd pumped, while several industry notables enjoyed the festivities.
Attendees included: Real ‘Housewives’ Nene Leakes and Cynthia Bailey, Tameka Raymond, Monyetta Shaw, Michael Kyser (Atlantic Records President of Black Music), philanthropist Chanita Foster (Beyond the Game), Devyne Stephens, Jazze Pha, Jevon ‘Vawn’ Sims, Benzino (Love & Hip Hop Atlanta) and more.
Full recap of the epic event PLUS photos & video below…
Platinum edition co-host Peter Thomas
The show opened with Peter Thomas’ introduction of his son, ?Fresher than You Music Group? artist King Shakes, who performed his single, “Murda.”
Following this track, Shakes introduced ?Broken Heart? featuring fellow label-mate Fynese. He concluded his performance with his 2nd single ?Fast Life? off his upcoming mix-tape, ?Never Burn Bridges?.
R&B crooner, Case, took the stage next.
The Grammy-nominated artist opened his performance with a slew of classics including ?Happily Ever After? and ?Missing You?. Captivating the audience with classic hits, Case performed two covers from his favorite artists, Stevie Wonder?s ?Always? and Marvin Gay?s ?Sexual Healing?.
The biggest surprise of the evening was a performance from R. Kelly who hit the stage with his #1 selling hit, ?Step in the Name of Love?.
VIDEO: ATL Live on the Park (Platinum Edition)
Kelly was followed by Grammy-award winning singer/producer/pioneer of new jack swing, Teddy Riley, who took stage to perform snippets of his oldies but goodies, ?New Jack Swing? and ?RumpShaker?.
Just when we thought that was enough, hip-hop legend Greg Nice of Nice ?n Smooth, hit the stage and took the crowd all the way back with his set.
Singer and president of Nino Brown’s ‘pretty muthaf*cker’ club, Christopher Williams closed out the ATL Live stage with a killer performance. Williams took the crowd to church with a powerful rendition of Marvin Sapp?s ?Never Would?ve Made It? (click HERE for a snippet of that performance) .
Next, Williams performed his 1989 hit single, ?Promises, Promises,? before moving on to his beautiful cover of Luther Vandross? ?Still in Love,? a performance that had many in the audience (including Nene Leakes) totally captivated!
Williams concluded his set with his #1 smash hit from the New Jack City soundtrack, ?I?m Dreamin?.
Shanti Das and Marlon Nichols once again proved why they sell out this popular event each month! From celebrity appearances to impromptu performances by musical legends, ATL Live on the Park has become an Atlanta staple, continuing to deliver quality performances for every show.
Cynthia Bailey strikes a pose…
Monyetta Shaw, ATLien, Tameka Raymond…
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R. Kelly sextin textin…
Gregg takes a bow after Christopher Williams brings up his ‘started from the bottom’ quote at the wedding…
[FLASHBACK: Inside of Nene & Greg’s Reality Show Wedding… ]
DeVyne Stephens is all smiles…
It will definitely be hard… but not impossible for the two Atlanta Natives, who have brought back an appreciation for live musical performances.
Stay tuned! It can only get better…
Major props to Marlon & Shanti for hosting another successful ATL Live on the Park event!
**Special shout out to Angela Watts (AWMedia)**
Photos: Prince Williams (ATLPics)/Video: Chris Mitchell (CME3000)