Reviews: REO Speedwagon/Chicago, Dua Lipa, Boyz II Men & More

This week, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances from REO Speedwagon / Chicago in Concord, Calif.; Dua Lipa in Miami; Boyz II Men in Honolulu; Little Dragon in Denver; Ryan Adams in Salt Lake City; and Rascal Flatts in Mansfeld, Mass.

Hard Rock International – REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon plays Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Fla., April 13.

REO Speedwagon / Chicago @ Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif., June 13 – “If you’re a huge fan of [Chicago’s] 1970 double-disc affair, then you might really appreciate this show, since Chicago is playing the album in its entirety on each stop of this road show. I’m not a big fan. And, judging by the reaction in Concord, neither were many others at the concert. They came hoping to hear the hits. But they didn’t get them – at least not for the first hour of Chicago’s set.”

“Fortunately, REO Speedwagon did a much better job with its opening set. So good, in fact, that it might best serve the tour – and certainly the ticket buyers – to swap spots and let REO have the lengthier set to close the show.” – Jim Harrington /Bay Area News Group

Dua Lipa @ Bayfront Park in Miami, Fla., June 12 – “Lipa’s mountain of a voice and cache of songs that bounce between pop, rock, soul, and EDM gave us a healthy balance of ballads and bangers, the former not only an opportunity to give Lipa a rest from her music concert and workout, but also a chance to illustrate the full extent of her talent.” – Angel Melendez / Miami New Times

Powers Imagery – Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men play the Vegas Strong Benefit Concert at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Dec. 1.

Boyz II Men @ Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 10 – “ Age may have tamed their dance moves a tad, but their voices — Nathan Morris’ versatile baritone and Wanya Morris’ and Shawn Stockman’s soaring tenors — were as fine as ever.” – Sjarif Goldstein / HonoluluStar Advertiser

Little Dragon @ Ogden Theatre in Denver, Colo., June 12 – “The band took some peculiar detours. But when a group has been recording for over a decade, ups-and-downs are natural. Though this wasn’t the most satisfying Little Dragon performance we’ve seen, we’re excited to see what’s next for the group — and hope that it doesn’t include an accordion.” – Tyler Harvey / 303 Magazine

Ryan Adams @ Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, Utah, June 12 – “Adams is a joy to watch play. He gets in the zone. He arches his back. ‘Halloween Head’ and ‘Let it Ride’ seemed to be especially full of extended guitar noodling.” – Christie Marcy / Salt Lake Magazine

Rascal Flatts @ Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Mass., June 10 – “Bolstered by dazzling lights in two drum sets and around the stage, and in front of a half-shell that spun to reveal a coffin-like plush interior, the band … delivered a solid 90-minute set that showcased their hits through the years in their trademark consistent, energetic fashion.” – Sue McDonald / The Sun Chronicle