New Kids On The Block brings the 80s back to Wheatland, CA

Tuesday, July 2nd was a very, VERY HOT day in Wheatland, CA at the Toyota Amphitheatre. With the temperature soaring around 110 degrees, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Paula Abdul, and New Kids On The Block pressed onward with the Magic Summer Tour, ready to transport the packed house back to the days of their youth. Only this time, most of us brought our kids, as well! It was really fun to see so many moms sharing this event with their children. To be honest, the weather was miserable and there was a fire nearby, so smoke was filling the air. But, NKOTB fans didn’t let that stop them from having the time of their lives. 

Everyone was so happy, kind, and just ready to party in their neon outfits!

The evening started with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, which was a treat… just like back in the day! He was actually the opening act for New Kids On The Block’s first tour they ever did! Jazzy Jeff definitely got the crowd up and dancing while playing songs from the 90s and some current ones, too. My son’s favorite was the Super Mario mix, complete with a video of the original Mario Bros game on the screen. Thank you DJ Jazzy Jeff for making his day! 

Next up was none other than Paula Abdul! Having never gotten to see her live before, 8-year-old me was pretty excited to say the least! First of all, she’s just as beautiful as ever and, of course, she can still dance like no other! Her set was fun with audio of Abdul describing her career over the years, her love of choreography, and her wardrobes. She started out with “Straight Up”, “Vibeology”, and “Cold Hearted”. In between songs, Paula’s dancers would bring out oxygen and Paula joked, “Well, this is 62 folks!”. She was so sweet, humble, and REAL! Next up, she performed “Opposites Attract” (of course with MC Skat Kat), “The Way That You Love Me”, “Rush Rush”, and a mega medley of “The Promise of a New Day/Knocked Out/I’m Just Here for the Music/Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow/Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up”.

She saved the best for last with “Forever Your Girl”. 

When NKOTB came out everyone went CRAZY! I was so excited, having not seen them in concert for over 30 years! I was 11 years old when my uncle took me to see them… I’ll never forget that. It was such a special thing for him to do for me. They played a great mix of their older songs like “Step By Step” and “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind”. For “Hangin Tough”, they wore their Boston Celtics jerseys and got lifted into the air on a big riser. At one point, the boys ran out into the audience and sang from the back of the amphitheater!

Some other songs included were “Kids”, “Games”, “Block Party”, “The Right Stuff”, “My Favorite Girl”, “Magic”, and “Summer Love”. There were two MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS for me, which was “Please Don’t Girl” (because I’ve always been a “Joey” girl, and let me tell you…he’s still got it. He will forever be my favorite)! Also, when Jordan sang “I’ll be Loving You (Forever)” while I hugged my little man (my son) the whole time. The dancing and the crowd participation were all just so much fun. I loved hearing the 16-year-old girl behind me belting out every single word to every single song beside her mom (who was celebrating her birthday). It was such a great time that was had by everyone in attendance. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you to DJ Jazzy Jeff, Paula Abdul, and NKOTB for not canceling the show due to the weather. We all appreciated such an amazing show! Check out the rest of the tour dates below and try to get a ticket, because they are selling fast. I promise you will have the time of your life!

Photography by Sara Taylor

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