The desert heat had nothing on the fire that ignited inside Phoenix’s Celebrity Theatre on May 29, as the Calling All Lovers Tour made its soul-stirring stop in Arizona. With an iconic revolving stage and a 360-degree crowd, the venue provided a rare sense of intimacy and energy, transforming the night into more than just a concert—it was a full-body experience of love, loss, soul, and celebration.

Joe Leone Sets the Tone

The night opened with rising artist Joe Leone, a multi-instrumentalist whose performance style is as grounded as it is graceful. Alternating between keys and guitar, Leone delivered an emotionally rich set. His soothing voice wrapped the room like a warm breeze. His connection with the audience felt personal and honest, creating an inviting start to the evening. Joe may be a newer name to some, but his performance made it clear: he's one to watch.

Ro James Brings Emerald Elegance

Following Leone, Ro James lit up the stage in a stunning emerald ensemble. With vocals as smooth as silk and backed by a group of talented dancers, James added a sensual, dynamic flair to the show. Known for his sultry sound and R&B edge, his set was both vocally impressive and visually magnetic. The crowd swayed with every note, fully immersed in his hypnotic performance.

Tamar Braxton’s Soulful Spectacle

Then came the queen herself—Tamar Braxton. As the stage transformed, draped in white with soft-lit candles lining the edges, the room shifted into a realm of romance and reverence. Tamar’s powerhouse vocals soared through fan favorites like “The One,” “My Man,” and “All the Way Home,” each word echoed by a crowd who sang back like a choir of heartbeats.

A special moment came when two lucky couples onstage, given front-row seats to witness Tamar’s soul-baring ballads up close were given the spotlight. There was a lighthearted moment that showed off Tamar’s personality following laughter from the crowd. The audience became a living organism of love and memory during her emotional tribute to her late sister, Traci Braxton. As Traci’s song “Last Call” played, the theatre became a sea of soft lights—cell phones raised high, resembling stars in a sky of remembrance.

Tamar returned with her iconic anthem “Love and War,” delivering a breathtaking performance that featured two stellar backup singers dressed in matching Tamar-glitzed blazers, harmonizing with her in a moment that was equal parts theatrical and transcendent. The crowd erupted—the stage spun, the voices rose, and the house quite literally shook.

October London Closes with Velvet Soul

Just when it felt the evening had peaked, October London emerged to close the night with style. Channeling the mood of a classic lounge, the stage transformed once more—this time into a cozy bar scene, complete with the scent of a cigar lazily wafting from London himself.

With a voice reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, October glided through songs like “Slander My Name,” “Make Me Wanna,” “You Look Better,” and “All I Want Is You,” each track dripping with soul. He ended his set with “Mulholland Drive,” backed by a trio of vocalists who added texture and warmth to the scene. Just when the audience thought the night was over, London returned with an encore of “Back to Your Place,” sending everyone off on a cloud of groove and romance.

A Night to Remember

The Calling All Lovers Tour is more than a concert—it’s a love letter to R&B, soul, and everything in between. From Joe Leone’s heartfelt beginnings to Ro James velvet vocals, to Tamar Braxton’s passionate tributes, and October London’s sultry finale, the night was a journey of emotion, elegance, and excellence. Phoenix showed up and showed out, and under the Celebrity Theatre’s spinning spotlight, every artist gave their heart—and the crowd gave it right back.