By Genevieve Penta
Photo by Larry Marano
Freedom, freestyle, and free entertainment were the themes of the July 4th celebration at the Amerant Bank arena. Upon entrance, the parking lot was transformed into a place of neighborhood and family fun. From a variety of food trucks vying to satisfy your appetite to the slide and bounce houses for the kids to expend their energy.
In the background, DJ Johnny Quest was drawing you in, spinning the turntable, aka kickin' it old school, dropping beats, prepping for the ladies of the '80s to take centerstage. Before the acts went on, military veterans were honored and remembered for their service, which is the reason we were able to celebrate the day.
The Cover Girls, covered in red, white, and blue, and stars and stripes, sashayed onstage, opening with "Inside, Outside." They didn't "Skip a Beat" with their perfectly choreographed dance movements, sauntering to and fro across the stage. With Evelyn Escalera (lead vocals, 1989) in the center position and mostly at the helm, Sabrina Nieves (vocals 2001) and Lorraine Munoz (vocals 2001) each took turns exercising their vocals. The set included all the hits, including "Wishing on a Star,'' "My Heart Skips a Beat," "Because of You," and finally calling for everyone to "get out of their seats" for their finale "Show Me." South Florida showed their love for the Covergirls by doing just that! In return the gracious ladies, all smiles, took photos and signed autographs with those who caught them exiting the stage.
Lisa Lisa (Lisa Velez), one of the first freestyle music queens, came to the party with an entourage of dancers and background singers. "Let the Beat Hit 'Em" with high energy dance moves and Lisa Lisa's vintage vibe, being the goal to get the crowd engaged. Her voice faltered a time or two, but for the most part sounded good. Dressed in her signature style, dark colors, and long-sleeved jacket, she failed to take into account the South Florida heat. A few songs in, needing to stop for an onstage break as her only male dancer offered her a bottle of water and a towel. She briefly left the stage, having one of her talented background singers take over for a few minutes. Returning full force, the show went on. Singing the hits "All Cried Out," which she recently re-released and encouraged the crowd to download, "Lost in Emotion," "Head to Toe," "Can You Feel the Beat," and "I Wonder if I Take You Home," she got everyone in the mood to sing and dance and have a great time.
Once the concert ended, the lights were cut, and fireworks erupted. It was one-stop, non-stop fun at this event!
All images by Larry Marano:
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