Alicia Keys “Shows Love” at the New Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida
Alicia Keys performed a one-night only show for the Shawn Carter Foundation and lucky fans were able to see her do an incredible show on Saturday night!
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hosted the debut of JAY-Z’s foundation Black Tie Gala and events included a $500,000 jackpot Blackjack tournament. The concert with Keys was part of the gala but also sold tickets to the public. A portion of the proceeds of those tickets went to the foundation that will go towards the scholarship fund, sending young people to college both in the U.S. and abroad. Alicia announced that The SC Foundation’s weekend’s events raised over $6 million!
Alicia played a 70-minute set of her hits including her brand new single “Show Me Love”. The single features 21 Savage and Miguel, but Alicia gave us her solo version. The show was all about showing love from Alicia to the audience and back. The stellar sound of the Hard Rock Live took Alicia and her band to another level of amazing. The lighting was spectacular, this venue is perfection for concert viewing. Seating 7,000, there is not a bad seat in the house.
Alicia had the audience in her hands, taking us all the way back to 2001, and that debut smash “Fallin’” from her album “Songs in A Minor”. The album sold a zillion copies and brought Alicia to the attention of America thanks to Oprah! She was singing it to the audience and they were singing it back at her! “If I Ain’t Got You” had the entire room singing, the fans were waiting for it! 2007’s “No One” was an emotional extravaganza! “Superwoman” was dedicated to all the women in the audience and Alicia talked about writing songs like it when she isn’t always feeling particularly great, but they bring her hope. “Girl on Fire” was lit in orange and red lighting, the words ringing out and people out of their seats!
The finale of the show was Alicia paying tribute to her home, New York City! Paying homage to Billy Joel’s New York with “New York State of Mind”, she took it home with the 2009 tune about the city that never sleeps “Empire State of Mind”. Since JAY-Z was in the building, people were hoping he would perform with her on their hit but we imagine he was too busy with gala duties. Alicia handled it and it was a great closer! Alicia is an astounding performer live, if she goes on tour don’t miss it!
There were massive crowds at the Hard Rock on Saturday night! People for the show but also people coming out to see the new 12 story Guitar Hotel! There is a light show every night, out near the pool is where to view the 11-minute show of synchronized music and lights. It is like watching a guitar playing with the 2.3 million LED lights moving the strings. There are lasers that go up into the sky that reach up to 4 miles, the show runs twice nightly.
There are plenty of restaurants for dining as well a food court and snacks like gelato. The centerpiece in the lobby area is a lighted waterfall which has already become the spot for selfies and family photos! Another SC Foundation event included DJ Khaled at the DAER nightclub and there was a long line to get in, this was a ticketed event so not sure how many hopefuls in the line got in. There is a second nightclub at Hard Rock with Entice Ultra Lounge. Of course, you can try your luck at the slots, roulette, or card games, it is a casino, but now Hard Rock Hollywood is so much more!
Photos by Vicky Sullivan / The Sarasota Post