New Kids on the Block, Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff
Hersheypark Stadium – Hershey, PA – 8/3/2024
Review & Photos by Lori Schneider (IG: @LoriSchneiderPhotography)
New Kids on the Block (also known as NKOTB) brought their Magic Summer Tour 2024 to Hershey featuring Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff as special guests providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both longtime fans and new audiences. Although some light rain accompanied Paula’s set, it did not deter the performances from occurring.
An American boy band from Massachusetts, NKOTB enjoyed much success in the late 1980s and early 1990s selling more than 80 million records worldwide. They are credited for paving the way for future boy bands. The band consists of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Their performance, which featured a mix of their classic hits from the late 80s and early 90s, thrilled longtime fans. The band’s interaction with the audience and time engaging with the fans (even those on stage), created a more personal and memorable concert experience.
The 28-song setlist which opened with “Magic” and included “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”, “Step by Step”, “Hangin’ Tough” and more, helped to highlight their emotional connection with the fans. The true magic of the tour lied in the shared moments and memories created. This tour also allowed the group to reflect on their journey and early days, adding a layer of heartfelt nostalgia to the show. The performance was not only a trip down memory lane, but also a showcase of the band’s continued relevance and energy.
The Magic Summer Tour 2024 should be celebrated for its blend of nostalgia, dynamic performances, and the enduring bond between New Kids on the Block and their fans.
Paula Abdul’s performance during the Magic Summer 2024 tour featured a mix of her classic hits, which showcased her signature dance moves and energetic stage presence even at the age of 62. Highlights included crowd favorites like opener “Straight Up,” “Opposites Attract,” and “Cold Hearted”.
The inclusion of Paula Abdul and her dancers to the tour has added a dynamic element, as she brought her extensive choreography experience and charismatic performance to the stage. Paula’s contribution to the Magic Summer 2024 tour created a memorable experience for fans, combining the best of ’80s and ’90s pop music with contemporary production values.
Paula’s setlist included:
Straight Up
Vibeology
Cold Hearted
Opposites Attract
(It’s Just) The Way That You Love Me
Rush Rush
The Promise of a New Day / Knocked Out / Ain’t Never Gonna Give You Up
Forever Your Girl
DJ Jazzy Jeff’s performance provided a nostalgic and energetic start to the show. Known for his collaboration with Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff entertained the crowd (along with hip-hop artist Dayne Jordan) with a mix of classic hits and modern tunes. His set included a diverse range of music, including Naughty by Nature’s “O.P.P.”.
During his performance, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Dayne Jordan kept the audience hyped with a variety of songs across different genres, ensuring everyone was in the party mood for the rest of the night.
His setlist included a medley of many songs:
O.P.P / ABC / Jump / Single Ladies / I Wish / Here Come the Hotstepper / … / 24k Magic
I’m a Believer / Cheers Theme / The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme
Super Mario Bros Rap (with hip-hop artist Dayne Jordan)
It Takes Two / Uptown Funk / Let’s Dance / Don’t You Want Me / Apache / Smells Like Teen Spirit / Don’t Stop Believing / Living on a Prayer
