Even if you didn’t have a spare $80 to shell out for AfroPunk, Jazmine Sullivan electrified a crowd in Central Park 100% free of charge. Taking the stage in a form fitting white dress, she was showered with cheers from her most passionate fans from the Tri-state area. Smiling from ear to ear she greeted the crowd before running through her long list of hits as the crowd sang along to her every word. One word to describe the vibe on 72nd & 5th Ave would be LOVE, from the crowd to the stage, from the stage to the speakers.
It’s been sometime since many have seen her, but it was as if she had never left. Reminiscing of her sold-out Irving Plaza show this past March in NYC, she revisited tracks from her first 2 albums, after opening her performance with “Dumb” from her most recent ‘Reality Show. 
Her angelic voice sounded flawless as she hit every note, danced as if it were a family reunion and let her fans know how much she appreciated their dedication and support even through the tough times in the industry. She referenced her own insecurities before speaking directly to the women in the crowd, transitioning into her song “Masterpiece” (Mona Lisa).
During her performance of “Holding You Down” (Goin In Circles) she even found time to incorporate the Roberta Flack inspired, Fugees rendition of “Killing Me Softly” to perfection. At one point the woman in front of me could be heard saying “She’s the new Lauryn”, and after such a flawless performance it’s hard to disagree. But at the same time she’s very much her own artist. Jazmine Sullivan, has established her fan base and place in a industry she once attempted to shun. Thank GOD she did not, she has chosen to continue to bless us with her AMAZING gift. 
There’s a reason Stephen Hill could be seen singing and dancing throughout her performance, opting to spend his Sunday night in Central Park with Jazmine instead of Brooklyn’s Commodore Park in where I spotted him Saturday, and also where the legendary Lenny Kravitz closed out the annual Afro Punk Festival.
Jazmine Sullivan had her own legendary night, right there in upper Manhattan. Closing the show with the hit that introduced her to the world, “Need U Bad”, before once again being showered with an enormous amount of love from all in attendance. She truly made it a night to remember.
Watch footage of the concert here.
