Hennessey’s Artistry local concert series wrapped up last night at The Canal Room in New York City with Erin Christine, Donnis, Miguel and headliner Bilal. This show was part of a five-city tour that featured musicians who ranged from The Roots crew to Marsha Amrbosious. The whole event started and ended in a timely manner, which everyone knows is a rarity for concerts, so props to the Hennessey staff for being able to pull that off. Oh, and for the gentlemen planning a future foray to The Canal Room that are trying to hide your bad haircuts underneath a hat, the security isn’t down with that so leave the fitted at home before you get the gas face.

The night’s opening songstress Erin Christine with the master of ceremonies Hot 97’s Peter Rosenberg. The Berklee College of Music alumnus definitely showed her range and had some very vocal fans in the crowd supporting.

Atlanta representative Donnis had a high-energy set that was sonically enhanced ten-fold by the additional boom bap provided by Daru Jones’ drum set. Good stage presence and crowd interaction made his performance a definite highlight of the night.

Jive Records new Rhythm & Blues artist Miguel was definitely a crowd favorite. For being a newer artist he’s definitely got a polished live performance from the synchronized moves with his band to the guitar playing during his single “All I Want Is You”. He looked just a few zippers short of thriller in that white jacket, and definitely said there were four boroughs in New York, but I’m sure the ladies forgave him soon after his crooning began.

Airtight Willie a.k.a. Bilal had a comical yet demanding stage presence. With 88-Keys on the turntables, the Grammy nominated musician caused more than a few people to swoon by utilizing his infamous falsetto. During his reworked track “All Matter”, originally with Robert Glasper, Bilal showed his superior talents by freestyling a broad range of notes on a whim that would’ve made Curtis Mayfield proud. The short set left the crowd yearning for more but more importantly a lasting impression that the 1^st born second is definitely back.