The Quadrangle

Issue date: 9/20/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment

On August 30, while the MTV Video Music Awards was hosted at Radio City Music Hall, a huge line eagerly waited outside the Roseland Ballroom on 52nd street for Justin Timberlake's highly anticipated show. The line to get in before the doors opened at 11pm was down the block and around several corners from the actual building. Even for a busy night in Times Square there was a certain vibe around the city while waiting to get in. It was as if the streets were full of celebrities. With each limo and camera flash, everyone searched the crowd hoping to get a glimpse of a star.
Timberlake was to make his appearence at the VMAs and then go over to Roseland Ballroom later that night. By 12:30, people were packed inside the dark and crowed room, waiting for him to come on. The concert was part of Timberlake's small rock club tour to promote his new album.
Inside Roseland Ballroom there is a perfect club setting. There are two stages bordering the dance floor. The whole ground floor is open and the bar is located in the back corner. The floor was packed with people. The second section of the building suspends over the dance floor like a balcony. The silhouettes of the lights kept others from seeing who was up in that section, despite the fact that most knew stars such as Nick Lachey, Vanessa Minillo, and Pink were in attendance. After another hour and a half after entering the building, there was still no sign of Timberlake.
Timberlake came on stage at 1:30AM after the VMAs. He was wearing an old fashion suit-like outfit with a vest and tie over a white shirt. Many of the songs were from his solo album Justified, and some he even remade for the performance. For example, he performed "Cry Me a River" with an unexpected rock and roll flare. Other songs included "Señorita" and "Like I Love You." Timberlake seemed very energetic as he bounced around the stage, from singing with guest stars to playing keyboard and acoustic guitar. He even incorporated his famous beat-boxing into a couple of songs.
He also performed songs from his new album FutureSex/LoveSounds, released on September 12th. Some of the new songs that he performed included "Damn Girl" and "Lovestoned."
He had many on stage guest performers, which included Timbaland, Pharrell, and Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas. Towards the end of the night Timberlake catered to the crowd by performing "SexyBack" with guest star, Timbaland, which had the crowd cheering and singing along. Another surprise guest performer was J.C. Chasez who was also a former member of *NSync with Timberlake. His performance with Timberlake was from his new album.
Timberlake's stage presence was very impressive, as he excited the audience with each song that he performed. From a packed club floor and the many celebrities in attendance, it was clear that Timberlake not only knows how to put on a good show, but that he also has the ability to sell out a New York City club.
The concert was also a successful way for him to promote his new album. The concert looked like he made a huge effort in making it fun and exciting by having the band and the many guest stars perform. The main reason he went all out for this show was to promote a new image for him, and to separate his career now from his stigmatized boy-band past. The concert allowed him to show off his extreme talent that gets better each time he performs.

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