The Magic Summer Tour: A Night of Nostalgia and New Memories

They sing. They dance. They schmooze with the fans, 90% are female, and most have brought their daughters, who have grown up listening to mom, who was a fan in the 80s. The New Kids on the Block have come to town.

As the sun set on Noblesville, Indiana, the air was thick with anticipation. The Ruoff Music Center, a venue no stranger to iconic performances, was about to host the ultimate throwback event of the year: the Magic Summer Tour featuring New Kids on the Block. The date was August 25, 2024, a night that would prove to be an unforgettable blend of nostalgia and fresh excitement.

The evening kicked off with the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, the O.G. maestro behind the turntables, setting the stage ablaze. Jeff, born Jeffrey Allen Townes, has been a pivotal figure in the music industry since the mid-80s. His partnership with Will Smith, known as DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, catapulted him to fame with hits like “Summertime” and “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” the latter earning them the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. With a career spanning over three decades, Jeff has not only left his mark as a DJ but also as a record producer and actor, most notably appearing on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He’s a legend.

Following the electric opening act was the multi-talented Paula Abdul. Abdul’s journey began as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers before she became the head choreographer for the Laker Girls. Discovered by the Jacksons, she went on to choreograph music videos for Janet Jackson, which led to her own signing with Virgin Records. Her debut album “Forever Your Girl” skyrocketed to success, making her an instant pop icon. Abdul is not just a singer but a renowned choreographer, with credits in films like “Coming to America” and “The Doors,” and TV shows including “American Idol” and “The X Factor.” At 62, Abdul’s legacy as a dancer, choreographer, and singer remains unparalleled. She also helps choreograph the NKOTB, having worked with them since 1989.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: New Kids on the Block took the stage. The band, consisting of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood, has been a pop sensation since their formation in 1984. With over 80 million records sold worldwide,

NKOTB has been a blueprint for future boy bands. Their accolades include two American Music Awards in 1990 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. The group has seen a remarkable journey from teen idols to seasoned entertainers, with all original members still actively involved.

The performance lasted about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and was the final show of this tour. Donnie told everyone they’d saved the best for last, and they backed it up. They left the stage and went into the audience, hugging, high fiving, and reveling in their fans. They had audience members on stage with them. One got on his knees and sang, “I’ll love you forever” to a young woman in tears. Another woman jumped on Jordan, kissed him and wrapped her legs around him and he had to carry her offstage.

The highlight of the show was when the Kids brought out DJ Jazzy Jeff and Paula Abdul to thank them for the successful tour. Joey thanks the stagehands, while he was fighting back tears. He said, “behind us is a stage, but picture nothing there, just a concrete floor. One guy does some measuring and makes a chalk mark on the floor. Four hours later, they’ve built a stage.”

They thanked the crowd for always showing up, and said that they would always show up as long as we’d have them. They called Paula over to thank her for helping with choreography. She thanked them for having her and her dancers, and she was also in tears. Donnie wiped tears too.

This group truly loves their fans, it’s not just talk. And this performance was incredible.

The setlist was a masterful mix of classics and medleys, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. From “My Favorite Girl” to “Step by Step,” each song was performed with the same vigor and passion that catapulted NKOTB to fame. Notably, “Please Don’t Go Girl” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” had the crowd singing every word, proving the timeless appeal of their music.

Donnie Wahlberg, known for his role on “Blue Bloods,” along with his bandmates, displayed an undeniable connection with the audience. They danced, sang, and interacted with fans, creating an intimate atmosphere that transcended the typical concert experience. The medley of “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” with “Paradise City” was a highlight, blending genres and eras in a way that only NKOTB could.

As the night drew to a close with “Better Days,” it was clear that New Kids on the Block had not only revisited their glory days but had also crafted new memories for their fans. The Magic Summer Tour was a celebration of music, dance, and the enduring bond between artists and their fans. For one magical summer night, Noblesville was the epicenter of the music world, and those in attendance were the lucky witnesses to history in the making.

This looks like 3 generations of fans, Grammy, Mom and this little sweetheart that knew every word.

• “Magic”
• “Summer Love”
• “My Favorite Girl”
• “Cover Girl”
• “Dirty Dancing”
• “Summertime”
• “You Got It (The Right Stuff)”
• “Remix (I Like the)”
• “Block Party”
• “Tonight”
• “Where Do I Go From Here?”
• “Treat Me Right”
• “Call It What You Want”
• “Popsicle”
• “Games”
• “Stay With Me Baby”
• “Baby, I Believe in You”
• “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again” / “Paradise City”
• “Happy Birthday”
• “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” / “Valentine Girl”
• “Please Don’t Go Girl”
• “Get Down” (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
• “Dance With You” / “A Love Like This” / “In the Night” / “Long Time Coming” (with DJ Jazzy Jeff)
• “Summertime” (DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince cover)
• “Kids”
• “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever)”
• “Step by Step”
• “Hangin’ Tough”
• “Better Days”

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