Mother’s Day weekend ended on a high note in Bluff City as the October Nights: Calling All Lovers Tour made a stop at The Orpheum Theatre Sunday night, bringing a soulful celebration of contemporary R&B, highlighted by smooth vocals and nostalgic hits.
The nearly sold-out performance featured Grammy Award-winner October London, platinum-selling songstress Tamar Braxton, and singer-songwriter Ro James, three of today’s most dynamic voices in modern R&B.
Ro James opened the night with a passionate performance that instantly warmed up the crowd. Dressed in his signature edgy style, James performed fan favorites like “Already Knew That” and his breakout hit “Permission,” from his 2017 debut Eldorado. Though it’s been five years since his last album Mantic (2020), James made it clear — he’s still got it. “It’s a blessing to be back on stage in front of y’all,” he told the audience, receiving rousing cheers in return.
Next up, Tamar Braxton proved once again why she remains a standout in both music and media. Known to many through her roles in reality television and as a talk show host, Braxton reminded the nearly 2,000 attendees that music is her first love — and her powerful voice her greatest gift. Backed by a live band and dazzling lights, she sang selections from her 2015 album Calling All Lovers, 2013’s Love and War, and Bluebird of Happiness (2017), captivating the crowd with raw emotion and impressive vocal runs.
At 48, Braxton remains as dynamic as ever, earning roaring applause for her emotional delivery and stage presence. Her viral 2014 track “Let Me Know,” featuring Future had the audience singing along word-for-word, further proved her legacy as a consummate vocalist.
“Tamar Braxton delivered a solid performance,” said attendee Nicole Brown, “but October London truly stole the show with his refined and sophisticated stage presence. We had a wonderful time this evening.”
When it was finally time for October London to take the stage, the room shifted.
With a style reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, yet uniquely his own, London delivered a polished, magnetic performance that set the tone for a perfect date night. His set featured a tight live band, angelic background singers, and seamless transitions between ballads and upbeat love anthems. Between songs, London humbly acknowledged the immense talent on the tour, telling the crowd, “This is a tour full of singers — not just performers — singers.”
Known for his velvety tone, throwback soul influence and gentlemanly swagger, London performed like a man born to sing love songs. Signed under the rebranded Death Row Records, now owned by hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, London has been climbing fast, thanks to critically acclaimed albums The Rebirth of Marvin (2023) and October Nights (2024).
Indeed, the tour is a vocalist’s dream. Each artist brought a distinct flavor: James with the smooth sensuality, Braxton with the powerhouse pipes and vulnerability, and London with the timeless soul.
For some concertgoers, especially those celebrating Mother’s Day, the event was like a gift.
“Brunch, gifts, and my husband surprised me with tickets to the October London concert with Tamar,” said Sherri Philmore, who attended with her husband. “My Mother’s Day was simply amazing.”
As the tour continues its 24-city run, produced by The Black Promoters Collective (BPC), Memphis fans were left with a renewed appreciation for real singing — no gimmicks, no backing tracks, just raw talent and unforgettable voices.
