Music calls me, tugging me from place to place, and this time it led Benita and me to the House of Blues for Tye Tribbett’s We Outside Tour. My grandson Taveion and his friend Jocelyn met us there. Our plan was simple: grab a bite, soak up the crowd energy, and enjoy uplifting gospel music.

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We kicked things off at the restaurant. Benita and I went veggie burgers with all the fixings, crisp lettuce and tomato. I can’t remember whether mine had avocado or grilled mushrooms, but that first bite was victory. Taveion and Jocelyn went with BBQ brisket, smoky and flavorful, though not as tender as they’d hoped, and still loaded with Southern sunshine.

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We didn’t linger. After a quick glance at the clock, we headed upstairs to the show. The crowd hummed with polite anticipation, the quiet thrill before a big night. Taveion and Jocelyn moved to the floor near the stage, a few feet from where Tye would perform. Benita and I took seats in the balcony, which offered a perfect sightline of the room.

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To my surprise, Tye Tribett’s mom was the MC. She introduced the opener, Jonathan McReynolds, whose voice rolled through space with power. It wasn’t just singing; it was a conversation with a melody — every note a question, every chorus an answer. Benita swayed … eyes closed, and I found myself tapping again.

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Next up straight from Tulsa, Oklahoma was Pastor Mike Todd from Transformation Church. If McReynolds brought the spirit, Minister Todd woke you up with high energy, brilliant light and a call and response that kept all engaged. The stage was a dance floor in continuous motion, setting the pace for what came next.

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Finally, it was the moment we'd all been waiting for — Tye burst on stage, stealing our breath! The spotlight hit him and the band snapped into a tight, unstoppable groove. Downstairs, the crowd around Taveion and Jocelyn surged, and in the balcony a roaring wave of thunderous clapping welcomed the headliner to Cleveland. Tye did more than perform, he ministered to young people and seasoned saints alike; meeting everyone where they were.

 

While the energy ran laps around Taveion and Jocelyn, from our balcony perch we enjoyed the atmosphere of praise emanating in the room rising above our heads. Our son-in-law Carlton and daughter Frechic joined us at the concert to round out the experience!  

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It was late, so we slipped out a few minutes early to beat the crowd. Walking to the car, the night air felt cooler, the stars brighter, and the music lingered. The show's echoes kept playing in our heads. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a family night out — which turns ordinary events into something you carry a lifetime.