CONCERT REVIEW

There was no doubt about it; as soon as I stepped foot into the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, "I got a feelin' that tonight was gonna be a good good night."

I knew that in a matter of minutes I would be experiencing the Black Eyed Peas in their "E.N.D." tour.

T-Pain, a well-known rapper, opened the show and pumped up the crowd with ease. Performing "Blame It" and "Buy U a Drank," T-Pain had the audience moving to the bass beat echoing from wall to wall.

Performing "Low," it wasn't hard for T-Pain to excite the crowd with a pleasing combination of music, dancing and his own commentary in between the songs.

Before long, it was time for the feature act, and the audience members braced themselves for the arrival of the Black Eyed Peas. The Peas made their entrance, and what an entrance it was. They emerged up from the floor of the stage, rising slowly in frozen positions as smoke machines and bright lights danced across the arena. And, naturally, the crowd went wild the moment they appeared.

The presentation was worthy of any television production, complete with costumes, dancers and special effects, and it only got better. At one point Taboo rode an elevated motorcycle far above the crowd's heads, bringing everyone to their feet cheering.

An unexpected treat were the break-out performances within the show. Every member of the group — Fergie, will.i.am, Taboo and apl.de.ap — is multitalented. The concert included individual performances, giving each member of the band a chance to connect with the audience and showcase his or her "skills." Although Fergie and will.i.am are by far the most recognized members of the band , it was an opportunity for Taboo and apl.de.ap to prove that each of them is certainly a multifaceted performer who can sing and dance. It is obvious that each member has brought something special to this band.

When Fergie performed solo she blew the audience away with her powerful vocals and unique style. It is obvious that she holds her own as the only female member of this popular band and has the ability to carry an audience as a solo performer.

Will.i.am was a crowd favorite when he decided to "get the party started" as he began spinning "old school" classic music to the audience's delight. Will.i.am also spoke of how the band came together 20 years ago with a dream and perseverance. It gave a very personal insight into this popular group's origins. He humbly thanked the audience for its love and support.

All through the Peas' long string of hits, the audience was singing and dancing along with the performers. It was incredible (but not surprising) that the crowd knew the words to each and every song and didn't hesitate to shout it out above the blasting music.

As the concert ended, the Peas brought the house down with their wildly popular "I Gotta Feeling." And for all who were lucky enough to witness the Black Eyed Peas in person it was very good night, indeed.