Howard Hewett is one of the most gifted vocalists in the Post-Marvin Gaye era of pop R&B.

He started singing as a child, fronting his older sisters in The Hewett Singers. The group toured the gospel circuit. As a teen, Hewett sharpened his crooner skills in a funk band called Lyfe. In 1976, Hewett moved to Los Angeles and formed a group put together by the owners of the historic Maverick’s Flat, called Beverly Hills.

Hewett got his mainstream break as the male vocal lead in Shalamar, a centerpiece of Dick Griffey’s SOLAR (Sound of Los Angeles Records) label. His tenor voice mixed beautifully with the bright vocals of Jody Watley, the dancing skills of Jeffery Daniels and the writing and production of Leon Sylvers III. The group gave the world feel-good dance favorites The Second Time Around and A Night to Remember, the baby-making classic For the Lover in You, as well as a number of beautiful B-side ballads like You Can Count On Me and Somewhere There’s a Love. When Watley and Daniels left the group in 1983, Hewett continued to lead Mickey Free and Delisa Davis in the reconstituted Shalamar. This version of the group was best known for soundtrack contributions on Footloose and Beverly Hills Cop with Dancing in the Sheets and the Grammy-winning Don’t Get Stopped in Beverly Hills, respectively.

In the mid-eighties, Howard sets out on his solo career, releasing I Commit to Love in 1986 on Elektra and from the first single Hewett made magic, giving his amorous voice and whimsical lyrics to Stay, I’m For Real and the title track. Most beloved track on this freshman release would be his spiritually grounded Say Amen. This single soared on the Inspirational charts and has enjoyed the status of a modern gospel classic.

Subsequent projects have solidified Hewett’s place in the high ranks of R&B balladeers by writing and collaborating and lending his voice within an intimate group of crooners, including George Duke, Quincy Jones, James Ingram, Anita Baker, Prince and Stanley Clarke. With Elektra, he released Forever and Ever (1988- Once, Twice, Three Times), Howard Hewett (1990- Show Me) and Allegiance (1992- Can We Try Again).

Later work shows increasing authenticity as Hewett rips song lyrics straight from his soul. It’s Time (1994- This Love is Forever), written and produced almost exclusively with long time friend and collaborator Monte Seward, displays all the vulnerability involved in falling and staying in love. In 2001, Hewett released the all inspirational album The Journey, where he shows us that his faith can’t be separated from his heart and soul.​

Hewett continues to seduce audiences and eardrums as he is constantly touring and intermittently releasing new music.​

“Of all the fine vocalists working today, Howard Hewett is one of the finest.” – Babyface

The Ultimate Usher Tribute PART II is coming to Memorial Hall OTR on Saturday, June 27, 2026 — and it’s going to be UNFORGETTABLE!

Featuring the high-energy, award-winning 2nd Wind Band, this electrifying night brings Usher’s greatest hits to life with live vocals, dancers, pole artistry, and dazzling production that will have you on your feet from start to finish!

From “Nice & Slow” to “Yeah!” — you don’t want to miss the heat, the passion, and the smooth moves that defined a generation.

One Night Only. One Incredible Experience.

Grammy-nominated R&B singer, songwriter, and actor Mario has cemented his legacy as one of the genre’s most impactful voices. Mario rose to fame with his platinum 2002 debut breakout hit “Just a Friend 2002,” and later delivered the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single “Let Me Love You,” which earned him two Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy Nomination. The single cemented him in the R&B genre as one of the greatest R&B performers of this generation. Fast forward to 2025, Mario has multiple Top 10 singles under his belt and over 20 years of chart success. He continues to put his foot on the gas with his viral Kehlani “Folded” cover, and surprised fans popping out during Drake’s Wireless Fest set earlier this year. Mario remains a defining force in R&B, praised for his timeless vocals and authentic storytelling that continue to influence a new generation of artists while staying true to real R&B.

VIP Tickets for this show are no longer available.

VIP1: $226 including fee
Glad You Came Meet & Greet Experience

• One (1) Premium Ticket
• Photo Opportunity and Meet & Greet with Mario
• Exclusive Soundcheck Viewing Experience
• Exclusive Mario Merchandise Pack
• One (1) Commemorative Laminate, Signed by Mario
• First Access Merch Shopping (Where Applicable)
• Venue First Access (Where Applicable)
• VIP Entrance to the Venue
• On Site VIP Host

VIP2: $171 including fee
Let Me Love You Soundcheck Experience

• One (1) Premium Ticket
• Exclusive Soundcheck Viewing Experience
• Exclusive Mario Merchandise Pack
• One (1) Commemorative Laminate
• First Access Merch Shopping (Where Applicable)
• Venue First Access (Where Applicable)
• VIP Entrance to the Venue
• On Site VIP Host

VIP3 UPGRADE $375 + ticket required and sold separately
Nothing But Us Ultimate VIP Upgrade

• Pre-Show Toast with Mario
• Take a Selfie with Mario
• VIP Poster, Signed by Mario
• Surprise VIPMerch Gift
• First Access Merch Shopping (Where Applicable)
• Venue First Access (Where Applicable)
• VIP Entrance to the Venue
• On Site VIP Host
• *Ticket Purchase Required to be Eligible for Upgrade