Though this isn’t technically billed as a middle school dance, you will probably find–or be one of the–many twenty- or thirty- somethings at Kent’s ShoWare Center bumping and grinding like they never left junior high. Headliners Blackstreet were one of the most prominent mid/late-era “new jack swing” vocal groups (a hip hop-tinged R&B style characterized by extremely popping hi-hats, the occasional horn, and dancing–always dancing) who followed the genre through its cross-over heyday with guest verses from Dr. Dre (“No Diggity”), Ja Rule, Eve, etc., to become a force on the contemporary R&B scene. Top to bottom, this lineup is packed with blockbuster nineties hit-makers (112: HOLY SHIT; Color Me Badd: GTFOH; NEXT: WHAAAAT?!?!) that all have one thing in common: making almost literal love to the masses through their speakers. Get sexy. TODD HAMM

Sat., Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., 2012