En Vogue. The name rings more than a bell. It invokes memories of a long line of red-hot R&B and pop smashes recorded in the 1990s. Songs like "Hold On," "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)," "Giving Him Something He Can Feel," "Free Your Mind," and "Whatta Man" featuring Salt-N-Pepa, are just a sampling of the mega hits made famous by the R&B super group.

Fusing style, sophistication, sass, and sex appeal, the En Vogue formula was magical and the group went on to sell over eight million albums. In total, En Vogue recorded five albums: 1990’s "Born To Sing;" 1992’s "Funk Divas;" 1997’s "EV3;" 2000’s "Masterpiece Theatre;" and 2002’s "The Gift of Christmas." There have also been several compilations released including 1999’s "Best of En Vogue" and 2001’s "The Very Best of En Vogue."

In addition to being featured on "Sesame Street" star Elmo’s compilation "Elmopalooza!," the group also appeared on the soundtracks for "Set It Off," "Why Do Fools Fall In Love," and "Simply Mad About the Mouse," to name a few. Group member Terry Ellis also released a solo album "Southern Girl" in 1995.

Since En Vogue’s 1990 debut, the ladies, who were the brain child of production team Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, set a standard for female R&B and pop acts like Destiny’s Child, 3LW, and 702. While En Vogue may have been trendsetters for those who followed them, the group itself began receiving comparisons to The Supremes, especially after internal differences caused original member Dawn Robinson to exit the group in 1997. Fellow member Maxine Jones followed suit and left the group in 2001.

But unlike The Supremes, En Vogue never disband. Instead, the group exemplified the fortitude of Motown veterans the Temptations and continued to record and perform. Like the Temptations, the remaining original members Cindy Herron and Terry decided to revamp En Vogue--becoming a trio and adding new member Rhona Bennett.

"Being likened to the Temptations is a good comparison because Cindy and I have made decision to keep it moving regardless," said Terry. "And with that, Rhona definitely brings a freshness to the table."

With the Temptations, and even contemporary groups like Destiny’s Child, fulfilling the shoes of an original member can be demanding. Newcomer Rhona, who had a recurring role of the "Jamie Foxx Show" and was previously signed to producer Rodney Jerkins’ Darkchild/Epic label, is up to the challenge. Similar to Johnny Gill replacing Bobby Brown in New Edition, Rhona actually brings her own cache to En Vogue.

"Joining an established group has been an absolutely fabulous experience thus far," admitted Rhona. "I have fans who were waiting on me to finally put out some music and hopefully I now bring whatever fan base I had to En Vogue."

Rhona was introduced to Cindy and Terry by a music producer named M-Boogie. After hearing from Denzil that En Vogue was looking for a new member, M-Boogie recommended Rhona for the slot. Rhona met Cindy and Terry and auditioned by singing Guy‘s "Piece Of My Love," which has been re-titled "I Do Love You" and is featured on En Vogue‘s latest release "Soulflower." "We heard her sing and were blown away," confessed Terry. "Her chemistry and energy was just great and she fit right in."

En Vogue has also blossomed professionally. After years of being signed to a major label, the group decided this time around to start their own independent record label, Funky Girl Records, and take complete control of their own career. "We’ve done the big label thing, and though it has its benefits, you’re not in complete control of what you’re doing," said Cindy. "Now we’re in control. We call our shots. No matter what happens with this project, it’s our doing."

Terry chimed in, "There’s so much freedom and gratification in doing things your own way. As long as we’ve been in this business, just going through the trials and tribulations of everything, it was real easy for us to say, let’s do this!"

En Vogue also finds fulfillment while on stage. "It’s about connecting with the people," said Rhona. "It’s about the energy you receive, the love, and the reciprocation from the message in the music." In fall of 2003, the group spent two and a half months touring Europe in a production called "Night of the Prom."

"It was the first time they had ever had an R&B act. We were on the same bill as Toto (sp), INXS (sp), Hughie Lewis (sp) and other top European acts and we performed to sold-out stadiums each night. It was amazing to perform our songs with an classical orchestra," said Terry. "Our music expanded in ways that I can’t even tell you. To be a part of a show where they were fusing Classical, Rock & Roll, Pop, and R&B was incredible."

In lieu of Cindy’s maternity leave, original member Maxine reunited with En Vogue and performed in "Night of the Prom", despite being absent from the latest album release. Cindy later returned to do spot date performances with the group after "Night of the Prom". Currently all four members Terry, Cindy, Maxine and Rhona continue performing and are embarking on a new album project.

Though they embarked on their musical journey nearly 15-years ago, having grown musically, emotionally, professionally, and creatively makes En Vogue’s appeal greater than ever before. That growth has made the group more passionate than ever, and with that yearning, each member has their own individual goals. "I’m looking forward to continuing the journey," said Rhona.

Web Site: www.envouge.com

Performance Date:
May 25, 2008
Time: 9:15pm (Scheduled Estimated Time)