The Nice Guy restaurant and lounge was abuzz as guests mingled around the bar, sipping complimentary drinks and munching on hors d’oeuvres of pizza, French fries and crab, as they eagerly awaited an exclusive performance from the night’s special guest. 

After an hour of anxious anticipation and delicious cuisine, Aloe Blacc, dressed impeccably in a chic blazer and fitted jeans, coolly and casually made his way to the stage to celebrate his first-ever Grammy nomination for his major-label debut album, “Lift Your Spirit.” Citi presented the event to honor the multitalented singer-songwriter who is nominated for Best R&B Album, alongside Toni Braxton and Babyface, Bernhoft, Robert Glasper Experiment and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. 

The 36-year-old crooner flaunted his rich, smooth vocals for just over 30 minutes, with only the accompaniment of one piano and guitar, opening his acoustic set with his catchy single “I Need a Dollar” from the 2010 album, “Good Things.” 

“It’s not a true statement anymore, but it’s a beautiful memory,” he joked before belting out the hit tune to cheers from the audience.

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He continued to promote the positive vibes in the cozy and relaxed setting by encouraging everyone in the room to sing along with “Lift Your Spirit,” an inspiring record about finding friends who have your best interests at heart. 

“Every time I write a song, I want to write something that can inspire, uplift and tell a story with a message that could potentially be life-changing for some people,” he explained before launching into “Hello World (The World Is Ours),” a moving anthem. “If it does well in the marketplace, that’s good. But if it helps people, that’s even better.”

He followed that up with “Love Is the Answer,” a track he teamed up with Pharrell Williams to create. Blacc graciously called the “Happy” singer “a hero” and “one of our generation’s greatest producers.” The feel-good tune is about “the joy of compassion and the joy of sharing love,” he told the crowd.

Afterward, Blacc transitioned to one of his most popular radio hits to date, “The Man,” which spent 14 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. The song was also featured in several Beats by Dre commercials with professional athletes Colin Kaepernick, Kevin Garnett and Cesc Fabregas. “You can sing along too, whether you’re a man or a woman,” he encouraged the audience. “It’s not about the gender, it’s about the person inside; the hero inside that you can be, despite adversity and obstacles. You’re the man.”

Later, Blacc paid tribute to Zane Musa, a Los Angeles jazz saxophonist who suddenly passed away earlier this week, by performing “Here Today.” 

“You may have been here today and gone tomorrow, but never gone forever,” he expressed. “You’re here with us in the music.”

Before closing out the intimate performance, the musician reflected on his impressive Grammy nomination. “I already won because I feel like getting here was worth everything,” he said. “Even if there is no trophy at the end, it doesn’t matter. I had the best time doing it with the best people in the industry.” As expected, Blacc made one last unforgettable impression with an engaging and mesmerizing rendition of his and Avicii's “Wake Me Up.” 

“I want you to sing with me, as much as you want, all the way through,” he said. And, every person in the room obliged.

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