One picture captures our next theme perfectly. It's Al. B Sure!, circa 1988, down on his knees at Madison Square Garden while singing directly to actress Tracy Camilla Johns's midsection. The intent is clear, echoing the spirit of the music: even in a moment of showmanship, he's begging for it. R&B fans of a certain age might tell you that yearning is absent from the genre's current iteration, much to its detriment. They want more begging; more overt displays of passion. We'd ask whether people miss the feeling itself or do they just not like the music? Because we don't remember Jodeci in the desert, baking in those leather outfits, simply because they were begging. It's not just Aretha tapping on that window pane in desperation. Nor is it Anthony Hamilton pleading, ego be damned, for Charlene to come back home. The common thread here is that the music is exceptional—which is what we want to emphasize while exploring some of the best instances of begging in R&B through the years. As always, catch us at Songbyrd from noon to 2pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Bring your perspectives, stories, and all of your feelings. \*\*\* The R&B Club is a cultural gathering founded in 2018 that discusses the influence of R&B music. In other words, think of it as a musical book club-style meetup. Follow us on social media at @therandbclubdc for more information. Presented by Songbyrd Music House All ages