So…how were they?

If 1 plus 1 plus 2 equals four, then for sure, 112 rocked Fairfield University during their one-hour concert at Alumni Hall on Friday, Nov. 30. These guys held the sweaty, sardined, and screaming crowd in the palm of their hands until they strutted out of the doors.

The crowd was restless during the delayed start of 112’s performance. R’B music blared through the speakers to pacify the fans during this 25-minute setback. All around you, a sea of security and people were engulfing you, trying to rush the stage.

People were literally one-inch from each other; basically the people surrounding you shared some intimate and personal space with you for the duration of the show. Sweat permeated Alumni Hall. The humidity and anticipation was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

Suddenly the lights went down, screams pierced the heavy atmosphere. 112 had arrived.

The fab four of R’B began their one-hour performance late, but the sold-out crowd seemed to relish every line that these guys sang. From the opening notes of “It’s Over Now” until the concluding chords of “Peaches and Cream,” 112 had the crowd bumping, grinding, and swaying to the soulful tunes of their three successful albums. Their CD-quality concert was worth the money that I paid for it, and I would have paid more.

Dressed in white and black Adidas jump-suits, Q, Slim, Mike, and Daron Crip Walked, Harlem Shaked, and 112 Stomped into the hearts of the crowd who seemed to be relishing every minute that 112 was on stage. They flexed their vocal muscles and musical talents; Daron played keyboard to the improved interlude of Mike, who sang seductively about 112 and their lady fans.

He brought Q on-stage, picking a female member of the audience to oil him down, which she definitely didn’t mind doing at all. She slowly strutted over to the bare-shirted Q and in the night’s most X-rated display, sensuously rubbed him down much to her, (and probably his) delight.

A hush fell over the rambunctious crowd as 112 held a moment of silence for all those affected by the Sept. 11 tragedies and all the “true heroes who were there, who have passed, and who are defending us know.” They next bowed their heads in prayer and reflection for our Lord, as they sang an old Gospel song.

These guys know where they come from and they are obviously grateful for every accomplishment. It was a display of patriotism and faith that the whole audience had been feeling and showing in the past few months. 112 incorporated it into their act, something that many might not. Wow.

“Cupid” off of 112’s self-titled debut was definitely a fan-favorite. The crowd sang and swayed, all while trying to grab one of the roses being thrown out by the guys. All I have to say is that the couples seemed to enjoy it. Enough said. The audience was jumping when “Dance With Me,” mixed with “Peaches and Cream” played, by far the two most recognizable 112 songs. In a club-type atmosphere, the crowd ate it up; they were singing and dancing right along with the four boys from the A.

112 had a high-energy show but they knew when to slow it down, give themselves and the hyperactive crowd a breather. Their rest was a bit time-consuming. During their singsong chat with their audience, Mike seemed to linger on a little too long on well, the mic. There wasn’t really a need for Q’s rubdown, but hey, it was for the ladies. The guys were repelled by it. The girls relished it. 112 knows they still have it.

I have no complaints whatsoever. However, I will acknowledge that the concert length was disappointing to the sold-out crowd. Those who have never seen 112 before were expecting a longer show. I would have agreed had I not seen them before. But everyone has to remember, R’B tours are very few and far between.

No band since Boyz II Men has gone on a mass tour since they’ve declined in popularity. R’B groups have only gained momentum again in the recent years, thus there really hasn’t been a market for stadium tours for these acts. 112 has an amazing talent which they displayed for one-hour, how can you knock the fact that everyone was singing, dancing and screaming in delight the whole time?

Despite this complaint, 112 was a big draw for Fairfield University. It brought diversity to campus and some real recognizable talent. They put on a good show for the college campus circuit. Fairfield University got one-hour of four guys who really know how to entertain a crowd. If 112 was good enough for Janet, they were nothing short of amazing for Fairfield.