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The Urban Music Scene: Concerts & Festivals

The Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival | Sept 10th & 11th, 2010

Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival Announces 2010 Entertainment Line Up

The West Bend Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Inc., producers of the annual Kettle Moraine Jazz Festival (KMJF), announced that the line up for the 2010 event, to be held Fri., Sept. 10—Sat., Sept. 11, would once again feature an internationally diverse collection of musicians and vocalists.

The event, which will take place along the banks of the upper Milwaukee River at Riverside Park in West Bend, Wis., will showcase seven play slots, three on Sept. 10, and four on Sept. 11. The entertainment line up is as follows:

Friday, September 10

5:15 p.m.: Alex Bugnon

Swiss-born pianist and composer Alex Bugnon has created one of the most recognized styles in smooth jazz—a sultry mixture of contemporary jazz, funk, and R&B with hints of gospel.

Growing up in Montreux, Switzerland—the home of the Montreux Jazz Festival—Bugnon started playing classical piano at age six. Guided by his father, a jazz guitarist and classical opera singer, Bugnon acquired a love for a wide range of music. He studied at the Paris Conservatory and the famous Mozart Academy in Salzburg, Austria. Then at age nineteen, he moved to the U.S. and attended the Berklee School of Music. He spent four years in New York working as a session musician and touring with urban and jazz luminaries such as Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, James Ingram, Earth Wind and Fire, and Keith Sweat.

Bugnon began his recording career in 1989 with his debut album, Love Season, which reached the pop charts and the Top 40 of the R&B charts, as did subsequent releases. His latest album, Going Home, was released in December 2009.

7:15 p.m.: Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, with Karen Briggs

Guitarist, composer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is the leader of the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group Special EFX, which he co-founded with the late George Jinda in 1984. A major force on the jazz and world music scene for 25 years, Special EFX's newest release, “Without You, " is a diverse collection of jazz-fusion, world rhythms, and the effortlessly flowing guitar artistry that Chieli is known for.

Special EFX is one of the most prominent world fusion groups of the era. During the course of the band's phenomenal rise to the top of the jazz charts, they released 25 CDs, including Chieli's eight solo releases and a live concert DVD. Seminal songs like “Daybreak, " “Cruise Control, " “Bella, " and “Seduction" were among their chart-topping hits.

Chieli also has recorded and performed with top artists Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Mark Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Anastasia, Marion Meadows, Alex Bugnon, Nestor Torres, and many others. Renowned in the jazz and pop world, he is also a gifted television and film composer with three Emmy Awards and 10 nominations for his eclectic compositional work.

9:15 p.m.: RnR—Rick Braun & Richard Elliot

The exciting collaboration between trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist Richard Elliot has been in the making for over a decade, as they've toured together for years and made appearances on each other's records. They have 24 solo albums and a massive catalogue of chart-topping radio hits between them.

Two-time winner of the Gavin Report's smooth jazz artist of the year award, Braun is no stranger to collaboration. Shake It Up, an album that partnered him with Boney James, is one of his best-selling releases to date. Elliot put out his first solo album in 1976, and in subsequent years became a pioneering voice in contemporary jazz with consistent radio hits and dynamic concerts.

Their 2007 album, RnR, is a collection of original funk, R&B, jazz, and pop songs that jazzreview.com called “greatly anticipated... mainly due to the exceptional chemistry they deliver during their live performances."

Saturday, September 11

1:45 p.m.: Dotsero

To jazz fans worldwide, Dotsero is smooth jazz at its best, full of energy, spontaneity, and excitement—a unique group that is as much fun to watch as it is to listen to. Dotsero's critically acclaimed CD Off the Beaten Path launched them to national prominence in 1990 and paved the way for the amazing success of their eight subsequent albums, which have received rave reviews from jazz critics across the nation.

In 1998, Dotsero co-created a live jazz emporium, Jazz@Jack's, where they are the house band. The people of Colorado voted it the Best Live Music Venue for Denver 7's A-List.

Dotsero has performed with a number of leading jazz acts over the years including Spyro Gyra, the Yellowjackets, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Sample, Dave Grusin, Richard Elliott, Nancy Wilson, David Sanborn, the Rippingtons, Norman Brown, Stanley Jordan, and Jeff Lorber, among others. Whether at home in Colorado or on the road the world over, Dotsero takes pride in making their live show something people will remember.

3:45 p.m.: Craig Chaquico

Guitarist, songwriter, producer, and bandleader Craig Chaquico, originally of Jefferson Starship/Starship and now in his fourth decade of topping national charts, returns to the festival bringing rock origins to the new age smooth jazz genre.

Boasting a combined 20 gold records between Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship, Chaquico was instrumental in making one of the most successful bands in history. Among the songs he has penned or co-penned are the hits Jane, Find Your Way Back, and Layin' It on the Line.

Chaquico began his smooth jazz career with 1993's Acoustic Highway, Billboard's No. 1 New Age Album and Adult Alternative Album of the Year. His latest smooth jazz album, Follow the Sun, was released in 2009.

6:15 p.m.: Spyro Gyra

For more than three decades, Spyro Gyra has maintained a position at the forefront of modern jazz. Founded in 1974 by saxophonist Jay Beckenstein, the band released its first album in 1976. The 1979 Top 40 single “Morning Dance" went platinum and placed Spyro Gyra as one of the most popular artists in contemporary jazz.

In its long and successful jazz career, Spyro Gyra has released more than 30 albums and received Grammy nominations for the 2006 album Wrapped in a Dream, the 2007 album Good To Go-Go, and the 2008 album A Night Before Christmas. The group's latest album, Down the Wire, features the current members of the band: Jay Beckenstein on sax, Tom Schuman on keyboards, Julio Fernandez on guitar, Scott Ambush on bass, and Bonny B. on drums. “When you're improvising in front of a crowd, you're really walking down that wire, " said Beckenstein. “There are always surprises that way, but our openness to those surprises is what makes this band what it is."

8:30 p.m.: Jeff Lorber Fusion

The spirit of jazz-fusion is back with keyboardist and composer Jeff Lorber and his band, the Jeff Lorber Fusion. More than three decades since the group's self-titled debut album, Lorber has come full circle with his new recording, Now Is The Time, released June 1, 2010. The album delves back into his early catalog and reinvents some of the most compelling compositions from the Jeff Lorber Fusion heyday.

This new incarnation of the Jeff Lorber Fusion includes bassist Jimmy Haslip (who co-produced with Lorber and Bobby Colomby), saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., and drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. The group combines traditional jazz with elements of rock, R&B, funk, and other electrified sounds. In some ways, Now Is The Time is a culmination of all that has come before—and a nod to the raw energy and enthusiasm that fueled the music of the early days, while representing a transition in Lorber's creative perspective.

Festival tickets are available at “early-bird" prices of $105 for two-day tickets and $60 for one-day tickets through Mon., Aug. 2. Tickets will be sold beginning Tues., Aug. 3, at $135 for both days and $75 for one day.

Tickets can be purchased in a secure online environment at www.kmjazz.com or by calling the festival's toll-free information line at 1-877-271-6903. Consumers can also send a completed ticket order form available from the festival office or the event Web site with a check, money order, or credit card number (MasterCard or Visa) to the West Bend Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1087, West Bend, WI 53095.

The festival is expected to draw more than 5, 500 jazz lovers from all over the Midwest, particularly from southeast Wisconsin and northeast Illinois. Proceeds from the event benefit area charitable organizations through the West Bend Sunrise Rotary Foundation.

In its history, the festival has contributed more than $355, 000 to charitable groups in southeastern Wisconsin through the West Bend Sunrise Rotary Foundation. The Foundation has supported:
The Albrecht Free Clinic—support free medical clinics
Columns, Inc.—scholarship programs to local high school graduates
Hurricane Katrina Relief through the national Rotary Fund
Kettle Moraine YMCA—acquired equipment for a West Bend skate park
Lac Lawrann Barn Restoration
Red Cross
Regner Park—restoration of community facilities
Rides & Reins
SafeZone Community Art Center—provides an environment for children to develop their musical ability, including small group lessons, private tutoring lessons, and full band rehearsals each week, with periodic performances.
Sunrise Rotary Field at Riverside Park—youth baseball diamond
West Bend Fire Department—fire safety trailer
West Bend Library—building construction
West Bend Parks and Recreation Department—maintenance and expansion
In addition to music, the festival has tempting international cuisine, an arts marketplace where local and regional artisans display and sell their work, and interactive sponsor exhibits. Grounds are open on Friday from 4:30 p.m. 㬇:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. 㬇:00 p.m.

KMJF sponsors include presenting sponsor West Bend Mutual Insurance; presenting media sponsor Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; major corporate sponsors Westbury Bank, M&I Wealth Management, Beer Capitol Distributing Lake Country, LLC, Hilton Garden Inn—Milwaukee Park Place, Key Technical Solutions, Gordie Boucher Ford of West Bend, Frontier Airlines, The Gehl Company, and the West Bend Park, Recreation, and Forestry Department; media partners Smooth Jazz 106.9, TODAY'S TMJ4, and Conley Publishing Group; and corporate sponsors Angeline Wines, Distributed by Martin Ray Winery, The Rolfs Foundation, Roto-Graphic Printing, Roundy's Supermarkets, Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Inc., SWIM Team, Inc., Suburban Servant, West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Angelique Kidjo At Carnegie Hall | Nov. 11th, 2010 for "Around The Globe" Series

Grammy Winner Angelique Kidjo Makes Headlining Debut At Carnegie Hall November 11, 2010 For "Around The Globe" Concert Series


 

Special Guests To Include Dianne Reeves, Omara Portuondo, Youssou N'dour And More

 
On Thursday, November 11, 2010 GRAMMY Award winner and Beninoise native Angelique Kidjo will headline Carnegie Hall for the first time as part of its 2010-2011 "Around the Globe" concert series. Kidjo will present "The Sound of the Drum," a tribute to the African roots of the music of the Americas. Joining Kidjo for this historic event will be Dianne Reeves, Omara Portuondo, Youssou N'Dour and more guests to be announced.

"The Sound of the Drum" is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of African music and the Diaspora. It will bridge the evolution of African drums and chants with various musical traditions throughout the Americas from Jimi Hendrix to Celia Cruz, James Brown to Gilberto Gil, from Stax from Memphis to Kompa in Haiti. "At the core of African music, there is the drum on which every melody, every dance is based," explains Kidjo.

On June 10th, joined by John Legend, Kidjo performed music from her outstanding new record 'OYO' (Razor Tie) live at the opening concert of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

Event Details
Thursday, November 11, 2010, 8pm
Carnegie Hall "Around the Globe" Concert Series
Angelique Kidjo presents "The Sound of the Drum"
With special guests be Dianne Reeves, Omara Portuondo and Youssou N'Dour
Tickets: www.carnegiehall.org/article/box_office/events/evt_14429.html />
http://www.kidjo.com/
http://www.batongafoundation.org/

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El DeBarge Joins Mary J. Blige For Tour | 2010

EL DEBARGE JOINS MARY J. BLIGE ON STAGE



SINGER READIES FOR HIS FIRST TOUR IN 12 YEARS


SANTA MONICA, CA – September 1, 2010 –
Soulful, sexy and sizzling hot, El DeBarge is about to teach new-schoolers all about R&B romancin’ as he returns to the stage for his first tour in a dozen years. Opening for the iconic Mary J. Blige on her East Coast concert swing kicking off October 2 in Atlanta, DeBarge will both celebrate his early hits remembered by his long-time loyal fans and embrace a new generation with sensational new songs. Among the highlights of the tour will be shows October 11-12 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Also appearing will be Jazmine Sullivan and Miguel.

“After so many years away,” said an excited DeBarge, “I can’t wait to get back onstage, to feel my fans’ love, and give love back to them. It’s been a long time and I wondered if this day would ever come. Now that it’s here, I am overjoyed.”

DeBarge will perform a pair of unforgettable smash hits from back in the day--the much-sampled hip-hop favorite “I Like It” and anthemic #1 R&B “All This Love”--plus “Second Chance” and “Close To You,” fresh songs from his greatly-anticipated album Second Chance, to be released this Fall on Geffen Records. Second Chance, DeBarge’s first album since 1994, is co-executive produced by Ron Fair and Pete Farmer.


EL DEBARGE TOUR DATES WITH MARY. J BLIGE:

10/02 - Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park Amphitheatre
10/03 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Virginia Beach Amphitheatre
10/07 - Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live
10/11 - New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
10/12 - New York, NY @ Radio City Music Hall
10/15 - Detroit, MI @ The Chicago Theatre

10/16 - Chicago, IL @ Fox Theatre
10/19 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Gibson Amphitheatre
10/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Gibson Amphitheatre
10/23 - Oakland, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion

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Ambrose Akinmusire on Tour | Starting Sept 9th, 2010



AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE PREPS FOR BLUE NOTE DEBUT

WITH QUINTET TOUR IN SEPTEMBER; TRUMPETER TO TOUR

WITH SF JAZZ COLLECTIVE IN OCTOBER


Acclaimed young trumpeter and new Blue Note recording artist Ambrose Akinmusire will be embarking on a short run of U.S. tour dates with his quintet next week as he prepares to enter the studio in late-September to record his Blue Note debut. The tour includes performances at the Jazz Gallery in New York City (Sept. 9-10), Yoshi’s in Oakland (Sept. 14), and Café Metropol in Los Angeles (Sept. 16). Akinmusire’s quintet features saxophonist Walter Smith III, pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Harish Raghavan, and drummer Justin Brown. Label-mate Jason Moran will be joining them in the studio as co-producer.

Akinmusire will also be touring as a special guest with the SF Jazz Collective throughout October. The SF Jazz Collective currently features alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon, tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, trombonist Luis Bonilla, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, pianist Ed Simon, bassist Matt Penman, and drummer Eric Harland. See full tour dates below.


AMBROSE AKINMUSIRE QUINTET

Sept. 9-10 – The Jazz Gallery – New York, NY
Sept. 11-12 – Tula’s – Seattle, WA
Sept. 13 – Kuumbwa – Santa Cruz,  CA
Sept. 14 – Yoshi’s – Oakland, CA
Sept. 15 – Brubeck Institute – Stockton, CA
Sept. 16 – Café Metropol – Los Angeles, CA


SF JAZZ COLLECTIVE
Oct. 14 – Williams Center for the Arts – Easton, PA     
Oct. 15 – The Egg – Albany, NY
Oct. 17 – Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center – Erie, PA
Oct. 23 – Staller Center for the Arts – Stony Brook, NY
Oct. 24 – Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center – College Park, MD
Oct. 27 – Modlin Center for the Arts – Richmond, VA
Oct. 28 – Duke Performances – Durham, NC   
Oct. 29 – Aycock Auditorium – Greensboro, NC

* * *

Akinmusire (pronounced ah-kin-MOO-sir-ee) was born and raised in Oakland, California. After attending the Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship, the young trumpeter returned to the west coast to pursue a Masters degree at the University of Southern California. In 2007, Akinmusire won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition from a panel of judges that included Quincy Jones, Herb Alpert, Terence Blanchard, Hugh Masekela, Clark Terry and Roy Hargrove. That year he also won the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, and released his debut recording Prelude…To Cora on the Fresh Sound New Talent label.


Akinmusire went on to attend the Monk Institute of Jazz where he studied with Terence Blanchard, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter. He recently performed as part of Jason Moran’s multimedia concert event In My Mind: Monk At Town Hall, 1957, and has also recorded with the likes of Steve Coleman, Vijay Iyer, Aaron Parks, and Esperanza Spalding. He is currently based in New York City.

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Jonathan Nelson Tour Info Announced | Starting Sept. 8th 2010

MULTI-STELLAR AWARD WINNER

AND DOVE AWARD NOMINEE

JONATHAN NELSON 


TO LAUNCH BETTER DAYS TOUR

New CD Hits Stores Everywhere On September 14, 2010

 

Mobile, Ala. (August 31, 2010)  -  Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson is hitting the road with a string of promotional concerts to support his forthcoming live CD, Better Days (Integrity Music),  that hits stores on September 14, 2010. The 10-song CD of positive praise songs was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Aaron Lindsey (Israel and New Breed, Marvin Sapp). The tour kicks-off September 8th at Fresh Anointing House of Worship in Montgomery, AL and continues to September 27th when it wraps up at New Life Covenant Church in Bloomfield, CT.


Wed 9/8           Fresh Anointing House of Worship, Montgomery, AL @ 7 PM.

Thurs 9/9          Divine Faith International, Atlanta, GA @ 7 PM.

Fri 9/10            True Worship Retreat, Plainfield, NJ @ 7:30 PM.

Sun 9/12          Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY.

Mon 9/13         Baptist Worship Center, Philadelphia, PA @ 7 PM.

Tue 9/14          Empowerment Temple, Baltimore, MD @ 7 PM.

Wed 9/15         The Faith Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ 7 PM.

Thur 9/16         New Life Covenant Church, Chicago, IL @ 7 PM.

Sat 9/18           Mt. Zion Apostolic Church, Indianapolis, IN @ 7 PM.

Fri 9/24            Praise & Worship Unplugged (Star 1310 AM), Virginia Beach, VA @ 7 PM.

Sun 9/26          Kingdom Builders Worship Center, Boston, MA @ 6 PM.

Mon 9/27         New Life Covenant Church, Bloomfield, CT @ 7 PM.

 

Nelson has quickly emerged as one of the leading voices on today's praise and worship music scene. Over the last half a dozen years, he's put his stamp on urban praise music as the composer of now classic tunes such as Donald Lawrence's "Healed," Youth for Christ's #1 smash "The Struggle Is Over," and Bishop T.D. Jake's "My Praise Is My Weapon." Then, in 2008, Nelson stepped from the shadows to reveal himself as a gifted worship leader with his Top 10 smash "My Name Is Victory" which spent an astounding 65 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and won him a Dove Award nomination as Best New Artist of the Year.

 

As "Expect The Great," the first radio single from Better Days, makes its way up the Billboard charts (currently #13), Nelson is reflective on his place on today's music scene. "I understand my responsibility as a worship leader all the more," Nelson adds. "I have been given the assignment of writing lyrics that the people of God will sing over themselves and ultimately to God. If we sing to each other about his goodness, mercy, power, love and faith, we create an atmosphere for healing, miracles, signs and wonders. I've given my will completely to God! By faith, I now say yes to God.  I sincerely believe this CD is going to be monumental because many listeners will also say yes to God in every area of their life. Then, we all will truly experience better days!

 

 

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The Vail Jazz Festival - Labor Day Weekend | Sept. 2nd-6th, 2010

Vail Jazz Festival Labor Day Weekend Party - September 2 – 6, 2010



THE VAIL MARRIOTT RESORT HOTEL
VAIL, COLORADO
GROUPS
Clayton Brothers Quintet
John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Bill Cunliffe, Terell Stafford, Lewis Nash

 Bill Cunliffe’s Multi-Media Salute to Oscar Peterson
 
Jeff Hamilton Trio
 
Ann Hampton Callaway’s
Multi- Media Salute to
Ella Fitzgerald
 
Chie Imaizumi Little Big Band
 
Tyree Morris & Hearts of Worship

Vail Jazz Workshop All-Stars

 
SOLOISTS
Ernie Adams
Bobby Broom
Ann Hampton Callaway
Aaron Diehl
Wycliffe Gordon
Donald Harrison
Ali Jackson
Byron Stripling
Tony Monaco
Scott Robinson
Ted Rosenthal
Martin Wind
Ben Wolfe
(ALL ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)


Visit the Vail Jazz Party Web Site http://www.vailjazz.org

Call the Vail Jazz Party Toll Free 888-824-5526

The Vail Jazz Party, also known as the Labor Day Weekend Party, is the culmination of the summer long Vail Jazz Festival.  This unique mix of world-class musicians utilizes a one-of-a-kind format that includes group performances, multi-artist jam sessions and inspiring multi-media salutes to Jazz legends.    Each year, up-and-coming "young lions" play alongside the living legends of jazz in an intimate venue, surrounded by the natural beauty of Vail. With over twenty-four hours of performances throughout the weekend (morning, noon and night), the audience and musicians are connected in a manner that consistently inspires great performances. The Vail Jazz Festival boasts a unique party spirit that attracts musicians and jazz lovers from all over the world.
 
Tickets, Passes and More Information

Tickets, passes, and gift certificates to the Labor Day Jazz Party can be purchased through the Vail Jazz Foundation office at 970.479.6146, or 888-VAILJAM (824-5526).  Afternoon sessions are $45, evening sessions are $55. an all event Patron Pass includes dinner with the artists for $350/person, and students with ID are free with a paid adult ticket.  Online tickets are available for purchase at http://www.vailjazz.org– and a $5/ticket discount is offered through July 31.  Tickets and passes may also be purchased by calling 970.479.6146, or 888-VAILJAM (824-5526).

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Je'Caryous Johnson's "Cheaper To Keep Her" Tour | Starting Sept 18th, 2010

I'm Ready Productions and Foxy Brown Productions in Association with L. Richardson Entertainment Present Je'Caryous Johnson's 'Cheaper to Keep Her' National Tour



HOUSTON, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The hit comedy stage play Je'Caryous Johnson's Cheaper to Keep Her will kick off on the West Coast beginning September 18, 2010 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Executive Producers Je'Caryous Johnson and Gary Guidry, founders of I'm Ready Productions, Inc., and Foxy Brown Productions in Association with L. Richardson Entertainment announced today more than 30 national tour dates.

"Je'Caryous and I are honored to work again with Vivica A. Fox and Lita Richardson on a production," said Gary Guidry, executive producer and president of I'm Ready Productions. "As co-producers, Vivica and Lita bring great ideas and creative innovation to the project."

Cheaper to Keep Her is the twelfth play in a series of box office breaking, critically acclaimed stage plays from NAACP Award-winning writer and director Je'Caryous Johnson. Cheaper to Keep Her stars R&B sensation Brian McKnight and multi-faceted actress Vivica A. Fox. Cheaper to Keep Her also stars the debonair heartthrob Christian Keyes (lead actor - Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail), comedian Jonathan Slocumb, and comedian Gary "G-Thang" Johnson.

R&B crooner Brian McKnight is not only receiving rave reviews for his acting, but his performance of classic hits and new songs is thrilling crowds.

"We are very thankful to the fans and to everyone who came out to see Cheaper to Keep Her in the debut cities," said Je'Caryous Johnson, CEO and chairman of I'm Ready Productions. "The positive feedback was overwhelming.  So much so, we have listened and are bringing the play to multiple cities across the nation. I hope everyone continues to enjoy the play and are blessed by the message."

Cheaper to Keep Her is the story of a seemingly perfect marriage in the midst of collapse. In Cheaper to Keep Her, Raymond MaysBrian McKnight) splits with his wife Morgan Mays (Vivica A. Fox). When Raymond hires his best friend Joey to be his lawyer, and Morgan hires her catty cousin Koren as counsel, a legal boxing match explodes over their divorce. When Morgan walks away with everything, Raymond and Joey scheme to stop paying alimony by getting Morgan hitched again. But did Raymond ever stop loving Morgan? Can he stand to see her with someone else? As ex-husband and ex-love face off with each other, broken hearts will get revenge, karma could kill, and infidelity can become infectious as hearts and marital matrimony collide only to discover whether it's cheaper to keep her. (

Cheaper to Keep Her tickets are available through Ticketmaster outlets. For group ticket sales, please call 1-800.745.3000.

*2010 Cheaper To Keep Her Tour Dates

(as of August 27, 2010)




Las Vegas, NV, Planet Hollywood, September 18


Phoenix, AZ, Dodge Theater, September 19


Bakersfield, CA, Rabobank Theater, September 21


Fresno, CA, Saroyan Theatre, September 22


Oakland, CA, Paramount Theatre, September 23-25


Sacramento, CA, Memorial Auditorium, September 26


Los Angeles, CA, Wiltern Theater, September 30 - October 2


San Diego, CA, Spreckles Theatre, October 3


Roanoke, VA, Roanoke Civic Center, October 6


Raleigh, NC, Memorial Auditorium, October 7


Greensboro, NC, War Memorial Auditorium, October 8


Portsmouth, VA, Willett Hall, October 9-10


Detroit, MI, Music Hall Center, October 12-17


Omaha, NE, Omaha Music Hall, October 19


Wichita, KS, Century II PAC, October 20


Kansas City, MO, Music Hall, October 21-22


St. Louis, MO, Chaifetz Arena, October 23


Nashville, TN, Tennessee PAC, October 24


Toronto, Canada, IN, Massey Hall, October 26


Albany, NY, Palace Theater, October 27


Harrisburg, PA, Forum, October 28


New Haven, CT, Shubert Theater, October 29-30


Boston, MA, Wang Theater, October 31


Greenville, SC, Peace Center, November 2


Macon, GA, Macon Centreplex, November 3


Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Civic Center, November 4-6


Augusta, GA, Bell Auditorium, November 7


Philadelphia, PA, Merriam Theater, November 9-14


Youngstown, OH, Powers Auditorium, November 16


Toledo, OH, Stranahan Theatre, November 17


Chicago, IL, Arie Crown Theatre, November 18-20


Baltimore, MD, Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State, January 27-30, 2011





Cheaper to Keep Her will continue to tour in 2011. Tour cities include: New York, NY; Newark, NJ; Miami, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Orlando, FL; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Little Rock, AR; and New Orleans, LA.

* For the latest tour updates and information, visit www.imreadyproductions.com.

About I'm Ready Productions, Inc.

Founded in 1995, I'm Ready Productions ("I'm Ready") is a national, minority owned, theatre, television, feature film and music production company based in Houston. Owned by 2007 NAACP Trailblazer award winners Je'Caryous Johnson and Gary Guidry, I'm Ready is known for its soul-stirring plays. Breaking box office records, more than two million people in over 50 cities have turned out for I'm Ready plays. From turning bestselling African-American novels into plays, to approaching Hollywood's hottest stars for its productions, I'm Ready's approach is fearless and outside-of-the-box, changing the face of American touring theatre. Visit www.imreadyproductions.com for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT:  


Margo Williams Handy, MWH Public Relations


281.213.9554, 832.492.2407 or margo@mwhpublicrelations.com





I'm Ready Productions, Inc.

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John Legend & American Airlines Kick Off Concert Series

American Airlines and John Legend Kick Off Three-Part Concert Series

 


Customers Can Win Tickets to Exclusive Concert Events in New York City

FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines is partnering with Columbia recording artist John Legend and The Roots to produce a three-part private concert series this fall. The American Airlines John Legend and The Roots Concert Series, to be held in New York City, will feature three exclusive performances at the Bowery Ballroom and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

American will launch a variety of promotions to highlight each concert, giving customers the opportunity to attend these great events. The first concert will be on Aug. 30, and will involve a ticket sweepstakes highlighting American's social networking site BlackAtlas.com.

Customers can find out details on how to obtain tickets to the second and third concerts, held on Sept. 7, 2010, and Nov. 9, 2010, respectively, by following American Airlines through its Social Media channels – www.facebook.com/aa and www.twitter.com/AAirwaves (@AAirwaves).

"We continue to share with New Yorkers and visitors opportunities that are unique and memorable," said Art Torno, American Airlines Vice President – New York."Partnering with John Legend and The Roots gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our customers and deliver a unique experience."

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection® serve 250 cities in 40countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the one world® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc.are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. American Airlines, American Eagle, American Connection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

American Airlines®  We know why you fly®

Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http://www.aa.com

American Airlines

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The CHCI 33rd Annual Awards Gala feat Shiela E. | Sept. 15th, 2010

Legendary Percussionist Sheila E. to Perform at CHCI's 33rd Annual Awards Gala

 


Latin Pop Sensation "Pee Wee" to Open Show, Sing National Anthem

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Grammy-nominated recording artist and drumming legend Sheila E. featuring the E Family will headline the entertainment at CHCI's 33rd Annual Awards Gala, the hallmark event of Hispanic Heritage Month, on Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.  The 33rd Annual Awards Gala is hosted by Toyota.

With the theme, "Celebrating History, Heritage, and the American Dream," CHCI will present Medallion of Excellence awards to actress Eva Longoria Parker and jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, and the CHCI Chair's Award to Broadway composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. CNN's Soledad O'Brien will serve as the celebrity host.

Former Kumbia Kings member and Latin pop sensation Irving "Pee Wee" Salinas will open the evening's program with a new single before performing the national anthem.

Born into a musical family, Sheila E. has been performing for close to four decades and her 1984 single "The Glamorous Life" was nominated for an American Music Award and a Grammy Award.  She is the President of Heaven Productions Music and the co-founder and co-chair of the Elevate Hope Foundation, a charitable organization that uses music therapy to work with abused and abandoned children. Her impressive career has exposed the talents of a truly multi-faceted performer- from drumming,percussion, vocals, song writing, arranging, producing, and composing,to her inspiring humanitarian efforts.

Each year, the CHCI Annual Awards Gala is the hallmark event that launches Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington, D.C.,and serves as the unifying event for the Hispanic-American community. CHCI would like to thank its Hispanic Heritage Month Conference &Gala Planning Committee members Reps. Ben Lujan, Ciro Rodriguez and Lucille Roybal-Allard

The33rd Annual Awards Gala Premier sponsor is Comcast and Millennium sponsors include Anheuser-Busch Companies, Lilly USA, Lockheed Martin,and Univision. Proceeds of the Gala benefit CHCI's award-winning leadership development programs.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

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Herbie Hancock Comes To The Hollywood Bowl for "Seven Decades - Birthday Tribute"

MUSIC LEGEND HERBIE HANCOCK COMES TO THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL FOR “SEVEN DECADES - BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE”



 
Evening is Hosted by Tavis Smiley; Special Guests include India.Arie, Juanes, Esperanza Spalding and More Performing Tracks From Hancock’s Latest CD The Imagine Project
 
September 1, 2010
WHAT:                       The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Creative Chair for Jazz Herbie Hancock closes his first season of jazz programming at the Hollywood Bowl with a triumphant celebration of his 70th birthday. Hosted by talk show giant Tavis Smiley, The all-star line-up includes special guests India.Arie, Juanes, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Terence Blanchard, Jack DeJohnette, Alex Acuña, Zakir Hussain, Paulinho DaCosta, Niladri Kumar, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and the Imagine Project Band.  
This performance includes a reflection of Hancock’s latest release The Imagine Project, an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between Hancock and over a dozen superstars from around the world. “Music truly is the universal language,” says Hancock, “The Imagine Project will explore that concept across the globe, uniting a myriad of cultures through song and positive creative expression.  My hope is that the music will serve as a metaphor for the actions taken by the inhabitants of this wonderful planet as a call for world harmony on all levels.”  The evening will also take a look back at his career with friends and former band mates.
 
Herbie Hancock began his tenure as the Bill and Carolyn Powers Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic with the Hollywood Bowl 2010 season. His influence has produced a jazz series filled with an eclectic mix of musical contributions from African and pop to soul and big band, typical of Hancock’s diverse tastes. In the Walt Disney Concert Hall 2010/11 season, the jazz programming blends a mix of jazz from the modern era along with jazz improvisation. Concerts on this series include Natalie Cole (December 8, 2010), Brad Mehldau with Chamber Orchestra: Highway Rider (January 21, 2011), Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (February 15, 2011), and Herbie Hancock (March 5, 2011).
WHEN:                                   SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 AT 8 PM
WHERE:                     HOLLYWOOD BOWL
                                    2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90068
 
HOW TO PURCHASE:          Tickets are on sale now at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (12pm – 6pm, Tues. – Sun.), via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000, or through Ticketmaster. Groups of 10 or more may call 323.850.2050 for information about special rates, subject to availability.
 

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