Concerts & Festivals ~ The Urban Music Scene

Al B. Sure! "Secret Garden On The Water" Cruise!

Administration — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:46:59 GMT

It looks like Al B. Sure! is coming back in a bigger way than we planned! Speaking of which, he has a slow jamming cruise show departing to Baja, Mexico. The Theme? "The Secret Garden On The Water". The Dates? October 3rd -6th, 2008!! The website with the info? Please visit Al B. Sure! Love for more details, booking info, times & lots more! And for the ladies that missed this crooner, you'll find that Al B. Sure! has a current slow jamming program on Hot 92.3 FM in Los Angeles! He is planning to release a new album folks, so be sure to check it all out & stay tuned!!

The 4th Annual Phil Perry Fan Cruise

Administration — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:51:53 GMT

2009 Smooth Music Cruise

Administration — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:37:10 GMT

SMOOTH MUSIC CRUISE 2009, THE ULTIMATE MUSIC VACATION,
TO SET SAIL JAN. 31 – FEB. 5, 2009 FROM $999 PER PERSON

Artist Line-Up Includes Grammy Winner Norman Brown, Nick Colionne, Mindi Abair, More

GREENWICH, CT (May, 2008) – Haven Entertainment, a premier entertainment services company dedicated to producing unique events featuring A-List talent, announced the launch of its 2009 Smooth Music Cruise
(http://www.smoothmusiccruise.com), the ultimate music vacation, to set sail from Miami, FL Jan. 31 – Feb. 5, 2009 with rates starting at $999 per person.

This six-day/five-night Caribbean cruise is truly an all-day backstage pass to performances by some of the smooth music industry’s top talents including Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award winners. Guests will enjoy entertainment and contact with the performers throughout each day and night including shows, autograph signings, interview sessions and late-night jam sessions with artists including Norman Brown, Nick Colionne, Boney James, Mindi Abair, Larry Carlton, Heather Headley, Acoustic Alchemy, Greg Adams, Steve Cole, Marion Meadows, Michael Lington, Shilts, Steve Oliver, Chieli Minucci, Alan Hewitt and Althea Renè.

The six-day/five-night 2009 Smooth Music Cruise sets sail with Celebrity Cruises from Miami, FL Jan. 31 – Feb. 5, 2009 and features a unique, exclusive itinerary with ports in Key West and Nassau, The Bahamas. The Century will also visit Coco Cay, Celebrity Cruises private island, for a spectacular beach experience. In addition to the concerts at sea, guests will enjoy an exciting, fun-filled big Superbowl party.

Celebrity Cruises is consistently ranked one of the world’s best cruise lines by its guests and the travel press. The revitalized Celebrity Century features new accommodations with 314 verandas, 14 Sky Suites and 174 Concierge Class staterooms.

“The combination of performances by world-class musicians, unparalleled access to these musicians by our guests, and Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning level of service, accommodations and amenities makes the Smooth Music Cruise the ultimate music vacation,” said Bob Jamieson, founder, Haven Entertainment.

Smooth Music Cruise, a production of Haven Entertainment, is one of the travel and entertainment industry’s premier events.

To book, call CruisesOnly at 1-877-529-9729 in the United States and Canada and 00-1-617-857-6200 outside of the United States and Canada.

CruisesOnly is an established cruise specialist and home to an extensive selection of cruise vacations, in-depth information about every cruise line and cruise ship and over 6,000 customer reviews. Cruise consultants are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist customers with any questions.

For more information about the 2009 Smooth Music Cruise, e-mail: SmoothMusicCruise@nlg.com or visit: http://www.smoothmusiccruise.com.

KTCpr

Dave Koz & Friends At Sea feat. Tower Of Power!

Administration — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:35:57 GMT

Includes Performances By Tower Of Power, Deniece Williams, George Duke, Rick Braun, Najee, Euge Groove & Candy Dulfer

"Dave Koz & Friends At Sea", a gathering of today's most dynamic ands acclaimed stars from the worlds of smooth, contemporary & urban jazz, will set sail the week of November 2nd-9th, 2008 for its fourth annual voyage aboard Holland America's state of the art MS Westerdam. Produced by Jazz Cruises, LLC, the Dave Koz And Friends At Sea cruise deaprts from Fort Lauderdale, Florida for four exciting, colorful Eastern Caribbean ports: Grand Turk, St. Thomas, St. Barths and Half Moon Cay.

With multiple performances scheduled every evening and during afternoons at sea, passengers will have a unique opportunity to experience the best contemporary jazz entertainment in the world from an eclectic mix of jazz and R&B legends and current chart topping artists.

In addition to a special concert by cruise host and superstar saxman Dave Koz himself, this year's lineup includes a special guest appearance by the famed group, Tower Of Power, acclaimed for their awesome, horn driven soul sound. Joining them on the cruise will be Grammy Award winning hitmaker and vocal R&B star Deniece Williams; superstar trumpeter Rick Braun; Grammy nominated neo-soul singer Eric Benet; iconic R&B and jazz fusion keyboardist and producing legend George Duke; and noted South African singer, songwriter & guitarist Jonathan Butler, known for his eclectic mix of pop vocals, instrumental and gospel music.

The cream of the crop of today's smooth jazz stars will also be performing during the seven day jam session at sea, including: platinum selling saxman Najee; smokin' Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer; blues-rocking guitarist Jeff Golub, a fixture on the popular summer Guitars & Saxes tours; popular tenor saxophonist Euge Groove, (a former sideman with Tower of Power), keyboardist Brian Simpson, Koz's longtime musical director, now a smooth jazz star in his own rightl and genre newcomer U-Nam, an explosive Parisan born guitarist known for his "classy, jazzy, funky, Frenchy" style of chill music.

For cruise reservations and further information for the Dave Koz and Friends At Sea, please call 877.328.3569 or visit www.davekozcruise.com

Nina Gordon Public Relations

Raphael Saadiq's Free Show In New York City - Aug. 29th

Administration — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:04:22 GMT

RAPHAEL SAADIQ ANNOUNCES SURPRISE PERFORMANCE
AT TIME OUT NEW YORK’S SUMMER MUSIC SAYONARA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29th @ NYC’S SOUTH STREET SEAPORT

“A loving slice of retro-soul that blows all those English roses out of the water.”
– Los Angeles Times

For those who missed Raphael Saadiq’s sold-out show at Highline Ballroom this week, Time Out New York presents a free performance by the critically acclaimed multi-instrumentalist/artist/producer at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan on Friday.

The highly anticipated new release The Way I See It- out September 16th on Columbia Records- finds Saadiq at the peak of his soul power tapping into various regional scenes that underpin our best music – Motown, Stax, Chi-town, Philly. The album features guest appearances by Saadiq protégé C.J., Grammy-winner Joss Stone (with whom Raphael worked on the best-selling 2007 set Introducing Joss Stone) and the legendary Stevie Wonder on harmonica.

Saadiq’s innate musical facility – he learned to play guitar, drums and bass by the age of six, was singing with a professional gospel group at nine and toured with Prince and Sheila E. upon graduating from high school – goes a long way in explaining his ability to craft an album that will delight a variety of listeners. Saadiq, founder of hybrid super group Lucy Pearl, member and producer of Tony! Toni! Toné!, as well as acclaimed producer of artists like D’Angelo, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Snoop Dogg and John Legend – satisfies listeners with an album and live show that is not to be missed.

Time Out offers up a diverse line-up including performances by Endless Boogie & Oneida.

WHEN: Friday, August 29th
Music starts at 6PM with Raphael taking the stage at 7PM.

WHERE: South Street Seaport
Fulton & South Streets, Pier 17
New York, NY 10038

FREE!

ThinkTank

A Cappella Group Take 6 To Perform At The Democratic National Convention - Aug. 28th

Administration — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:55:42 GMT

Take 6 will perform live with Stevie Wonder at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Thursday night, August 28.

The a cappella powerhouse also marks a vocal milestone with the September 30 release of THE STANDARD. Take 6’s new album showcases a more jazz-influenced approach. The group is supported on THE STANDARD by Aaron Neville, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Jon Hendricks, Till Brönner, and Brian McKnight.

Winners of 10 Grammy Awards, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations, the influential sextet – Mark Kibble, Claude V. McKnight III, Dr. Cedric Dent, David Thomas, Alvin Chea and Joey Kibble – makes their debut on Heads Up International with a recording of mostly jazz (and some R&B standards, including “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “A Tisket, A Tasket,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “What’s Going On” and “Windmills of Your Mind.” )

Heads Up International

2008 I.M.A.C Conference

Administration — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:58:39 GMT

I.M.A.C. Conference Celebrates 10 years of Ministry Arts and Empowerment

I.M.A.C '08 Conference features Daryl Coley tribute, record label internship and demo recording package contest

Nashville, TN – Nashville, "Music City USA", will proudly host the 2008 I.M.A.C Conference taking place October 16th – 18th at Mt. Zion Baptist Church - Antioch. I.M.A.C Conference is celebrating a decade of empowerment with this year's theme "The Complete Makeover, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical, and Financial". Gospel music professionals, musicians, vocalist, dancers and advocates are invited to attend the conference and engage in this year's exciting event line up including a benefit concert to honor Apostle Daryl Coley, Record label internship competition, Bobby Jones Gospel Show/Demo Recording Competition, music education seminars and valuable networking sessions with gospel music executives.

The conference will kick off on Thursday evening at 6:15pm, with a workshop and forum followed by a concert featuring gospel artists from the Nashville area. Friday will begin with a Lunch and Learn session starting at 11am. Friday evening, I.M.A.C. honors Apostle Daryl Coley with a benefit/birthday concert featuring many local and nationally renowned recording artists. Saturday rounds out the conference with workshops and a grand finale concert that evening with many special SURPRISE GUEST!

This year I.M.A.C. is offering MORE extraordinary opportunities for aspiring artists and individuals interested in working in the music industry. Two internships will be offered through Light Records and DayWind Records. In addition, DayWind Records is providing up to three (3) winners of the showcase an opportunity to record a free demo recording package (over $4,00 value). Lastly, the winner of the showcase will advance to appear on The Bobby Jones Gospel Show recorded LIVE in Las Vegas, NV in November.

"...coming to I.M.A.C. is like getting together with family..."
- Telisa Stinson (Spirit Rising Records).

"...this conference has benefited me spiritually as well as caused me to make some good connections in the industry..." - Earnest Pugh, (Crystal Rose Recording Artist)

"...you can come in and sit down and enjoy truth and knowledge at its finest. God continue to grow I.M.A.C." - Rodnie Bryant, (Tyscot Recording Artist)

I.M.A.C. - Institute of Ministry, Arts, and Cultivation, a subsidiary of Jet Foundation was started in 1999 by Minister Jeff Robinson as a 'faith-based' institution that provides a platform for academic, artistic, professional and spiritual development. At I.M.A.C., use of the "…iron sharpeneth iron…" concept is displayed by providing the attendees with experienced and knowledgeable clinicians. These experts help to sharpen and develop the skills, talents and minds of those attendees involved in similar industries, ministries or organizations. I.M.A.C. is a non-denominational/multi-cultural institution and engages to empower all attendees with knowledge, wisdom and inspiration to fulfill their dreams goals and/or God-given callings at costs that don't encourage financial challenges. I.M.A.C. does not compete with other conferences, they support them.

Internship Criteria:

MUST be registered and attend the I.M.A.C. Conference 2008
Must submit an essay [2 pages or less] explaining why you desire an internship in the music industry. Essay must be submitted by 9/30/08.
Must be enrolled at a college/university, a sophomore level or greater, and GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Minimum number of hours must be met; this is to be determined by Recording Company.
If required for college credit, proper forms or proof must accompany selected candidate.

Bobby Jones Gospel Artist Retreat Criteria:

MUST be an I.M.A.C. Showcase registrant and performer.
Contestants will by rated and judged by a panel of industry personalities. The contestant with the highest score wins! (All showcase registrants have the opportunity to perform at the Bobby Jones Gospel Artist Retreat in November 2008)
Performance times MUST be coordinated with management of Bobby Jones Gospel. I.M.A.C. will(at winners' request) offer limited assistance in the coordination or Television performance.
Winner is NOT responsible for performance fees, winner is responsible for travel/lodging to/from Bobby Jones Artist Retreat venue and other necessary expenses.

To register for the I.M.A.C. Conference or make a Donation to 'Daryl Coley Benefit', log on to: http://www.imacconferences.org or http://www.imac2008nashville.eventbrite.com!

Sponsorship opportunities contact:

Jeff Robinson at 866-787-6597
I.M.A.C. Conferences, Int'l

9 Music Square South, #111, Nashville, TN 37203

I.M.A.C. Conference Location:

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

2261 Murfreesboro Pike (Antioch Location), Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: (615) 254-7296
Fax: (615) 399-9156

Host Hotel:

Hilton Garden Inn - Nashville Airport

412 Royal Parkway * Nashville, TN 37214

615-884-0088 or 1-800-445-8667 * ask for IMAC rate [$79/night]

The Bellamy Group

Milton Nascimento & The Jobim Trio

Administration — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:40:20 GMT

Milton Nascimento & His Trio will hit the road following the rleease from Blue Note - "Novas Bossas", coming to you September 30th, 2008. Below are dates & times to check out their live performances!

MILTON NASCIMENTO - NORTH AMERICAN TOUR - FALL 2008

Venue Location

     10/04/2008      ARSHT CENTER                         MIAMI, FL
     10/08/2008      DUKE PERFORMANCES    DURHAM, NC
     10/09/2008      DUKE PERFORMANCES              DURHAM, NC
     10/11/2008      ZEITERION THEATER                NEW BEDFORD, MA
     10/17/2008      SYMPHONY CENTER                 CHICAGO, IL
     10/18/2008      HILL AUDITORIUM          ANN ARBOR, MI
     10/22/2008      BIRCHMERE                             ALEXANDRIA, VA
     10/24/2008      MASSEY HALL                  TORONTO, ON
     10/26/2008      NJPAC                           NEWARK, NJ
     10/29/2008      WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL   LOS ANGELES, CA
     10/30/2008      CAMPBELL HALL                       SANTA BARBARA, CA
     10/31/2008      CAMPBELL HALL                       SANTA BARBARA, CA
     11/1/2008        ZELLERBACH HALL                   BERKELEY, CA

Blue Note

Detroit Jazz Festival Highlights & Schedule

Administration — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:04:02 GMT

29th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival Schedule Highlights
Labor Day Weekend, August 29-September 1

Detroit Lions Legend LEM BARNEY To Introduce Jazz Fest Tribute to Marvin Gaye

What promises to be an exceptional opening night at the 29th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival just became even more special with the announcement that Detroit Lions icon and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Lem Barney, will appear as guest emcee for the festival's tribute to the music of his dear friend Marvin Gaye.

The Philly-Detroit Marvin Gaye tribute on Friday, August 29, is being curated and arranged by renowned Philadelphia bassist Christian McBride in keeping with festival theme, A Love Supreme: The Philly/Detroit Summit. McBride will present his personalized takes on classic Gaye material with a big band of stellar Detroit-based musicians backing R&B vocalists Lalah Hathaway and Rahsaan Patterson. Joining the two veteran singers in interpreting selections from the Marvin Gaye songbook will be up-and-coming jazz vocalist Jose James.

The appearance of Lem Barney provides a personal connection to the subject of the tribute. Barney met Marvin Gaye in 1970 when the singer had a highly publicized tryout with the Detroit Lions. Marvin didn't make the team, but the two established a lifelong friendship. Barney and teammate Mel Farr were then invited by Gaye to sing on his masterpiece What's Going On.

"That was certainly a critical time in my young life, our city and the country as a whole," Lem Barney recalls. "The time was right for What's Going On. The music speaks for itself - the environment, the war in Vietnam, poverty, police brutality, Marvin covered it all"

"I was thrilled that the festival organizers asked me to participate in this tribute. It will truly be a joy. My friendship with Marvin Gaye was a brotherhood, and I will do anything to further this brother's phenomenal legacy. It is particularly gratifying that this will take place in our hometown, where Marvin's masterpiece was written and recorded."

Bassist Christian McBride, who feels that Motown is in his DNA is excited about performing this music in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown. "I love that Lem Barney will be with us for this tribute. He's a really significant living tie to Marvin, and a quintessential renaissance man - a great athlete, devoted to jazz as well as rhythm & blues, a spiritual guy. There aren't many men like him anymore." Lem Barney, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, is an Associate Pastor at Hope United Church. He is also Director of Physician Relations and Recruitment for The Detroit Medical Center, and is involved with several charities including The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The complete lineup has been finalized for the 29th annual Detroit International Jazz Festival.

Here are some of the main stage highlights:

Date   Time                  Performance                            Stage

8/29   7:00 - 8:15 PM   Dianne Reeves                   Chase Main Stage

8/29   8:45 - 10:30 PM   Philly/Detroit Tribute to Marvin Gaye                                                                                         Chase Main Stage

8/30   3:45 - 4:45 PM     Philly-Detroit Summit w/ Christian
           McBride, Karriem Riggins, Randy Brecker,
             Geri Allen, Bootsie Barnes
                                                                        Absopure Waterfront Stage

8/30   4:45 - 6:00 PM   Swiss Movement Revisited: Javon Jackson
                                       Band with Les McCann
                                                                            Carhartt Amphitheatre

8/30   5:15 - 6:45 PM   Dee Dee Sharp               Chase Main Stage

8/30   9:00 - 10:30 PM Lalah Hathaway              Chase Main Stage

8/30   9:15 - 10:45 PM The Latin Jazz All-Stars: A Tribute to
                                      Hilton Ruiz & Mario Rivera
                                                                            Carhartt Amphitheatre

8/31   1:30 - 2:45 PM   Leebop: A Tribute to Lee Morgan
                                                                    Absopure Waterfront Stage

8/31   2:00 - 3:00 PM    Jimmy Heath & the Wayne State
            University Big Band
                                                                            Carhartt Amphitheatre

8/31    4:30 - 6:00 PM   Ravi Coltrane's Tribute to Alice Coltrane
                                     feat. Jack DeJohnnette, Charlie Haden
                                     Geri Allen and Brandee Younger
                                                                            Carhartt Amphitheatre

8/31 9:15 - 11:15 PM "Battle of the Big Bands" - Count Basie
                                    Orchestra vs. Gerald Wilson Orchestra
                                                                            Carhartt Amphitheatre

9/1   4:15 - 5:15 PM    Temple University Jazz Band with
                                    Benny Golson
                                                                            Carhartt Amphitheatre

9/1    5:15 - 6:30 PM    Barry Harris Trio              Absopure Waterfront Stage

9/1   6:00 - 7:30 PM    The Derek Trucks Band        Chase Main Stage

9/1    6:30 - 7:45 PM    James Carter Septet        Carharrt Amphitheatre

9/1    7:30 - 8:45 PM    The Heath Brothers Quartet with Jimmy Heath, Tootie Heath, Jeb Patton & David Wong             Absopure Waterfront Stage

9/1    8:45 - 10:15 PM    The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Band directed                                          by Slide Hampton          Carharrt Amphitheatre

"Detroit International Jazz Festival was voted one of the top five festivals in the U.S. in the January 2008 JazzTimes Reader's Poll," says Pontremoli. "The musicians will be having wonderful reunions, and the great Detroit audience, which always amazes me, will play a huge role in the brotherly love vibe."

Detroit International Jazz Festival is now the largest, free jazz festival in North America, attracting upwards of 750,000 people. It has become a major tourist attraction, with 25% of its audience coming from out of state. The festival has a significant economic impact on Detroit and showcases the city in the most positive light. The festival has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the NEA Jazz Masters, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), and the Kresge Foundation. Major corporate sponsors include Chase, Mack Avenue Records, Carhartt and Absopure. The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is the official hotel of the 29th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival.

For more information and the complete 2008 Detroit International Jazz Festival schedule, visit www.detroitjazzfest.com

2nd Annual Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival

Administration — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:30:02 GMT

ROOTS ‘N BLUES ‘N BBQ FESTIVAL BACK FOR SECOND YEAR

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival is back for another year of rockin' music, tasty barbeque, and family fun. The 2008 Festival will feature more than 25 internationally renowned musicians who encompass a variety of authentic sounds spanning the roots, blues, gospel, bluegrass, R&B, and folk genres. Performing on three stages, Buddy Guy, Jerry Douglas, the Del McCoury Band, Cedric Burnside, Ruthie Foster, Doyle Bramhall and Dale Watson are just a few of the scheduled acts. The free festival will be held in Columbia, Mo. Friday Oct. 3 to Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008.

Tracy Lane, executive director of Thumper Entertainment, said, "Our goal for the festival is to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the differing genres which comprise ‘roots music.' We feel it's very important to continue to offer this as a free event, as well as a family event. Thumper's mission is to create live music events that connect the audience and the artists in an unforgettable experience."

The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival is an authentic celebration of heritage-roots music, BBQ, family and community. Last year the festival hosted 65,000 music and BBQ enthusiasts. This year the Festival expects to entertain 100,000 people. Three stages in a 15 block radius will entertain audiences for two days. Located in the center of Missouri, Columbia is an opportune locale for the festival because it sits between St. Louis, famous for its blues, and Kansas City, known for its BBQ.

The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ will also hold its Second Annual Kansas City Barbeque Society State Championship BBQ contest. Competition categories this year include ribs, chicken, pork, brisket and sausage. Fifteen thousand dollars in cash prizes will be awarded. Apply by Aug. 29, 2008 at http://www.rootsnbluesnbbq.com/bbq-contest/ to compete.

For music lovers who want a unique festival experience, Whole Hog packages can be purchased for $250 at the Web site listed below. This VIP pass includes valet parking, private performances, all you can eat food and drink, access into the Whole Hog Lounge, which will be decorated as a 1930's blues joint, and meet and greets with performers.

To learn more, visit http://rootsnbluesnbbq.com.