0 Kool & The Gang Take it to the Stage

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/01/2008

Here are some 2008 tour dates for Kool & the Gang: July Thursday, July 3, San Jacinto, CA - Soboba Casino Arena Friday, July 4, Garland, TX - Garland's Star Spangled Fourth Festival Friday, July 11, Gulfport, MS - Island View Casino Resort Friday, July 25, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino Saturday, July 26, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino Sunday, July 27, Las Vegas, NV - The Orleans Hotel & Casino August Saturday, August 2, Mableton, GA - Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre Sunday, August 3, Bethlehem, PA - Bethlehem Musikfest Wednesday, August 6, Girona, Spain - Festival Jardins de Caproig Friday, August 8, Alicante, Spain - Port of Alicante Saturday, August 9, Murcia, Spain - venue to be announced Sunday, August 10, Menorca, Spain - Isla del Rey September Saturday September 6, Rotterdam, The Netherlands - Football Stadium Previous Post | Next Post

0 BET Awards Captured by Kanye & Keys

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/25/2008

Here are some of the 2008 BET Award Winners: Best Female R&B Artist: Alicia Keys Best Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown Best Group: UGK Best Gospel: Marvin Sapp Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Missy Elliott Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kanye West Video of the year: UGK featuring Outkast - "International Player's Anthem" Best Video Director: Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto Best Actress: Halle Berry Best Actor: Denzel Washington Best Female Athlete: Candace Parker Best Male Athlete: Kobe Bryant Best New Artist: The Dream Previous Post | Next Post

0 BET Awards Hype Hughley as Host

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/24/2008

Comedian D.L. Hughley will pilot the 2008 BET Awards scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th at 8:00 pm Eastern. BET loves to air this showcase several times, so look for it to be repeated often on your TV screen in the coming weeks. Quincy Jones, who has more trophies than he can count, will be honored with a humanitarian award. Al Green will receive a lifetime achievement award. Among the scheduled performers: Usher (shown here), Alicia Keys, Nelly, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, and Al Green. There are 16 categories in which various nominees will be honored. For the 2 R&B categories, we have... Best Female R&B Artist: Mary J. Blige Mariah Carey Keyshia Cole Alicia Keys Rihanna Best Male R&B Artist: Raheem DeVaughn J. Holiday Ne-Yo Trey Songz Chris Brown Interestingly, the nominated guys are mostly new school, whereas most of the ladies have been around for awhile with significant track records. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stevie Wonder Welcomes Summer-Fall Dates

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/19/2008

When child prodigy Stevie Wonder was signed to Motown's Tamla Records in the early 1960's, few could have predicted his monumental body of musical work or his influential staying power. Still relevant, still vibrant, and still performing, Motown Stevie has an evening full of tunes and fun just waiting for his worldwide legion of eager fans. Here are some 2008 tour dates for Stevie Wonder: June Thursday, June 19, Uncasville, CT, Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday, June 21, Atlantic City, NJ, Trump Taj Mahal Arena Sunday, June 22, Mansfield, MA, Comcast Center Tuesday, June 24, Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre July Tuesday, July 1, Englewood, CO, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre Friday, July 4, Reno, NV, Reno Events Center Saturday, July 5, Mountain View, CA, Shoreline Amphitheatre Tuesday, July 7, Concord, CA, Sleep Train Pavilion Friday, July 11, Auburn, WA, White River Amphitheatre Saturday, July 12, Vancouver, BC, Canada, General Motors Place September Monday, September 8, Birmingham, United Kingdom, National Indoor Arena Tuesday, September 9, Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester Evening News Arena Thursday & Friday, September 11-12, London, United Kingdom, O2 Dome Sunday & Monday, September 14-15, Rotterdam, Netherlands, Ahoy Rotterdam Monday, September 22, Cologne, Germany, Koln Arena Tuesday, September 23, Mannheim, Germany, Sap Arena Thursday, September 25, Munich, Germany, Olympiastadion Friday, September 26, Assago, Italy, Datch Forum Di Assago Sunday, September 28, Paris, France, Palais Omnisports - Bercy Tuesday, September 30, London, United Kingdom, O2 Dome Previous Post | Next Post

0 En Vogue with Funky Divas

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/17/2008

The quartet turned trio En Vogue are keeping their fans entertained with a few selected tour dates this Summer. Since 1990, original members Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and newest En Voguette Rhona Bennett continue to sustain the "Funky Diva" tradition. En Vogue has recorded 7 albums with sales of over 8 million units. Whether these songbirds combine their voices for sweet harmonies or rhythmic vamps, the ladies of En Vogue are tuned into you. Catch En Vogue during the Summer of 2008: Friday, July 11, Civic Opera House, Chicago, Illinois (with Morris Day and the Time) Friday, August 22, Birchmere, Alexandria, Virginia Saturday, August 23, B.B. King's Blues Club and Grill, New York, New York Previous Post | Next Post

0 Marvin Gaye: You're The Man by a Landslide

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/12/2008

I recently rediscovered a vintage, activist, gem of a song tailor made for the neurotic 2008 USA presidential election year. As several documentaries and books have revealed, Marvin Gaye was a creative kindred spirit who could not be held back by the predictable Motown hit machine. One year after releasing what many believe is the greatest classic soul album of all time, 1971's What's Going On, Marvin dropped a song to the streets that surged with social commentary: "You're The Man," in May, 1972. It was left off the Trouble Man album, and is one of those lost 45 rpm vinyl singles that featured part 1 only. The full version of the song (parts 1 & 2) can now be found on compilations (including 2001's The Very Best of Marvin Gaye 2 CD set). Given the histrionics of the George McGovern vs. Richard Nixon presidential election of 1972, "You're The Man" remains timeless even today with it's critical message. Your browser does not support the audio element. Check out the words, then listen to the last 60 seconds of this famous Motown piece. "You're The Man" Written by Marvin Gaye & Kenneth Stover Performed by Marvin Gaye © Motown Records Released May, 1972 Chart peaks: #7 R&B, #50 pop Talking, talking to the people try, get them to go your way tellin' us not to worry that we won't be led astray So blind, from signify their opponents always lie think about the mistakes you make I believe that miracles at stake We no busin', busin' is the issue Do you have a plan wager If, if you have a plan If you have a master plan I got to vote for you Hey hey, got to vote for you Cause, you're the man We don't want to hear no more lies About how you plan to economize We want our dollar value increased and employment to rise The nation's taxation causin' all of this inflation Don't give us no peace sign Turn around, and rob the people blind Economics is the issue Do you have a plan, wager Cause if you got a master plan I got to vote for you You're the man repeat: Don't you understand There's misery in the man Don't you understand There's misery in the man People marching on Washington Why not hear, what they have to say Because the tables just might turn against you brother sit around election day Politics and hypocrites Is turning us all into lunatics Can you take the guns from our sons Right all the wrongs this administrations done Peace and freedom is the issue Oh, do you have a plan, wager Ah, cause if got the plan If you got the master plan, Ohh I got to vote for you Hey hey, got to vote for you Cause, you're the man, Ahhh repeat: Got to vote for you Previous Post | Next Post

0 Irene Cara with Hot Caramel is a Cool Smoothie

• Audio
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/10/2008

Remember "Flashdance," "Fame," and one of my favorites, "Anyone Can See." Irene Cara was the vocal talent behind those memorable songs. The Oscar and Grammy Award winning composer, actress, and vocalist has been grooming an all-girl band called Hot Caramel. They are due to release a new song in June, 2008. Hot Caramel members include; Errica Poindexter - bass, Yvonne Poindexter - vocals, Audrey Martell - vocals, Donna Hairston - bass guitar, Lafrae Olivia Sci - drums, Sheryl Bailey - guitar, and Irene Cara - lead vocals, acoustic piano, synths, and keyboards. While listening to their material and auditioning a few tracks, I picked up on Hot Carmel's distinctive blend of R&B, rock, jazz, Latin dance, pop, and soul. Not too many artists embrace this kind of eclectic mix. Your browser does not support the audio element. Watch for their new album, and listen to about a minute of the ballad "How Can I Make You Love Me." Previous Post | Next Post

0 New Edition Collects Cool Candy Award

• News
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/04/2008

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor New Edition at their 21st Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Celebrating their 25th anniversary as a group, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill helped create the popular new jack swing sound of the early 1980's. New Edition Albums: Candy Girl New Edition All For Love Christmas All Over the World Under the Blue Moon Heart Break Home Again One Love New Edition Hits: "Candy Girl" "Popcorn Love" "Cool It Now" "Mr. Telephone Man" "Count Me Out" "A Little Bit of Love (Is All It Takes)" "Earth Angel" "Can You Stand the Rain" "If It Isn't Love" "You're Not My Kind of Girl" "Hit Me Off" Previous Post | Next Post

0 Bo Diddley Remembered

• Biography
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/02/2008

Bo Diddley, along with Little Richard and Chuck Berry, created the core of what we now call rock and roll...music that has since splintered into scores of different sub genres. Diddley passed away of heart failure on Monday, June 2, 2008. Recently, his health was failing, as he had suffered a heart attack, and a stroke, this past year. Why is Bo Diddley important? His songs have been covered and recorded by artists such as the Rolling Stones, the Animals, Manfred Mann, the Kinks, the Yardbirds, Quicksilver Messenger Service, the Doors, Tom Rush, and Bob Seger, (among others). He is a pop music icon of enormous influence. Diddley's custom-made rectangular guitar, and his playing style, complete with distorted amplification, became a trademark by the mid 1950's. He was born in McComb, Mississippi, in 1928. Ellas McDaniel, also known as Bo, received his nickname from his early years as a boxer. Diddley played the blues clubs of Chicago, Illinois, in the 1940?s and 1950?s. His early legendary recordings were made for the Chess label. Diddley hits include "Who Do You Love," "Hey! Bo Diddley," "Pretty Thing," and "Hush Your Mouth." Bo played on several Chuck Berry classics including "Memphis, Tennessee," and "Sweet Little Rock N' Roller." Diddley's 1959 "Say Man" was a rap styled dialogue 20 years ahead of its time. In 1962, he performed for President John F. Kennedy at a private set at the White House. He toured Great Britain in the 1960?s and 1970's, performing on shows with the Everly Brothers, the Rolling Stones, and the Clash. Diddley continued his presence through the 1980's, with a film appearance in Eddie Murphy's Trading Places (1983). Bo's music was featured in films including La Bamba (1987), and Dirty Dancing, (1987). Diddley was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He performed for President George Bush at the Inaugural Gala in 1989. Diddley rocked at 1992's Democratic National Convention celebration for Bill Clinton. In February of 1996, Bo Diddley received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, an acknowledgment, for among other accomplishments, pioneering the famous "Bo Diddley beat." biography elements courtesy of Empower Encyclopedia Previous Post | Next Post

0 Earth, Wind & Fire 2008 Summer Tour

• Tour
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/29/2008

Here are June, July, and August 2008 tour dates for Earth, Wind & Fire. June: Friday, June 6, Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Hilton Saturday, June 7, Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Hilton Tuesday, June 10, Temecula, CA - Pechanga Casino Friday, June 13, Reno, CA - Silver Legacy Casino Saturday, June 14, Reno, CA - Silver Legacy Casino Sunday, June 15, Stockton, CA - Bob Hope Theater Tuesday, June 17, Santa Rosa, CA - Wells Fargo Center for Arts Thursday, June 19, Santa Inez, CA - Chumash Casino Friday, June 20, San Diego, CA - County Fair - Del Mar Sunday, June 22, Los Angeles, CA - The Greek Theatre Tuesday, June 24, Livermore, CA - Wente Vineyards Thursday, June 26, Jacksonville, OR - Britt Pavilion Friday, June 27, Ridgefield, WA - Clark County Amphitheater Saturday, June 28, Woodenville, WA - Chateau Ste. Michelle July: Sunday, July 6, Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest Wednesday, July 9, Grand Prairie, TX - Nokia Theater Friday, July 11, San Antonio, TX - Majestic Theater Saturday, July 12, Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater Monday, July 14, Atlanta, GA - Chastain Park Wednesday, July 16, Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap Saturday, July 19, Memphis, TN - Botanical Gardens Sunday, July 20, Greenville, TN - Miswonger PAC Wednesday, July 23, Toledo, OH - Toledo Zoo Amphitheater Friday, July 25, Cincinnati, OH - Paul Brown Stadium Saturday, July 26, Cleveland, OH - Plain Dealer Pavilion Sunday, July 27, Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre Tuesday, July 29, Chicago, IL - Chicago Theater Thursday, July 31, Binghamton, NY - Anderson Center for Arts August: Friday, August 1, Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Saturday, August 2, Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata Tuesday, August 5, New York City, NY - Radio City Music Hall Wednesday, August 6, Bethlehem, PA - Musikfest Friday, August 8, Toronto, Canada - Casino Rama Saturday, August 9, Toronto, Canada - Casino Rama Previous Post | Next Post