Drake's “Light Dreams and Nightmares” Tour

The AT&T sponsored, Drake “Light Dreams and Nightmares” Tour made its way to Houston's Reliant Arena. Drake and friends performed before a sold out crowd on Oct 29th. Several local Houston artists opened the show to include, ABN and Tre da Truth. Following them was the official opening act for the tour, Drake's Young Money label mate, Tyga. The young rapper has been featured on several mix tapes including his collaboration with Chris Brown, which he performed the hit “Deuces.”

Backed by a five piece band Drake took the stage in a wave of excitement and energy, which elevated throughout his performance.  Drake shared with fans his gratitude for making it to Houston as there was an accident with his tour bus on the way. He performed most of the songs from his current and now platinum selling album, Thank Me Later.

During "Fireworks" the light and lasers wowed the crowd culminating with actual fireworks. During his remix of Alicia Keys, “Unthinkable” he brought a young lady up on stage and sang to her.  Just before she departed he surprised her with a free AT&T phone. With the pending release of his mentor, Lil Wayne, Drake encouraged the crowd to display how much they still loved Weezy while he recorded it on his camera.

Much to the surprise and delight of Houston fans Bun B made a guest appearance on one of his songs. The veteran rapper thanked Drake, Houston fans and praised the younger rapper on his success. Drake slowed things down, while he changed shirts during a tribute to Aaliyah and Pimp C.  Drake closed the show with his hit "Over" while flame like lights cascaded from the ceiling.

Bilal Realeases Airtight's Revenge and Announces Tour Dates

To coincide with the release of his third studio album, ‘Airtight’s Revenge,’ Grammy-nominated singer Bilal has announced his 2010 North American tour.

“I’m really excited to get on the road and share this new music with my fans, Bilal says in a statement. “They have supported me over the years when I didn’t even have an album out so I want to get back out there and not only have fun with them but also thank them for their years of support.”

Bilal’s North American trek will kick off on September 15th at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston, MA and make more than 20 stops at a mix of venues throughout the fall.

Airtight’s Revenge, Bilal’s third studio album, will be released on September 14th on Plug Research and distributed by The Orchard. Steve McKie (Jill Scott, Estelle, Kindred, Vivian Green) co-produced the album with Bilal, recorded in Philadelphia, Virginia and Los Angeles.

“It’s a mix of jazz, hip-hop, soul, blues, and experimental free music,” the Philly-bred says about the album.

The album also features production by Nottz (Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Drake), 88 Keys (Mos Def, Macy Gray, Musiq Soulchild), Shafiq Husayn of Sa-Ra and Tone Whitefield.

Stay tuned for more details on Bilal’s North American tour. For additional ticket and tour information, visit Plugresearch.com and Ticketmaster.com. Additional dates to be announced soon.

BILAL 2010 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

Sep 15 Boston, MA Scullers Jazz Club
Sep 18 New York, NY B.B. King’s Blues Club
Sep 19 Washington, DC Birchmere
Sep 20 New York, NY Tillman’s (acoustic)
Sep 21 Toronto Revival
Sep 23 Ottawa Revival
Sep 25 Montreal La Sala Rossa
Oct 14 Portland, OR Someday Lounge
Oct 16 Seattle, WA Nectar Lounge
Oct 20 Sacramento, CA Harlos
Oct 21 San Joseph Babineaux Landmark Ballroom
Oct 22 Oakland, CA Yoshi’s Jazz Club
Oct 23 Oakland, CA Yoshi’s Jazz Club
Oct 27 Fullerton, CA Common Wealth Lounge
Oct 28 Los Angeles, CA Echo Plex

BASSIST, VOCALIST AND COMPOSER ESPERANZA SPALDINGANNOUNCES WORLD TOUR IN SUPPORT OF NEW RELEASE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY

Centuries ago, long before the advent of radio or recording technology, chamber music was the music for the masses – the music in which people from nearly every segment of society could find meaning and relevance. A decade into the 21st century, Esperanza Spalding – the bassist, vocalist and composer who first appeared on the jazz scene in 2008 – takes a contemporary approach to this once universal form of entertainment with  a world tour in support of Chamber Music Society, her August 17, 2010, release on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group.

Esperanza creates a modern chamber music group that combines the spontaneity and intrigue of improvisation with sweet and angular string trio arrangements. The result is a sound that weaves the innovative elements of jazz, folk and world music into the enduring foundations of classical music.

“So much of my early musical experience was spent playing chamber music on the violin, and it’s a form of music that I’ve always loved,” says Esperanza. “I was very inspired by a lot of classical music, and chamber music in particular. I’m intrigued by the concept of intimate works that can be played and experienced among friends in an intimate setting. So I decided to create my version of contemporary chamber music, and add one more voice to that rich history.”

Chamber Music Society is a place where connoisseurs of classical music and jazz devotees – and fans of other musics as well – can find common ground. The recording offers a chamber music for modern times – one that brings together people of different perspectives and broadens their cultural experience, just as it did in an earlier age.

Esperanza first took the world by storm in 2008 with her self-titled debut recording that spent more than 70 weeks on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. Spalding was booked on the Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, the CBS Saturday Early Show, the Tavis Smiley Show, Austin City Limits and National Public Radio. Other highlights included two appearances at the White House, a Banana Republic ad campaign, the Jazz Journalists Association’s 2009 Jazz Award for Up and Coming Artist of the Year, the 2009 JazzWeek Award for Record of the Year, and many high profile tour dates, including Central Park SummerStage in New York and the Newport Jazz Festival. 2009 was capped by an invitation from President Obama to perform at both the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway – where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded – and also at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

To receive a free MP3 from the album visit Esperanza’s brand new site http://www.esperanzaspalding.com and clicking the “sign up” button (top right, after clicking through) – or clicking here.

To preorder Chamber Music click here.