Let’s face it, summertime tends to get a bad rap with nicknames like “dog days” to “lazy days of summer,” but just a quick glance at the roster of concerts headed this way in the coming weeks tells another story – that the season of fun is just getting started. So I’ve skimmed through the list and picked a few shows worth checking out:
*Joe, Case and Profyle Reunion, tonight, May 31 at DiamondJacks Casino
For 1990’s R&B fans, Joe and Case are enough to get you to any concert, but perhaps the biggest performance of tonight will be the reunion of Shreveport’s own Profyle. For those who may not remember, Profyle surpassed local attention when they signed to Motown Records and exploded on the national music scene in 1999 with their hit single “Liar,” which was produced by legendary R&B/hip hop producer Teddy Riley from their debut album Whispers in the Dark. I mean these guys were regulars on MTV and BET and it looked they were on the road to superstardom. However, eventually they split up after their last album in 2004 and went on to pursue solo careers. Now, they’re back together and you can witness it live when they perform together tonight.
Doors open at 7 p.m, show starts 8 pm. Tickets are $30-$50 and available at Lil J’s Music and More, (318) 686-5455; Lakeshore All Around Sounds, (318) 221-5100 and Vernon’s Barbershop in Bossier, (318) 742-5100.
*Hall and Oates, Saturday, June 1 at Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Riverdome
I can’t go for that, but I will always go for some Hall and Oates. (Sorry for the corny pun – I couldn’t resist.) These guys RULED 1980’s pop and R&B charts with hit after hit, like “I Can’t Go For that (No Can Do),” “Sara Smile” and “Private Eyes,” to name a few. Even if you’ve never heard their music, chances are you have and just didn’t know it. Through a brief internet search, I was amazed to discover their music has been sampled by at least 25 different major artists of various genres through the years. Of course, there’s nothing like the real thing and fortunately, they still sound as good as ever.
In fact, their shows are selling out all over the country, including here. According to Ticketmaster.com, no more tickets are available at this time. However, it would be worth calling the venue at (855) 234-7469 or (702) 777-2782 to see if any last minute seats are available. Tickets start at $21.99. The show starts at 7 p.m.
*Mary J. Blige with Anthony Hamilton, June 12 at CenturyLink Center
After witnessing her perform several times at past Essence Fest concerts, I can honestly say this: to hear Mary J. Blige’s music on the radio or CD is one thing, but to witness her perform it live is a whole ‘nother experience. I don’t even consider myself a huge fan, but there’s something about the way that she connects to the crowd with her raw emotion and passion that makes it seem almost cathartic. I saw women crying, cheering, rejoicing, pumping their fists and just having a good time. Plus, Anthony Hamilton, whom I’ve seen perform twice, always gives you more than your money’s worth with his old school, soulful sound.
*Biz Markie at the 27th Annual Let the Good Times Roll Festival, June 21-23 at Festival Plaza
Shrieks of “No way!” rippled among us 20×49.com bloggers when we heard that legendary rapper and deejay, Biz Markie, once dubbed by Yo! MTV Raps as the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” was actually coming here to perform at the 27th Annual Let the Good Times Roll Festival. (Actually, he’s part of an amazing lineup of 90s R&B/hip hop favorites scheduled to perform.) I mean, what Gen X’er could ever hear his off-key , hilarious ode to unrequited love in the 1989 hip hop classic, “Just a Friend” and not join in?
Admission is $10. Regular festival hours are 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday, June 21; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 22 and 2-11 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Visit the Let The Good Times Roll Festival website at rhoomega.com or call (318) 615-9606 for more information.
*Purple Reign, July 20 at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino
OK, so remember the last awesome show Prince did here at CenturyLink Center like, nearly 10 years ago? (Wait – that was 10 years ago??!!!) Well, according to my colleague and fellow 20×49.com blogger Chris Jay, Purple Reign (featured in the main photo) is even more spectacular. Yes, seriously. As tribute shows go, this one is worth every penny because, not only does it include a dead ringer for Prince – physically and vocally – performing all of the hits in full regalia, but the show also pays tribute to the other acts he produced music for, including Morris Day and The Time. It’s easy to see why they’ve received international acclaim as one of the best tribute acts in the world.
Show time is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online. Call Sam’s Town at (318) 424-7777 for more information.
Visit the Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide at www.ShreveportBossierFunGuide.com for more information on this and other area event happenings. For monthly updates on area attractions and events, subscribe to the Getaways e-newsletter at www.shreveport-bossier.org.
Photo note: The main image used in this post is by MHA Photography , from the official Purple Reign website. The image has been used for purposes of promoting this event. If you own this image and would like it to be removed, please contact Donecia Pea at dpea@sbctb.org.
