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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > September > 03
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Usher In Intimate Settings — A Good Thing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In television, it’s referred to as “jumping the shark”.
But in music — more specifically, with one of contemporary music’s superstars — what to make of this? Atlanta’s R&B multimillion-seller Usher is reportedly planning a 15-city tour in “intimate” venues.
(Read about it HERE ).
Now when fellow arena-packing artist Justin Timberlake made such a run (performing here at the Tabernacle, before later doing Philips and Gwinnett Arenas) it was an incredible, up-close appearance; as it was very band and live-music-oriented. The name “Usher”, however, is almost synonymous with “major production”.
He explains to the Associated Press that “There’s only a few artists that can pull that off. I feel like I’ve had such a connection with my audience. This album, I felt like, was definitely the type of one that was more intimate. So what better way to get up close and personal than to make it all women?”
But with the relatively lackluster acceptance of his current CD, “Here I Stand” - currently No. 38 on the pop charts, and not certified platinum after 13 weeks, while rapper Lil Wayne is at two million in 11 weeks, and the “Mama Mia!” soundtrack is at a million in 7 — do you think he could still fill arenas? Believe this is a smart move to reenergize interest in that album? Will you be watching tomorrow when he (and country pin-up Keith Urban and Brit-pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield) perform at the National Football League’s kickoff concert?
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Ne-Yo To Appear On “Today” Show Tomorrow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The news today is that Atlanta’s R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo won a $700,000 judgment after a Georgia concert promoter dropped him from a tour, and Ne-Yo sued.
(See the details HERE ).
But the news tomorrow is that he (and New Kids on The Block) will perform on “The Today Show”, an appearance the morning show had to reschedule due to Gustav coverage.
This comes as Ne-Yo gears up for the Sept. 16 release of his third CD, “Year of the Gentleman”; and is enjoying remarkable success as a songwriter (Rihanna’s “Take A Bow”; Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight”; and his own top 10 single “Closer”).
Where do you think he best displays his talent: With the pen? On the microphone? Or (if you happened to catch him on tour with Alicia Keys, or the more recent BET Awards) on stage? (See a YouTube video of the BET Awards 2008 performance BELOW).
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Sugarland To Close Friday’s “Stand Up To Cancer”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta country supergroup, Sugarland will join Melissa Etheridge for the finale on “Stand Up To Cancer,” the cancer research fundraiser the three major networks are broadcasting live from Los Angeles Friday.
Also scheduled to appear on the one-hour TV special are cancer survivors Lance Armstrong and Christina Applegate; Oscar winners Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep and Forest Whitaker; along with network powers Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charles Gibson.
Past pairings have worked out well for Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, (whose current CD “Love On The Inside” remains one of Billboard’s top 10 albums in the country). Which ones have you enjoyed best: With iconic New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi? (A Grammy winner for Nettles - above with Jon Bon Jovi). With R&B superstar Beyonce? (See the YouTube video below). Or (a-hem) with one-time fellow member/current litigant Kristen Hall?
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k.d. lang Coming To Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
k.d. lang — the singer classy enough (not to mention, talented enough) - to have Tony Bennett tap her on on the shoulder to duet with him, will take the spotlight alone Oct. 23 at Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center.
Reserved seats are $54.50 and go on sale at www.livenation.com or Ticketmaster this Friday.
Other tickets up for sale Sept. 5 are rockers Buckcherry with Saving Abel at the Tabernacle Oct. 9. ($32.50 in advance, $34. 50 day of show). And Brit metal ensemble Dragonforce with Turisas and Powerglove, also at the Tabernacle, Nov. 21. ($25 in advance, $28 day of show).
And if your live music money still isn’t spent, tickets for metal band Staind’s Oct. 19 concert at Lakewood Amphitheatre go up this Saturday. ($16.50 lawn, $26.50-$42.50 reserved).
Planning to attend any of these shows? Ever seen k.d. lang live?
