SummerStage 2014 Preview Set for 1/9 at Highline Ballroom

City Parks Foundation has announced the SummerStage Showcase, a special event taking place at the Highline Ballroom on Thursday, January 9, 2014. In partnership with Santa Monica's Twilight Concerts at the Pier, the SummerStage Showcase will feature Pop, Acoustic Folk and Soulful R&B ingénue Yuna, Country, Pop and Blues group Hurray for the Riff Raff, Roots Reggae and contemporary Cuban Son group Rebel Tumbao and DJ Joaquin Joe Claussell for a night of performances that will offer audiences a preview of the upcoming 2014 season of SummerStage.

In a remarkably short period of time, Yuna has risen from regional D.I.Y. notoriety to full-on international stardom. In the process, the charismatic young singer-songwriter from Malaysia has become the first artist from her homeland to conquer the American market. The ease with which Yuna has transitioned to border-defying mainstream success shouldn't be surprising, considering the effortlessly universal appeal of her organic blend of contemporary pop, acoustic folk and soulful R&B. The artist's personally charged songs are deeply felt yet melodically irresistible, combining her engaging voice and expressive songcraft with imaginative production to create wholly distinctive music that's won her comparisons with the likes of Feist, Adele and Norah Jones. Her newest recording, Nocturnal marks a major step forward for Yuna, expanding upon the achievements of her self-titled 2012 debut album and its Pharrell Williams-produced breakthrough hit "Live Your Life." Yuna's North American breakthrough in 2012 saw the artist winning widespread acclaim with Rolling Stone praising her combination of "certified indie cred and massive pop potential," while The New York Times described her music as "gorgeous."

Website: http://www.yunamusic.com/

Hurray for the Riff Raff is the creation of frontwoman ALynda Lee Segarra, a 26-year-old Bronx native who left home at an early age to travel the country before settling in New Orleans to play with a revolving cast of musicians. NPR's Ann Powers proclaimed that Hurray for the Riff Raff is, "Americana with a very young, fresh youthful sensibility. She's remaking traditions through her own voice. I'm just so struck by her voice. Literally. I love her singing voice...I can't stop listening to this woman's voice. I'm obsessed!" while Mojo Magazine raved that they "have immense potential and seductive power." The band combines country and pop with honky-tonk, swamp pop, and blues for a wholly unique sound that's unified by Segarra's fresh vocals and beautifully crafted songs. Their new album, Small Town Heroes, is due out on February 11, 2014.

Website: http://hurrayfortheriffraff.com/

Rebel Tumbao (Rebel "Groove") is an incendiary 11 piece band led by Matt Jenson (keys) and José Claussell (multi-percussionist/Eddie Palmieri) who have developed a new sound that is a unique blend of contemporary Cuban Son and Jamaican Roots Reggae with elements of Soul, Gospel, Funk, Jazz and African folklore that they have called "AfroLatinRootsReggae!" The group has a message to bring that is a delicious brew of socially conscious lyrics with sharp political commentary, held together with amazingly tight rhythm and horn arrangements bubbling under and over wrenching vocals in English and Spanish. Put your feet on automatic 'cause your mind will be working over time!

Website: www.rebeltumbao.com

DJ Joaquin Joe Claussell is arguably one, if not the most prolific DJ/producer/composer's in the dance music community today, one third of the Body & Soul trio of New York and label head of Sacred Rhythm Music. Claussell plays what is labeled as House Music but also touches upon other genres such as Ambient and Electronic and also composes Jazz, African and Latin orchestrations.

**Note: Artists participation in SummerStage Festival subject to change**

Ticket and Show Information
Tickets are required. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 day of show
Doors open at 6:00PM
Concert begins at 7:00PM

For more event information, including group ticket sales, please visit Highline Ballroom's website at http://highlineballroom.com