Classic Soul and R&B Concerts @ the RRazz room at Hotel Nikko San Francisco, 222 Mason Street (between Ellis and O'Farrell), San Francisco, California 94102 have been announced. Tickets: www.therrazzroom.com / the RRazz room 415.394.1189 / TicketWeb 866.468.3399 or at The Rrazz Room Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 7pm. *Unless Otherwise Noted*
Angela BofillCategory: Nightlife
Classic Soul, Jazz, Latin, Pop, R&B,
Thu-Fri, Jul 22-23, 8pm; Sat, Jul 24, 7pm & 10 pm; Sun, Jul 25, 7pm
$45-55 (Limited VIP)
THE ANGELA BOFILL EXPERIENCE: Featuring Miss Angela Bofill
Continuing her miraculous recovery from two devastating strokes (2006 and 2007), legendary Classic Soul/R&B/Jazz singer Angela Bofill will be appearing in a mini-tour with friends, to be called "The Angela Bofill Experience." The show will mark Angela's first public appearance since her stroke. "The show will be a narrative and musical presentation of the songs most relevant to her career," says Angela's manager, Rich Engel. "It will include video footage of her jammin' days in Central Park, and peppered with footage of her appearances on The American Music Awards (with Michael Jackson), The Tonight Show, and Soul Train. And Angela will be doing on stage narratives about the tunes, with some humorous anecdotes. Singing the songs of Angela's career will be award winning vocalist Maysa (Stevie Wonder's female backup group Wonderlove and British jazz/funk/R&B band Incognito). And Grammy-winning jazz flutist Dave Valentin, who played an important part in Angela's early career, will provide his own stories as well as perform. Special guests and close friends Phil Perry and Norman Connors will also be performing. And after the show, Angela will meet and greet her many fans to thank them for their support. The show will continue in Detroit on July 28 and later during a special sailing of the "Smooth Cruise" aboard the Spirit of New York on October 8.
THE ANGELA BOFILL EXPERIENCE runs for 5 performances only Thursday-Friday, July 22-23 at 8 PM; Saturday, July 24 at 7 PM & 10 PM; and Sunday, July 25 at 7 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $45 ($55 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum.
Dedicated link to The Angela Bofill Experience:
http://www.therrazzroom.com/10Artist/AngelaB10.html
Shoshana BeanCategory: Nightlife
Broadway, Pop, R&B, Soul, Theatre
Mon-Tue, Aug 9-10, 8pm
$35
Shoshana Bean
A CONCERT EVENT
Best known for her roles in the Broadway smash hits Wicked and Hairspray and a stellar performance alongside Brian McKnight on the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, Shoshana Bean recently released her debut solo album Superhero on her own label, Shotime Records. In it's first week of sales, Superhero reached #5 on the itunes R&B charts, making it the only independent album in the top 100. The title track off the album also won her an Independent Music Award for best R&B song. Fresh from a sold-out debut concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall, Shoshana brings an arsenal of material from beloved standards to her own original music, seamlessly blending the classic with the contemporary.
Shoshana Bean runs for 2 performances only Monday-Tuesday, August 9-10 at 8:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $35 with a two-drink minimum.
Dedicated link to Shoshana Bean:
http://www.therrazzroom.com/10Artist/ShoshanaB10.html
All-4-One Category: Nightlife
Pop, R&B
Thu-Sun, Aug 12-15, 7:30pm
$30-35
ALL-4-ONE
Live & Up Close; Greatest Hits & More
On September 2009, after a seven-year hiatus from the US market, All-4-One released its seventh studio album No Regrets (Concord Music Group/2009), a creative masterpiece of classic pop, Old School R&B and hip-groovin' dance tunes. The first radio single, "My Child," charted on Urban AC Radio's Top 20 charts, and became dubbed the "Baby Daddy anthem." Following All-4-One's appearance on the nationally-syndicated StEve Harvey Morning Show, StEve Harvey shared his applause for "My Child" for its moving theme and said, "It is the best lyrically written song in 2009." All-4-One's live show will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride consisting of their classic master ballads and soul-stirring songs. Their gripping lyrics, heart-tugging melodies and riffs along with the quartet's smooth and harmonious blends leaves you wanting for more. Their first single "So Much In Love" quickly climbed to the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Their next single "I Swear" became one of longest running No. 1 singles in Billboard history. The group's streak of hits continued with other top charting singles such as "I Can Love You Like That," "She's Got Skillz," "Beautiful As U" and "Someday." All-4-One won a Grammy Award, American Music Award, Blockbuster Award, and a slew of international equivalents.
ALL-4-ONE runs for 4 performances only Thursday-Sunday, August 12-15 at 7:30 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $30-35 with a two-drink minimum.
Dedicated link to All-4-One:
http://www.therrazzroom.com/10Artist/All4One10.html
Taylor HicksCategory: Nightlife
Blues, Country, Pop/Rock, Soul, Theatre
Wed, Aug 25, 7:30pm
$47.50 ($75 Limited VIP)
Taylor Hicks
With his raspy, soulful voice and salt-and-pepper hair, Taylor Hicks was one of the unlikeliest contestants to make it to the final round of American Idol, but his quirky charm and rousing delivery of songs like "Takin' It to the Streets" won Hicks a devoted legion of fans called the Soul Patrol and the title of the fifth-season American Idol. Born in Birmingham, AL, and raised in Hoover, Hicks grew up listening to classic soul artists such as Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. Catch him channeling the vibes in San Francisco! Alabama's favorite son continues to be in "The Right Place" since becoming the fifth-season winner of American Idol. During the last three years, Taylor Hicks has seen his eponymous debut album (Arista/2006) certified platinum, performed with the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, The Allman Brothers and Willie Nelson, toured through Asia, penned a brisk-selling Random House memoir, and made his Broadway debut in Grease. In March 2009, the platinum-selling singer/songwriter released his latest album, The Distance, with complete control of direction and ownership of his masters on his solely owned and operated, Modern Whomp Records label via Artist To Market (A2M). Produced by Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill), and tapping the talents of guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, bassist Nathan East and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., The Distance features eleven tracks, including his latest single "Seven Mile Breakdown." This country-driven track not only highlights Taylor's versatility, but also showcases that country-soul influence that shines through during his live performances.
Taylor Hicks runs for 1 performance only Wednesday, August 25 at 7:30 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $47.50 ($75 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum.
Dedicated link to Taylor Hicks:
http://www.therrazzroom.com/10Artist/TaylorH10.html
Oleta AdamsCategory: Nightlife
Pop, R&B, Soul
Thu-Fri, Aug 26-27, 8pm; Sat, Aug 28, 7pm & 9:30pm
$49.50
An Intimate Evening With Oleta Adams
Since the runaway success of her debut album Circle of One (Fontana Island/1990) and the impassioned hit single "Get Here" - the Brenda Russell composition that became an unofficial anthem of the 1991 Gulf War - Oleta Adams has inspired a growing legion of fans in the U.S. and Europe with journeys of the heart, songs that draw deeply from her roots in Gospel, while crossing effortlessly into the realms of soul, R&B, urban, and popular music. Her success, nurtured by worldwide tours with Tears for Fears, Michael Bolton, and Luther Vandross have been solidified by three Grammy nominations and a seemingly bottomless well of creative energy. Oleta has earned her devoted fan base by staying with the essentials: honest, soulful vocals, unforgettable songs, and uplifting arrangements. Her new CD Let's Stay Here (Koch Records/2009) is prime Oleta: she delivers each song's message with grace, clarity, and quiet power, whether it's her own composition or a classic cover, such as the version of Nina Simone's "Feelin' Good" that was central to the 2007-8 Buick campaign. Let's Stay Here is a new statement of pure soul, ten messages of hope and love for our tough times.
Oleta Adams runs for 4 performance only Thursday-Friday, August 26-27 at 8:00 PM and Saturday, August 28 at 7 and 9:30 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $49.50 with a two-drink minimum.
Marlena ShawCategory: Nightlife
Jazz, Pop, R&B, Soul
Thu-Sat, Sep 2-4, 7:30pm
$35
MARLENA SHAW
A Natural Element
Marlena Shaw is among the most versatile and charismatic jazz vocalists on the scene today. Her performances are marked by an artful blend of pop standards and straight-ahead jazz tunes. Her extroverted stage presence gives her an edge over other vocalists, and clearly, singing live before an audience is where she feels most comfortable. Marlena Shaw has recorded music for labels like Blue Note, Cadet, Verve, Columbia & Concord Jazz. With classic tracks such as "California Soul" & "Woman Of The Ghetto," she dazzles audiences with her intimate performance style.
Marlena Shaw "A Natural Element" runs for 3 performances only Thursday-Saturday, September 2-4 at 7:30 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $35 with a two-drink minimum.
Edna Wright & Honey Cone Category: Nightlife Merry Clayton
Classic Soul, R&B, Pop, Rock
Wed-Sat, Sep 15-18, 7:30pm
$40-42.50
EDNA WRIGHT and Honeycone & Merry Clayton
Legendary vocalist Edna Wright is thrilled to be bringing the fierce, soul sound of Honey Cone back to San Francisco in an all-new show celebrating the very best of classic R&B. The show will consist of such Honey Cone hits as "Girls, It Ain't Easy," "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show," "The Day I Found Myself," and the unforgettable #1 smash "Want Ads." Come get up close and personal with Edna and her quartet as she wows you with her powerful voice, her timeless music, and her priceless memories from an era when the music was always funky and the singer's really sang. Edna can't wait to provide her fans with a good, old-fashioned evening of "Love, Peace, & Soul.
Legendary recording artist Merry Clayton is delighted to be making her debut at the RRazz room, premiering her thrilling new evening of music: "Songs in the Key of My Life." Ms. Clayton will be performing all of her greatest hits and most requested fan favorites including selections from her albums Gimme Shelter (Ode Records, 1970), Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow (Ode Records, 1975), Merry Clayton (Ode Records, 1971), and her newest release, Miracles (A&M Records, 1994). Don't miss this opportunity to share an intimate evening with the woman who has sung timeless duets with everyone from Elvis Presley, to Bobby Darin, to Mick Jagger, the woman who will always reign as the most regal "Acid Queen," and the woman who famously implored the whole world to "Gimme Shelter"--the one and only Merry Clayton.
Edna Wright & Honey Cone and Merry Clayton runs for 4 performances only Wednesday-Saturday, September 15-18 at 7:30 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $40-42.50 with a two-drink minimum.
Mary WilsonCategory: Nightlife
Classic Soul, R&B
Tue-Sat, Sep 22-25, 8pm; Sun, Sep 26, 7pm
$40-45 ($50-55 Limited VIP)
Mary Wilson
The Supreme Diva Returns
Mary Wilson is bringing her 'Supreme' and 'Up Close' show to the RRazz room at Hotel Nikko. Many fans remember Ms. Wilson for her 12 No. 1 hits with The Supremes. At the same time, Ms. Wilson has cultivated many new fans with her evening of jazz and popular standards, "Up Close." This time around, those fans lucky enough to be in the San Francisco area this September can see a little of both. Come join Ms. Wilson in this intimate venue as she brings hits from the '60s and '70s and belts out her favorite classic ballads.
Mary Wilson: The Supreme Diva Returns runs for 5 performances only Tuesday-Saturday, September 22-25 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, September 26 at 7:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $40-45 ($50-55 Limited VIP) with a two-drink minimum.
Jon SecadaCategory: Nightlife
Latin, Pop, R&B
Thurs-Sat, Sep 30-Oct 2, 8pm; Sun, Oct 3, 7pm
$40-55
Jon Secada
From his early days writing and performing with Gloria Estefan, to his his triple platinum selling self-titled debut album, Jon Secada (SBK/EMI/1991), to his multiple top-charting singles such as "Just Another Day," "Angel," and "Do You Believe In Us," and his celebrated performances on Broadway in the musicals Grease and Cabaret, Jon Secada is a music icon much embraced by audiences and critics. Jon is thrilled to bring his intimate new show to the RRazz room this fall. Backed by a trio, Jon will be performing organic, acoustic arrangements of his greatest hits, as well as offering spiced-up renditions of American popular songs as heard on his new digital release, Classics (Big Three Records/2010). Jon hopes his fans will join him for this very special, sublimely intimate evening of big hits, Latin favorites, and engaged storytelling in San Francisco.
Jon Secada runs for 4 performances only Thursday-Saturday, September 30-October 2 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, October 3 at 7:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $40-45 with a two-drink minimum.
Sheryl Lee RalphCategory: Nightlife
Broadway, Pop, R&B, Soul, Theatre
Wed-Fri, Nov 3-5, 8pm; Sat, Nov 6, 9pm; Sun, Nov 7, 7:30pm
$40-45
Sheryl Lee RALPH
Spend the evening with the Tony nominated star of Broadway's original "DREAMGIRLS," television's "MOESHA", and everyone's favorite simply singing DIVA!
Ms Ralph will take her audience on a musical journey of songs ranging from the disco hit "We Are Family" to Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel," to Broadway show-stoppers like Sunset Boulevard's "As If We Never Said Goodbye", Dreamgirls' "And I Am Telling You", and "One Night Only."
Sheryl Lee Ralph runs for 5 performances only Wednesday-Friday, November 3-5 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, November 6 at 9:00 PM; and Sunday, November 7 at 7:30 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $40-45 with a two-drink minimum.
Jennifer HollidayCategory: Nightlife
Broadway, Gospel, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Theatre
Fri, Nov 12, 8pm
$29.50-79.50
the RRazz room Concert Series at The Historic Castro Theatre
MISS Jennifer Holliday
ONE NIGHT ONLY at THE CASTRO
Jennifer Holliday, who comes to San Francisco's Castro Theatre for a rare concert appearance this November, is a performer too multi-talented to be easily categorized. She is a Broadway legend who took The Great White Way by storm in "You Arm's Too Short to Box with God" and later changed theatre history with her iconic, Tony Award winning performance as Effie White in Dreamgirls. She is an unparalleled R&B songstress who scored smash hits with classic tunes such as "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "Hard Time for Lovers, "No Frills Love," and "Heart on the Line." She is a spiritually thrilling gospel singer who performed powerful duets with the likes of Luther Vandross, delivering a rendition of "His Eye is on The Sparrow" that is said to have left Paul Simon speechless. She is an indelible contributor to many of television's greatest moments, offering astonishing performances of her signature tunes on the Grammy and BET awards, and creating memorable characters on shows such as Touched by An Angel and Ally McBeal. She is a dedicated and tireless humanitarian, dedicating countless hours (and countless performances) to the fight against AIDS. Miss Holliday's concert is sure to be a thrilling experience for any fan who has been touched by any of Miss Holliday's many gifts.
Jennifer Holliday runs for 1 performance only Friday, November 12 at 8:00 PM. The Historic Castro Theatre is located at 429 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. Tickets are $29.50-79.50.
Lenny WilliamsCategory: Nightlife
Pop, R&B, Soul
Thu, Dec 9, 8pm
$35 ($45 Limited VIP)
Lenny WillIAMS
Oakland, California native Lenny Williams possesses one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. With his rich, passionate vocal style, he is rightfully regarded as one of R & B's most influential soul men. Williams began his musical career making records that have subsequently become R & B and Pop classics, tunes like the mega-hit "Cause I love You" (recorded on his solo album) and "So Very Hard To Go', which he recorded as the lead singer for Tower of Power. Lenny's style has transcended into the new millennium, influencing many of today's newest R & B and Pop vocalists. Lenny himself sounds better than ever, and can be heard on his new CD " Unfinished Business" on LenTom Records.
Lenny Williams runs for 1 performances only Thursday, December 9 at 8:00 PM. The RRazz room at Hotel Nikko is located at 222 Mason Street (at Ellis), San Francisco, CA 94102. Tickets are $35 with a two-drink minimum.
Con Funk ShunCategory: Nightlife
Funk, R&B, Soul
Wed-Thu, Dec 15-16, 8pm; Fri-Sat, Dec 17-18, 7pm & 10pm; Sun, Dec 19, 7pm
$35-37.50
CON FUNK SHUN
featuring Michael Cooper
Con Funk Shun was formed by high-school classmates Michael Cooper and Louis "Tony" McCall, along with Karl Fuller, Paul "Maceo" Harrell, Dennis Johnson, Cedric Martin, and Danny "Sweet Man" Thomas. All of them had been playing together since their high-school days in Vallejo, CA. Felton Pilate, also from Vallejo, joined the group after his band, a local rival, disbanded. They found good fortune at Audio Dimensions, a Memphis recording studio owned by producer Ted Sturges. Around this time, he group named itself after the title of one of their instrumentals, "Con Funk Shun." During their three-year stint at Audio Dimensions, Sturges, besides owning the studio, was also Con Funk Shun's producer. Their association resulted in the group's first album, Organized Con Funk Shun. As their sound developed, Pilate and Cooper emerged as the primary lead vocalists. Around the time their first album for Crankshaft Productions, Inc. was being recorded, the eighth member, MC and technician Dennis Johnson, left the group to attend seminary in California. By 1976, the group signed to Mercury, where they remained for ten years. Their first hit for Mercury was "Ffun," written by Michael Cooper as a tribute to the R&B/funk band Brick. One of the premiere party funk bands of its time, they also began recording ballads and instrumental tracks by the early '80s. Aside from being the primary musicians on all their albums, Con Funk Shun also contributed to each of their albums as writers, arrangers, and/or producers. Burnin' Love, the septet's last album with Mercury, was recorded without their longtime musical center, Felton Pilate, who left the group in 1986 to become a successful producer. (Pilate eventually became the musical force behind MC Hammer.) Melvin Carter, a frequent collaborator of Con Funk Shun, joined the group upon Pilate's exit, and that same year Michael Cooper left for a solo career. Con Funk Shun disbanded after their last album with Mercury, but reunited in the '90s, and began performing at festivals and concerts around the world.
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