In June local promoter Shawn Christopher Williams of Team Levitate LLC joined forces with Milwaukee Urban Entertainment Alliance’s (MUEA) to bring national R&B singer Eric Robeson to Milwaukee’s Astor Hotel for an exclusive sold-out performance. Less than a month later, the promoters have upped the ante with an outdoor concert dubbed the “Soul & Poetry Explosion,” featuring Grammy nominated crooner Dwele.
Featured on rapper Common’s hit single “The People” and Kanye West’s smash hits “Flashing Lights” and “Power,” Dwele has made a name for himself as a sought after feature performer for superstar rap acts, including newcomers Drake and Big Sean. The Detroit native also has his own impressive catalog including 2003 debut album “Subject” and 2005’s “Some Kinda,” which featured popular singles “Weekend Love” and “I Think I Love U.”
Dwele is slated to release his fifth studio album “Greater Than One,” August 28th on independent label eOne Music. Having promoted Milwaukee’s longest standing open mic and spoken word showcase, “Poetry Unplugged,” for ten years, MUEA had been looking to branch out and produce larger scale concerts and outdoor festival style events. Team Levitate established “A Quintessential Evening” concert series in April, featuring acts like indie soul singer Conya Doss and later Roberson.
MUEA president Kwabena Nixon said last month’s collaboration with Team Levitate was so successful they’ve received calls from a number of national acts now interested in booking gigs or routing their tour through the city. The groups are anticipating an even greater response for Dwele’s performance.
The “Soul & Poetry Explosion” featuring Dwele takes place at 5pm on Sunday, July 15 in the parking lot of Nostalgia II Night Club (9316 W. Appleton Ave.). The event includes an all-star lineup of Milwaukee’s top poets and musicians performing live. Food vendors will be on site serving up traditional Jamaican, vegetarian and Cajun cuisine.
General admission (standing room) is $15 and preferred seating is $35; limited front row seats are $60. This is an all-ages event. For ticket information or additional questions contact Tony Resse (414) 202-4215 or Shawn Christopher Williams (414) 301-1145.
Tickets are available online at http://1stannualsoulandpoetryexplosion_dwele-es2.eventbrite.com and the following ticket outlets: Mocha Couture Beauty Bar Boutique (1819 N. Dr Martin Luther King Dr.), Exquisite Threading (5760 North Port Washington Rd.), Nostalgia I (7155 N. 43rd St.), Nostalgia II and Coffee Makes You Black (2803 N. Teutonia Ave.)
