CIAA Tournament Week: Hip-hop, R&B and Jazz Concerts

The CIAA tournament is known for drawing dozens of unofficial parties, but the week is also draws a large number of concerts. These are actual shows not hosting events behind VIP ropes. Here's a sampling of this year's tournament concerts.

Find CIAA tournament week day parties list here.

Thursday, 2/25

The Official Legends of Hip Hop Concert, The Convention Center, 501 South College St.
EPMD & The Alumni, Chubb Rock, Special Ed, Monie Love, Dana Dane and Kwame headline this official CIAA concert. 8 p.m. Tickets.

I Love New York, Amos Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St.
The I Love New York concert features Method Man, Redman and Keith Murray performing their hits such as “The Most Beautifulliest Girl In the World,” “A-Yo!” and “Do What You Feel.”
8 p.m. $40 and up. Old School hip-hop fans will love this. TJ's Take: Parking will be a challenge, but not nearly as bad as uptown. Tickets.

Young Jeezy, The Fillmore, 820 Hamilton St.
Jeezy’s hit “My Hitta” got him on the charts, but a shout out from President Obama gave Jeezy even more cred.  $77. $10 p.m. TJ's Take: Price is outrageous. Details.

Friday, 2/26

The Language of Love Concert, Amos’ Southend
Aaron Camper, Grammy nominee Bilal (“Soul Sista”) and Grammy nominee Eric Roberson headlines The Language of Love Concert. 8:30 p.m.  $29.50 and up. TJ's Take: Eric Roberson performs here all of the time. Bilal doesn’t. Details.

Dru Hill 20th Anniversary Party, Amos’ Southend
Dru Hill’s lead singer Sisqo biggest hit “Thong Song” helped him a bigger start than the Baltimore-based group. Still Dru Hill had its fair share of success with hits “In My Bed,” “Never Make A Promise” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” $40. TJ's Take: Worth checking out. I can’t remember the last time Dru Hill performed here. Details.

Saturday, 2/27
King Fish, BluNotes, 3425 David Cox Road
Mississippi-based blues master King Fish returns for an encore performance. Kingfish headlined the grand opening last year. Xpressive Sound — funk, soul and blues band - will open. 7 p.m. $20. TJ's Take: Great price and awesome location. Parking shouldn’t be a hassle. Details.

The Official CIAA Post Tournament Concert ft. Mint Condition, Lyfe Jennings & Vivian Green, Charlotte Convention Center
Sing-along, dance along and reminisce with Mint Condition. This band puts on a great show with a full band. Lyfe Jennings and Vivian Green deliver heartfelt ruminations about life and love. Details.

The Commission & King Lyfe Ent pres. Kevin Gates – Islah Tour Part 2, The Fillmore
Louisiana-based rapper Kevin Gates built his reputation selling mixtapes and flirtations with bounce and trap music has found his groove with “Really Really.” Details. (Explicit)




Pieces of A Dream, Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave.
Contemporary jazz band Pieces of a Dream with special guest Selina Albright. The Peace and Love Band will open. 8 p.m. $45 and up. Definitely for the grown folks and you won’t have to deal with traffic. Details.

Patti Labelle, Ovens Auditorium,  2700 E Independence Blvd.
This show would sell out if Patti Labelle brought some Patti Pies! Since she didn't, you'll have to settle for her classic hits such as "Lady Marmalade." $50 and up. Details.

Sunday


King, Neighborhood Theater, 511 East 36th Street
L.A. trio King performs cuts off its debut album “We Are King.” Pitchfork gave the trio’s single “Hey” much love in it’s review. The Queen’s Guard will open. 7 p.m. $20 and up.  TJ's Take: This is one of those shows that you should see now before the group explodes. Details.

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