Free Sounds of R&B Concert Event at Penn's Landing

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- Jul 01, 2009 -- For the past five seasons, the summer program season at Penn's Landing has featured free R&B concert events with contemporary themes starring innovative, inspirational, and critically acclaimed national recording artists. This year's FREE Sounds of R&B Concert Event will take place Saturday, July 25th from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, located on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street.

Considered two of the most popular and respected vocalists in contemporary rhythm and blues, Kenny Lattimore will headline this concert event along with R&B songstress Deborah Cox. As part of their "A Timeless Promise Tour," Lattimore and Cox will make a stop at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and provide what is promised to by Lattimore to be a "dramatic evening highlighted by an effervescent stage show, filled with vocal agility and romantic ambiance."

Growing up in a musical family in Washington, D.C. area, Kenny Lattimore began singing early in life, winning talent shows and singing everything from R&B to classical. After studying at Howard University, he became lead singer of the R&B group Maniquin, which released an album on the Epic label. After leaving that act, he concentrated on developing his songwriting skills and moved to New York in 1996 to release his first solo album, "Kenny Lattimore." In 2003 and 2006, he released two consecutive albums of duets with his wife and fellow R&B star, Chante Moore, which led to a popular national tour and considerable radio airplay.

Although known for his songwriting abilities, Lattimore's most recent project, "Timeless" (2008) shows his ability to interpret a variety of familiar and not-so-familiar material drawn from a wide range of sources from the worlds of pop, R&B, rock and jazz. This album shows Lattimore's ability to create expressive, artistic and enduring music rather than giving in to musical trends.

Discovered by legendary record executive Clive Davis, singer/actress Deborah Cox recently returned to her R&B roots with her new album "The PROMISE," released independently on her own label, the Deco Recording Group. The Toronto-born JUNO Award winner and GRAMMY® nominee has achieved international success having released five CDs and garnering the smash hits, "We Can't Be Friends" and "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," which holds the record for being the longest running #1 R& B single for 14 consecutive weeks.

"The PROMISE," which not only showcases Cox' singing but songwriting and arranging skills, features the soulful first single, "Did You Ever Love Me," produced by Flyte Tyme (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Big Jim Wright) and includes production by all-star collaborators such as John Legend.

In recent press, Deborah Cox comments about her upcoming tour. "I am really thrilled to be going out on this tour with Kenny Lattimore," exclaims Cox. "I think he is one of R&B's most gifted, polished and refined vocalists and this will be a special night for those fans that have missed and are still into soulful, classic R&B."

This Sounds of R&B Concert Event kicks off with rising local singing star, Kharisma McIlwaine. Philadelphia native McIlwaine is a 2006 graduate of Cabrini College and a member of the CW Philly Crew. Although she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, her passion for the arts played a major role in her college career. Recently, McIlwaine worked at the Five Spot as a host during their signature Open Mike Night. Whether she is greeting a crowd or introducing an unknown artist, McIlwaine loves being on stage and interacting with the community. When she is not writing music, McIlwaine teaches school-aged children how to play the piano and currently resides in West Philadelphia.

Providing a mix of funk, jazz, soul, latin, blues, gospel, reggae and dance, Bill Jolly's Hard Drive band is the next to take the stage during this exciting free concert event. Defined as the ultimate soul band, Bill Jolly's Hard Drive provides both a hard driving rhythm and classic soul intensity. Led by three-time Emmy Award Winning Musical Director Bill Jolly, BJHD features 10 of Philly's best all-star session and touring musicians. After years of backing or accompanying artists as diverse as Celine Dion, Chaka Kahn, Usher, Grover Washington Jr., Boyz to Men, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, Michael Buble, and Whitney Houston to name a few, Bill Jolly and his musicians are always excited at the opportunity to showcase their talents directly to the audience.

Featuring great horns and precise rhythm sections, Bill Jolly's Hard Drive originated as the house band for Gamble and Huff's/ Bynum's TSOP restaurant in the Tropicana Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and was featured during the first Sounds of R&B Concert series at Penn's Landing in 2004.

WDAS 105.3 is the proud radio partner for the Sounds of R&B concert. Personalities from the station and the promotional crew will be on site each week. The Sounds of R&B series is also proudly supported by CW Philly and co-hosted by the CW Philly Crew. The CW Philly (WPSG-TV) is part of the CBS Stations Group.

WDAS FM is part of the Clear Channel Communications, Inc. Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company specializing in mobile and on-demand entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company's businesses include radio and outdoor displays. More information is available at www.clearchannel.com.

The 2009 Summer Program of Free Events at Penn's Landing is funded and produced by the Delaware River Corporation (DRWC). All events produced by DRWC are FREE to the public on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier Delaware riverfront entertainment destination.

Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without the continued support of corporate partners such as PECO, the Pennsylvania Lottery, Bank of America, Live Nation, the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.

For more information and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.delawareriverevents.com. This website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors plan to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.

CONTACT:
Laurie Heinerichs
Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
215.629.3218
267.228.1990 (cell)
lheinerichs@delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com