It's hard to believe the summer is almost over and it hadn't even begun!  Oh well, at least the concerts are hot...here's the latest listing:

RAKIM

“I ain’t no joke!” is the first verse that comes to mind when I think of “microphone fiend” Rakim--universally referenced as one of the Masters of the Microphone and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986 with long time collaborator Eric B. The single marked a turning point in the Rap world – raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered. Rakim’s intricately, intellectual lyrics draw their force from his worldly experience, inner faith and progressive contemplation, fueled by a deep understanding of not just Hip-Hop, but also the Jazz and R&B influences that have surrounded his family since his youth. Rakim’s recordings – including the all-time classics, Paid In Full, Follow the Leader and The 18th Letter - have sold in the multi-millions worldwide. Billboard, Rolling Stone, MTV and a host of others consistently refer to Paid in Full as “the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time.  Show, August 13 (Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 9:00pm $20 adv, $25 at door)

TREY SONGZ – Album Release Show (Presented by Power Live 105.1)

Since making his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic albums, “I GOTTA MAKE IT” (2005) and “TREY DAY” (2007), yielded a trio of top ten singles, “Girl Tonight,” “Last Time,” and “Can’t Help But Wait.” And when the latter song garnered Trey a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in Trey by the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who hailed him as one of “the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago.” Now, with the 2009 release of “READY,” Trey Songz is more than ready to claim his place in the pantheon of R&B greats.  Show, Sept. 1^st (Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 8:00pm $30)

A Tribute to PRINCE, SLY STONE and JAMES BROWN with DAYS OF WILD

Days of Wild have been playing Prince's songs for over a decade, toured internationally, and even played the week-long annual celebration at Prince's own Paisley Park Studio. Any soul who's shaked some booty at a DAYS OF WILD jam surely knows this band throws down some serious hot n' sweaty FONK! They're not just about the music, they're also all about spreading love. You will often see them inviting musicians to play and sing, as well as audience members to join in. Days Of Wild has become less of a band, but more of state of mind. Show, Sept. 4^th (Doors at 11:00pm, Show at 11:30pm $10 adv, $12 at door).

THE HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR sings EARTH WIND AND FIRE

Every Sunday, for the past 8 years, the Harlem Gospel Choir has brought their experience of Harlem & the Black Church to BB King's in a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, joyous gospel show.  Tonight they perform the music of EARTH, WIND & FIRE - Celebrating this legendary band with 2 spirited sets of classic EWF songs. The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most famous gospel choir in America and a pre-eminent gospel choir world-wide. It travels the globe, sharing its joy of faith through its music, & raising funds for children's charities.  The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Show, Sept. 6^th (Doors at 6:00pm, Show at 8:00pm $25 adv, $30 at door)