Singer Brian McKnight promises Pittsburgh fans a glimpse into his family life when he graces the stage at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall for an intimate night of classic and new music on Saturday, July 30.
“It’s going to be completely acoustic. We’re going to give you a night of McKnight music. We go down memory lane. This is an extension of what we do when we get together with family at Easter and during other holidays,” said McKnight, 42.
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| BRIAN MCKNIGHT
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In addition to McKnight, the show will feature his sons, Brian Jr. and Niko, who are musicians in their own right and members of the group Broken Robotz (BRKN RBTZ) and his brother, Claude, co-founder of the a capella group Take 6.
“My sons are on my new album and we have a studio in my house and we produce records together. They are at the point where they can be included in my music,” said McKnight who hails from New York but currently resides in Los Angeles.
The prolific singer/songwriter will treat Pittsburghers to morsels from his latest tasty effort, “Just Me.” The record is a double disc set featuring over 40 songs: 10 new studio songs and live versions of his classic hits.
“I’m at the point in my life where I can look back at the mistakes I’ve made and I can only be me. I’m not superhuman. I’m an individual and I make mistakes,” explained McKnight when asked about the title of the new record.
While numerous artists have come and gone in the music business, McKnight has established himself as a force to be reckoned with during the two decades he has been in the industry. He has released 13 albums and has sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
That track record has earned the esteem of the American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards and the Soul Train Music Awards. He has also earned the distinction of Billboard Songwriter of the Year and has been nominated for 16 Grammy Awards.
In the midst of it all, the avid golfer has remained humble about his success.
“I’m still here after all these years and that’s what’s key to me,” he said.
McKnight burst onto the music scene in 1992 with his self-titled album, “Brain McKnight.” That was followed by “I Remember You,” in 1995, and then the chart-topping, Grammy nominated, “Anytime” in 1997, which sold more than two million copies. Two years later, the singer released “Back at One” for Motown Records. The effort sold more than 3 million copies. The singer has continued on a roll ever since, releasing a record almost annually.
“Brian transcends gender and race. His music is timeless and I like him as an artist,” explained promoter E. Thomas Rose, of Rose Enterprises who is bringing the “Just Me” tour to the ‘Burgh.
In addition to McKnight, the evening will feature songstress Chrisette Michele and a Florida-based R&B singer. The show will open with a local R& B singer.
“Chrisette is very versatile. She has a good voice and excellent range. She’s more talented than most people out there today,” said Rose.
Chrisette Michele released her debut album, “I Am” on Def Jam Records in 2007 and spawned the singles: “If I Had My Way,” which charted at number 4 on Billboard’s Hot Adult R& B Airplay, “Be OK,” “Best of Me,” and “Love Is You.”
In 2009 the songstress released “Epiphany,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Last year Michele released “Let Freedom Reign” and includes the singles “Goodbye Game” and “I’m a Star.”
(The concert begins at 6 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale on line at www.ticketmaster.com and at all ticket master locations or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For more information call 412-728-2605.)
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