James, who studied musical theatre at Penn State University, most recently appeared in NBC’s “The Wiz Live!” and has performed in Motown The Musical, In The Heights and Rent. In 2009, he released the Akira Shelton-produced soulful house EP Eletrik Love. After meeting choreographer/dancer/producer Michael Balderrama on In The Heights, James signed with Balderrama’s indie label Silver Towers Productions (later Silver Towers Records). He followed up with his debut album Meant To Be in 2012, a soul-pop album of “New Soul” echoing back to the soul of real music and melody.

James, the son of a DJ, is from a Baptist church family and was singing since he could stand. He recalled hearing his mother play Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Teddy Pendergrass records. He developed his song writing chops as a young boy before furthering his craft during college. He wrote for and performed with a sextet acapella group called PRESSURE. The group’s popularity attracted indie record label contracts, which forced the group to move to New York to seek new management and move closer to the music industry action.

Delious Kennedy of Breakout Magazine said: “Upon listening to Marcus sing, you’ll notice that he’s a bit fresh and old school at the same time. Evoking memories of my favorite singer Luther Vandross, Marcus’ soulful delivery and style is one that I wish would return in droves to the music scene…”

Like the title track of his EP, which charted on the UK electric charts, the singles “Wonderful Love” and “Right Now” from his debut album made it to the UK soul charts and held first and third slots for five consecutive weeks.

James’ latest is the single “Living The Dream,” which he dropped August 2015. More new music will be featured at the concert.

James will appear at 11:30pm on Stage 3. Stage 3 opens at 6:30pm. Rockwood Music Hall is a 21+ venue.

He will next perform Feb. 15, for Inspirational Broadway with Michael McElroy and the Broadway Inspirational Voices. Other guests include: Tony-winner Billy Porter (Shuffle Along, Kinky Boots); Renee Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton, Rent, The Color Purple) and two-time Tony nominee Joshua Henry (The Scottsboro Boys, Violet).

Marcus Paul James performs “Mirrors” at last year’s “Broadway Sings Justin Timberlake.”

The post Marcus Paul James In Concert At Rockwood Music Hall appeared first on Broadway Black.

The crooner will offer soulful renditions of holiday favorites with the help of her Rent co-stars Amber Iman (The Soul Doctor) and Marcus Paul James (Motown, The Wiz).

Listen to Hall’s wonderfully imaginative version of Germono Toussaint’s arrangement of “Seasons of Love” at last year’s concert below.

A native of Arlington, Virginia, Hall grew up in the church and went on to perform in high school and direct the gospel choir for her alma mater, University of Virginia.  Before being featured on the national tour and Broadway production of the cult-favorite, Rent, Hall replaced Jennifer Hudson on Disney Cruise Line’s production of Hercules.  Since then, Hall has branched out as a solo artist, serving as the lead vocalist for The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart Band, a back-up singer for Mariah Carey at her Beacon Theater Christmas residency and launching her debut album “River Train.”

 Rachel Swan of the East Bay Express says that the title track (River Train) “sounds like an old spiritual”, and that “Hall sings in a style that recalls protest singers of the Sixties and Seventies: liquid, chillingly pure, full of vibrato without being ostentatious.”

“Season of Love Concert: Crystal Monee Hall & Friends” will take place on Saturday, December 12th at 9 p.m.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show.  Note there is a one drink minimum and the show is 21+.

The post Crystal Monee Hall Headlines Season of Love Concert appeared first on Broadway Black.

True to their word of incorporating amazing acrobatic feats, several of the ensemble cast have experience as Cirque du Soleil performers. We can’t wait to see how choreographer Fatima Robinson has these amazing performers soaring.

Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah & Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige are also in the cast of The Wiz Live. Latifah will play “The Wiz”, a role originated on stage by the incomparable Andre De Shields (Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Full Monty). Blige will portray the role of “Evillene”, the horrible wicked witch known for the upbeat “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” In addition to Stephanie Mills as “Aunt Em,” Uzo Aduba as Glinda The Good Witch, and Amber Riley as Addaperle, also previously announced.

Tony Award winner Kenny Leon will direct & Fatima Robinson will choreograph, as previously announced. The show will also head to Broadway in 2016 with Leon directing. The Wiz for NBC will partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring the live and Broadway productions to life. William F. Brown wrote the original book of the show. This time around, Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein will add new material to the book.

The post The Wiz Live! Full Ensemble Cast is Announced appeared first on Broadway Black.