The Roots
Saturday, June 22 @ 7:30 pm, Centennial Concert Hall

You might recognize these Illadelphians as the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, but the Roots are a decorated neo-soul/hip hop group with 10 studio albums and plenty of accolades. Don’t miss this appearance by “hip hop’s first legitimate band.

Badbadnotgood
Wednesday, June 19 @ 10:00 pm, Pyramid Cabaret

Canadian jazz/hip-hop trio Badbadnotgood began as a YouTube sensation, but the group’s clever mix of break beats and horns have made it something more. With a self-titled EP and collaborations with Tyler the Creator completed, look for the band’s first LP sometime in 2013.

George Benson
Sunday, June 23 @ 7:30 pm, Burton Cummings Theatre

Smooth jazz lovers, listen up. George Benson (pictured above) is a Grammy Award-winning guitarist whose 50-year career includes the first jazz record ever to garner platinum sales. And this virtuoso ain’t done, yet.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Thursday, June 20 @ 7:30 pm, Burton Cummings Theatre

Inspired by the culture and sounds of New Orleans’ French Quarter, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been touring since 1963. Their current lineup, directed by Ben Jaffe, brings a timeless sound to a new generation of jazz listeners.

Peanut Butter Wolf
Monday, June 17 @ 10:00 pm, Pyramid Cabaret

Chris Manak, otherwise known as Peanut Butter Wolf, is the founder of Stones Throw Records and a veteran crate digger famous for his Peanut Butter Breaks LP which solidified his role as an international DJ. Hip hop fans, make sure you check out this true turntable pioneer.

Published in Volume 67, Number 26 of The Uniter (May 29, 2013)