Ro James Announce His First U.S. Tour, XIX
A modern-day renegade of what R&B has come to be known as today, Ro James sets off on his first headlining tour, XIX, this upcoming February to set the season of love on fire. Specifically, for the Valentine’s Day show in Detroit, James will roll out special appearances from sonic gems like Joe, Chrisette Michele and Vivian Green. Having just rounded up his opening stint for the King and Queen of Hearts Tour for Maxwell and Mary J. Blige, James is ready to spread his wings and fly on his own with his 23-city nationwide trek serenading adoring fans in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
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Although the gig is notable for any caliber of artist, the “Already Knew That” singer’s resume and prowess doesn’t end there. James released his debut album, ELDORADO, this year, which features his attention-grabbing single, “Permission.” Not only did the single earn him the #1 spot on Billboard’s Urban Adult Contemporary Songs chart for nine weeks and inclusion in the outlet’s “10 Best R&B Songs of 2016: Critic’s Choice,” but it also earned him a Grammy nom for “Best R&B Performance.” Not to mention, he’s been nominated for a 2017 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist.
In a live performance with NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series, the best way to describe Ro James is having a rugged, raspy sound which effortlessly transitions to smooth high-pitched melodies. For anyone who hasn’t tuned into the “fervent tenacity” of the voice that is Ro, his essence can best be matched up to Miguel or Maxwell. And with his BET Soul Train Awards performance, it’s clear the focus of his music is on the sensual connection and union of a couple rather than the sexuality of each individual. His performance lacks the infamous rear-slapping moment conducive to music with similar energy, and his dancers are more clothed than the norm. But, it delivered enough spice to have attendees on their feet, fanning their faces in response to the steamy energy.
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If you dig 70’s or 90’s hit lists and are ready to experience “a hazy ride that explores love, lust and other vices without the lovey-dovey clichés,” then check out the ELDORADO album, peep the tour dates below and head on over and purchase tickets for the XIX Tour kick-off on Feb. 3.
XIX Headlining Tour Dates:
February 3rd, Portland, OR | Star Theater
February 4th, Seattle, WA | Columbia City Theater
February 6th, Oakland, CA | The New Parish
February 7th, Sacramento, CA | Harlow’s
February 9th, Santa Ana, CA | The Constellation Room @ The Observatory
February 13th, Los Angeles, CA | The Roxy
February 14th, Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre w/ Joe, Chrisette and Vivian Greene
February 15th, Houston, TX | Studio @ Warehouse Live
February 16th, Dallas, TX | South Side Music Hall
February 19th, Nashville, TN | Basement East
February 22nd, Baton Rouge, LA | The Varsity Theatre
February 23rd, Birmingham, AL | Workplay Theatre
February 24th, Atlanta, GA | Vinyl
February 25th, Raleigh, NC | The Pour House Music Hall
February 26th, Philadelphia, PA | The Foundry
February 28th, New York, NY | Highline Ballroom
March 2nd, Washington, D.C. | The Howard Theatre
March 3rd, Baltimore, MD | Soundstage
March 5th, Cambridge, MA | The Middle East
March 7th, Toronto, ON | Mod Club Theatre
March 8th, Cleveland, OH | The Cambridge Room @ HOB
March 9th, Chicago, IL | The Promontory
March 10th, Kansas City, MO | Voodoo Lounge @ Harrah’s Casino
March 11th, Memphis, TN | 1884 Lounge
