Genre-busting Minneapolis native to perform at CSB

The CSB/SJU Fine Arts Series presents José James at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, in Gorecki Family Theater, Benedicta Arts Center at the College of Saint Benedict.

James is a vocalist known for his rich and soulful sound, as well as his penchant for embracing a myriad of influences including R&B, Moroccan music, hip-hop, and electronica. His genre-busting sound has transformed him into an underground sensation in both the modern jazz and DJ culture scenes. James is truly a musical omnivore who transcends his reputation as a jazz singer.

The New York-based, Minneapolis native "wanted to make a wide open album that people could come into from a lot of different perspectives." His most recent album, "While You Were Sleeping" does exactly that by combining James's many influences and bringing in accompanying artists with backgrounds in all areas of music. The album represents his "knack for weaving strands of various genres into a singular musical experience."

James has been described as "a jazz singer for the hip-hop generation." NPR has described him as "sultry one moment, commanding the next, he holistically heals the rift between radio-friendly songcraft and virtuoso flair."

This concert will be performed in the Gorecki Family Theater, which is transformed into an intimate cabaret setting, with drink service throughout the evening.

Tickets to José James are:

•·         Table Seats: $30, Senior $27, Faculty/Staff $20, Student/Youth $10.

•·         All Other Seats: $20, Senior $17, Faculty/Staff $10, Student/Youth $10

For tickets, call the Benedicta Arts Center Box Office at 320-363-5777 or order online at www.csbsju.edu/fine-arts.

 These activities are made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

José James is sponsored, in part, by Wilkie Sanderson.