ASU Labor Day Concert- Keith Sweat

ASU’s inaugural Labor Day Classic Weekend will kick off with a Classic Concert on Sept. 1, featuring legendary R&B artist, Keith Sweat, “Up Close and Personal.”

Sweat will headline a ticket that includes the soulful stylings of Montgomery’s own Toia Jones and the antics of comedian Steve Brown.

“We’re extremely excited to have Keith Sweat as the artist who will kick off the Labor Day Classic Weekend,” said Zillah M. Fluker, ASU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement. “This is part of the University’s perfect ‘staycation’ for the Labor Day weekend.”

Other events include the ASU Classic Cabaret Noir, the ultimate concert after-party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sept. 1, with Yung Vokalz and DJ Hollin John from Washington, D.C. in the ASU J. Garrick Hardy Student Center; the Labor Day Football Classic, featuring the return of the showdown between the ASU Hornets and the Tuskegee Golden Tigers on Sept. 2, in the ASU Stadium at 7 p.m.; and the Nat King Cole Jazz Festival sponsored by WVAS on Sept. 3.

Sweat has been a chart-topping R&B artist since the 80s and is also known as a top record producer. He commands the airwaves as the host of the popular radio program, “Sweat Hotel,” where he can be heard nightly, giving loyal fans a soulful mixture of love songs and love advice.

“For those who want to enjoy the concert, the game and other Labor Day Classic events, we have a number of special packages available. This is a weekend that has something for everybody,” Fluker added.

His second album, I’ll Give All My Love to You was released in 1990 and reached number three on the Billboard 200 chart. This album contained the hits “Make You Sweat” which reached number one on the R&B charts and number 14 on the pop charts. “I give All My Love to You” also reached number one on the R&B charts and number seven on the pop charts. By the end of 1991 Sweat released his third album entitled Keep It Comin’. The title track to this album went to number one in the R&B charts.

NEW JACK SWING

In the late 80s and into the early 90s, a new sound began to emerge called New Jack Swing. This form incorporated hip-hop with contemporary soul, high-tech funk and in some cases rap. Keith Sweat was considered one of the stars of the new jack swing era highly influential when it comes to this form of music. Sweat continued to produce hit albums through the 90s and through the year 2011, with the release of Ridin’ Solo. Sweat also is a top record producer, having founded the groups, Silk and Kut Klose.

SWEAT HOTEL

In 2007, Sweat began broadcasting The Sweat Hotel, a syndicated radio show which is currently heard in 21 markets in the United States. The show plays music from the 70s to current releases and it is broadcast in Atlanta from his studio at Premiere Radio Networks. It airs every day from 7 p.m. to midnight. Also in 2007, he produced the CD, “Sweat Hotel Live.”

ACTOR

Keith Sweat has dabbled in acting with several small roles in television and film. In 1991 he appeared on television in an episode of the hit show New York Undercover where he played himself. In the 1997 film New Jack City, he had a brief part where he played the singer at an ill-fated wedding. Also in 1997, he appeared on the TV show Martin in an episode titled “Stakeout” where he played a detective. He also appeared on Wayans Bros. in an episode titled “Marlon Goes on the Road.”

News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, at 334-229-4104.

For tickets and other event information, visit www.alasu.edu/labordayclassic.