R&B/soul/hip-hop/everything queen Mary J Blige will be visiting Australia next April to perform at Byron Bay’s massive Bluesfest, and has now announced a one off performance at the Sydney Opera House in April 2017. It marks the very first time that she will perform at the iconic venue.
From classic hip-hop and R&B to electro-tinged releases in more recent years, Mary J Blige is one of the most important, influential female voices in the music industry. With nine Grammys (and 23 nominations), more than 50 million albums sold, and most recently the presenter of a talk show Blige has managed to maintain relevance and reverence for nearly three decades. She will undoubtedly deliver a breathtaking performance at one of Australia’s most cherished venues, which has also seen the likes of contemporaries including Ms Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and D’Angelo.
Blige will be performing in support of her 13th album Strength of a Woman, which is due out before the end of the year. She is currently on the King + Queen of Hearts Tour with Maxwell, and has just dropped the video for new single Thick Of It, which she described as “so personal it’s almost painful to let it out. I don’t hold back though, it’s not who I am and there’s no way I am going to start changing now.” If this is anything to go by, we are in for one incredible new album, which is also set to feature Kendrick Lamar on a cover of Bruce Springsteen‘s American Skin.
Head of Contemporary Music for the Opera House, Ben Marshall, said that “few voices on Earth can wring out emotion like Mary J. Blige’s. Powerful & fluid, passionate & intimate – this commanding, stylish, gifted titan of R&B finally brings her enormous natural talent to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall stage for her Australian headline debut. Mary J. Blige is a an absolute superstar of soul and a genuinely mighty live force – get ready for an unforgettable night out.”
The performance will take place on April 10, 2017. Tickets go on sale next Friday December 2 at 9 am and start at $109 + BF. Click here for tickets and more information.
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