Alabama Shakes to play at White House


http://www.al.com/entertainment/inde...rm_at_w_1.html

by Mary Colurso | [email protected]

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Alabama Shakes, one of the fastest-rising bands in the country, is set for another milestone.


The group from Athens is on the April 9 lineup for "In Performance at the White House," a star-studded concert intended to celebrate Memphis soul music.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will welcome acts that include Justin Timberlake, Al Green, Queen Latifah, Mavis Staples, Cyndi Lauper, Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, according to USA Today. Booker T. Jones will serve as music director and band leader.

The concert -- the Obamas' 10th "In Performance" event since 2009 -- will stream live on the White House website. PBS will broadcast the show later, starting on April 16.


In the past, "In Performance at the White House" has celebrated Motown, blues, country, show tunes, music from the civil rights movement and artists such as Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.


The Alabama Shakes, a soul-rock outfit led by Brittany Howard, topped several critics' lists for the best music of 2012. The band has toured internationally, earned kudos at major festivals and made the rounds of late-night TV shows. The Shakes also earned three Grammy nominations linked to its debut record, "Boys & Girls."


Closer to home, the band -- lead singer Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, drummer Steve Johnson and keyboard player Ben Tanner -- will play two sold-out shows in Birmingham, June 7-8 at Sloss Furnaces.