LILAN KANE: BAY AREA *All-Stars* Series! Night 2: R&B Lounge

Part 2: The R&B Lounge
Welcome to the sexy R&B Lounge at Black Cat. Presented by Oakland Vocalist Lilan Kane, this event will showcase incredible R&B vocalists and musicians, a night exclusively for the grown & sexy. Lilan Kane will open the show, backed by vocalist and guitarist Tim Marco, Mike Blankenship on keys, Scott Thompson on bass, and Dante McClinton on drums. Featuring vocal queens Viveca Hawkins and Tracy Cruz, performing soulful covers and original songs, plus several special guests and a jam, you do not want to miss this! Looking for the perfect date night, or a night out on the town with friends to dress up and get down? Come see what it’s all about.

Berkeley born songstress Viveca Hawkins has been moving crowds across the country and the world for nearly 20 years. Her vocal stylings range from rock and roll to hip hop soul, and even jazz. Credits include The Memorials, Kev Choice Ensemble, Blackalicious, Monophonics, Casual and Dj Toure of Hieroglyphics, Zion I, The Coup, Talib Kweli, Soulive and Goapele.

Tracy Cruz has a voice that will melt even the toughest of hearts. Her unique musical and lyrical blend — Bay Area urban soul tinged with the influence of her indigenous Filipino roots –has captured the ears of music lovers around the world. Boasting a vocal range that might be bigger than her, Cruz emanates a classic and timeless feel. She has won numerous awards including a Northern California Entertainers Music Award for “Neo Soul Artist of the Year” and has supported several established acts including Kenny Lattimore, Pete Escovedo, Miki Howard, Keke Wyatt, Bilal, and others.

Having established a career recording and touring as a keyboardist for Lauryn Hill, Sheila E, Ledisi and Michael Franti, Mike Blankenship melds the sounds of jazz, R+B, hip hop and gospel into a powerful musical journey that transports, evokes and engages. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mike has now been performing professionally for 20 years with endorsements from Roland and Yamaha. He released his debut album “Living for the Future,” as the producer, MC, instrumentalist and vocalist, as a collaborative effort with many well-known musicians including vocalist Sy Smith. They recently released a single — a reinterpreted version of the Michael Jackson hit “I Can’t Help It” which recently hit #2 on The Official Indie Soul Chart. Known for being an exceptional talent and an accomplished musician, Mike continues to be one of the most sought after musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Lilan Kane is a jazz and soul vocalist who has sold out shows at Yoshis and SFJAZZ. Her vintage-tinged sound flows through her original compositions as well as her tender take on timeless cover songs, always with her own twist. She is graduate of Berklee College of Music and has performed throughout the states including the Concord Pavillion, The Whisky A Go Go (LA), Minton’s Playhouse (NYC), The French Quarter Festival (New Orleans) and more. She has opened for Hall & Oates, Sharon Jones, Pete Escovedo, The Doobie Brothers, Morgan James and others.

Lilan Kane – vocals & host
Viveca Hawkins – vocals
Tracy Cruz – vocals
Tim Marco – guitar/vocals
Mike Blankenship – piano/synth
Scott Thompson – bass
Dante McClinton – drums 
Plus *special* guests throughout the night!