People in El Dorado and surrounding areas are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for the city’s first outdoor concert of the year.
Spring Bling, a rap/hip-hop concert starring two Louisiana artists, Webbie and Poppa Hussein, will be held Saturday at the Union County Fairgrounds.
The show, which is being presented by Mr. Mike’s Productions, will also feature other local and regional acts, including El Dorado’s own G-Money.
Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show is set for 8 p.m. until midnight.
Mike Jackson, of Mr. Mike’s, said the idea for the inaugural Spring Bling came from requests to host an outdoor concert before summer heats up in El Dorado.
With the Webbie show, Jackson returned to his roots, so to speak.
Having presented annual blues and Southern Soul shows (Soul Fest and Southern Soul Showdown) for 17 years at the fairgrounds, Jackson said the first concert he promoted in El Dorado was a rap show in 2001.
“I never went back to rap, so I decided to do one for Spring Bling. I had people asking for an outdoor show before it gets too hot,” he said.
Jackson said feedback about Spring Bling has been positive.
“Advance ticket sales have been booming, going really well, and it’s supposed to be warmer Saturday night than it is now. Perfect weather,” he said.
When choosing the headliners for the show, Jackson turned to the neighboring state of Louisiana.
Webbie is perhaps best known for the hit single, “Independent,” from his 2008 album, “Savage Life 2.”
The single became a rap anthem celebrating self-reliant women.
Fellow rappers Lil’ Boosie and Lil’ Phat were featured on the track, which reached the number nine spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and topped the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart.
“I’m Lit,” the single that made rap fans pay attention to Poppa Hussein, has become a mainstay in dance clubs, particularly across the south, since it was released two years ago.
Featured hip-hop acts for Spring Bling are G-Money, of El Dorado, Lac, Peezi2Real, Nawfside, Country Money, Clicc Tight and Que.
DJs Twin and Phat will also be in the mix.
Food, photo and other vendors will be on site and VIP parking will be available. Jackson said security will be enforced.
Tickets are $20 in advance and may be purchased at Mr. Mike’s Music and Artwork and the Show Outlet in El Dorado; Special Touch in Camden; and LBK’s in Farmerville, Louisiana.
Those who arrive at the show when the gates open will still be able to take advantage of a $25 early-bird special, Jackson said.
Closer to show time, ticket prices will go up to $30.
For more information, call Jackson at 870-866-7441.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.