Forbes: André 3000 Performs In A Wine Cave At Blue Note Jazz Festival’s Black Radio Experience 2024
André 3000 Performs In A Wine Cave At Blue Note Jazz Festival’s Black Radio Experience 2024
By Noel Burgess Auguest 08, 2024
André 3000's latest project, New Blue Sun, may not be what you would expect from one the best rappers of all time. If the album’s first song, entitled “I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time” is any indication, it was unexpected for him as well. André’s newest album continues to demonstrate his profound creativity and growth as he exchanges his emcee flow for a family of flutes.
This project seamlessly blends various genres and influences, reflecting his journey as an artist. From August 30th to September 1st, he will headline the Blue Note Jazz Festival's Black Radio Experience 2024, sharing the stage with co-headliners John Legend and Jill Scott, alongside performances by Andra Day, Common, Nile Rodgers, Ledisi, and more. Festival-goers can look forward to a celebration of Black culture through music. André will exclusively be performing 9 intimate performances (3 sets per day) across all three days of the festival in the Estate Wine Cave at The Meritage Resort & Spa.
André 3000’s New Blue Sun Project
André 3000, born André Benjamin, has been a cultural icon for over three decades. As one half of the iconic hip-hop duo Outkast, alongside Big Boi, he revolutionized the rap industry with an unparalleled style with hits such as “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey, Ya!” His influence extends beyond music into film, fashion, and fine arts, continuously shaping global culture. New Blue Sun marks André 3000's first solo album in 20 years. Released in November 2023, this instrumental, wind-focused album has garnered widespread critical acclaim. The album made history as the first instrumental project to enter the Billboard Top 200 Chart, with its opening track achieving the record for the longest song debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 (12 minutes and 20 seconds).
The Estate Cave at The Meritage Resort & Spa
This year marks the inaugural Black Radio Experience at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley. Renowned for its exquisite dining, on-site wineries, and luxurious amenities, the resort serves as an ideal location for the festival. However, what truly distinguishes this property is The Estate Cave—a unique venue carved into the hillside beneath a nine-acre vineyard. This underground sanctuary melds the rustic charm of natural stone with state-of-the-art acoustics, creating an exceptional setting for intimate, high-quality performances. The Estate Cave provides a captivating backdrop for André 3000's performances during the festival. Its distinctive architecture and ambiance enhance the auditory experience, offering a space where music and environment harmonize beautifully.
“The intimate setting of the wine cave is intriguing to me because what we do live is always colored by the environment, people, wall surfaces, and the general size of the venues. This becomes another member of the band . A lot of what happens on stage between us is listening and responding. Being that every performance is completely spontaneously composed, the setting sets the stage for what will happen sonically. I’m always excited to play and explore, but the Blue Note Napa wine cave show gives me something even more to look forward to.” - André Benjamin
Whether you're a music lover, a wine enthusiast, or a festival aficionado, this event presents a unique opportunity to indulge your passions. Plan your stay at The Meritage Resort & Spa and discover the many activities Napa Valley and The Black Radio Experience has to offer. From André 3000's captivating performances in The Estate Cave to sampling some of the country's finest wines and scenery, this festival guarantees an unforgettable experience. Learn more by clicking here and prepare for an adventure that celebrates the best of music and wine in Napa Valley.
