The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE SET The World On Fire Tour has taken Grammy-award winning singer Alicia Keys all over the United States and Canada. But for one night, she will cross the borders of the Bahamas for a first-time performance during the Atlantis Live Concert Series, Saturday.

The event is one that hundreds of concert-goers are looking forward. It will be held at the Atlantis Grand Ballroom and begins promptly at 9.30pm.  

Keys is expected to put on an intimate performance singing some of her most popular soulful hits for the sold out show.

The singer is known for strumming a guitar or playing the piano during performances. There is no telling whether or not she will show off her diverse musical skills Saturday night.

Michelle Wiltshire, senior vice president of special events and entertainment, said it is a privilege to present Keys for a first ever performance in the Bahamas.

“Of course we are very delighted to present Alicia Keys especially given that she is on tour. While on tour she has been performing in arenas, but here she is playing for a more intimate crowd and setting. Her skills as a musician and her vocals will be highlighted in this setting,” she told Tribune Entertainment.

The 3,600 seats in the Grand Ballroom are sold out. People from near and far have flown to the Bahamas to attend the concert.

Ms Wiltshire said there has also been a strong support from the local community.

“It is very exciting for us to present Alicia Keys when she is at the top of her career. Attendees will be pleased with the show and her performance. She will perform her popular songs and the ones we all love,” she said.

Alicia Keys got her start in 1998 when she departed Columbia University to devote her time to her musical career. She then began working closely with Clive Davis at J Records. Since then Key’s career has blossomed. She released her debut project  Songs in A Minor which went platinum five times.

At the 2002 Grammy Awards she received awards for Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, Best R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Her album “Diary” also won her four Grammys in 2005.

In addition to her music career, Alicia Keys has acted in several films, including Smokin’ Aces (2006), The Nanny Diaries (2007), and The Secret Life of Bees (2008).

In July 2010, Keys married music producer Swizz Beatz (real name: Kasseem Dean) and the couple welcomed their first child together in October 2010, a baby boy named Egypt Daoud Dean.

Atlantis Live past performers included Jimmy Fallon, Bruno Mars, Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Fergie, Jennifer Hudson, the most recent Carly Rae Jepsen and boy band The Wanted.

“We have not offered just one genre of music. We have been very strategic about the deals we make and we always try to offer something for everyone. We try to get the best to perform as well. Last week we had The Wanted and this week we have Alicia Keys. Each artist targets a different demographic and it shows that we are thinking about everyone,” Ms Wiltshire said.