Recording Stars Hit Palm Springs

A number of record labels have scheduled showcases and appearances by top artists at this year's Urban Network PowerJam, Feb. 11-16 at the Riviera Hotel and Resort in Palm Springs, Calif., the first major convention of the new year.
On Feb. 12, gospel fans will be able to attend the 'Salute To Dr. Bobby Jones,' in honor of the gospel pioneer seen most often on BET's 'Bobby Jones' Gospel' show. The event will include performances by Inger Reid, Tarralyn Ramsey, and Maurette Brown.
That night, at 8 p.m., friends and colleagues join forces to roast Urban Network president Miller London. The roast will be followed by Priority Records' after-hours party, featuring rappers Young Bleed, Silkk Tha Shocker, and Allfrumtha I.
On Feb. 13, singer Davina will be featured at a Loud Records luncheon; Kedar Entertainment, home of Erykah Badu and Chico DeBarge, will host a cocktail party (no word yet on whether any artists will be in-house) at 5 p.m.; Columbia Records will present a dinner featuring a host of artists, including Kenny Lattimore, Kaycee Grogan, Destiny's Child, Jermaine Dupri, Wyclef Jean, and Xscape, at 8 p.m.; and the late-night schedule will be taken over by MCA's 'After Hours Jam,' with performances by Keith Washington and Eboni Foster, at 11:30.
On Valentine's Day, expect a poolside performance by diva Jody Watley at a luncheon sponsored by Atlantic at 1 p.m. Afternoon panels are followed by TVT/Blunt's cocktail party with singer LaTanya, which precedes Urban Network's awards dinner, which is sponsored by Def Jam and Motown. The dinner will include sets by Montell Jordan, Playa, and Christion and will be hosted by Queen Latifah. After dinner, Island Black Music will present Brit soulster Ali.

(c) BPI Communications, 1998 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED