The Heineken Red Star Soul 2009 tour kicked off in Chicago on Aug. 6 with the multitalented Ludacris; singer-writer Melanie Fiona; and the internationally known DJ Don Cannon.
"Heineken Red Star Soul was created to celebrate soul music, shine a spotlight on emerging artists and showcase prolific performers in soul and R&B music," said Shane Hoyne, senior brand director, Heineken USA, in a statement.

The event, held at a new South Loop Chicago nightclub called The Shrine, was packed with eager fans enjoying music, conversation, food and plenty of Heineken. The emcee for the night was comedian-actor Kevin Hart. The invitation-only concert allowed fans ages 21 and older to experience and interact with their favorite performers in a VIP club setting.

The theme for the event was Give Yourself a Good Name. There was also a graffiti wall for attendees to write messages about life and the pursuit of happiness on a white wall with a fluorescent pen.

Heineken Red Star Soul concert series performance dates:

• New Orleans, (Sept. 17): N.E.R.D., Mickey Factz, DJ Jus Ske
• Philadelphia, (Sept. 24): Ludacris, Melanie Fiona, DJ Jazzy Jeff
• Miami, (Nov. 13): N.E.R.D., DJ Irie
• Dallas: Special all-star line up and date TBA
• New York: Special all-star line up and date TBA