Bringing together some of the brightest stars in music, the Heineken Red Star Soul Tour has become a staple for music fans all over the country. The tour touches down in major cities all over the country and gives audiences a unique way to interact with their favorite artists. In Chicago, hip-hop superstar Ludacris, singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona and DJ Don Cannon were all on-hand for the Heineken Red Star Soul event. The event is always one of the hippest of the year and gives fans a balanced line-up of superstars and visionary up-and-comers “[Chicago] is my second home — they like to claim me up here,” says the Illinois born, but Atlanta raised Ludacris. “I’m doing what I love, I’m living out my dreams, so I’m always [happy].”

Comedian Kevin Hart kept the crowd pumped between acts, and served as the perfect host for the event. Canadian singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona mesmerized the crowd as well. “I pride myself on being a respectable female in this industry, and my sound is influenced by my [Caribbean] background ... It’s reggae, it’s a little bit of hip-hop, a little bit of rock, soul, pop — whatever you like.”

For an event as multilayered as this, its only fitting that an artist as multifaceted as Fiona be included. DJ Don Cannon’s spins kept the crowd dancing the night away and the fans made their approval loud and clear. “This is my first [time] coming,” said 22-year-old Janine Lane of Bronzeville, “[But it ] won’t be my last — I loved it!”