Be prepared to jump out of your seats and dance all night at the Murat Centre.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. R&B sensations Mario and Trey Songz will perform there for what will surely become a sold out show.
The two young entertainers are coming to Indianapolis as part of the first ever 106 & Park Tour. Sponsored by BET cable network and Live Nation promotions company, the 21-city tour was launched in Los Angeles last month.
The Murat Centre is part of Live Nation’s massive concert network that produces over 22,000 shows featuring 1,600 artists in 33 countries each year.
“With Live Nation’s expertise in live concerts and an unmatched network of venues such as The Murat, we will be able to bring the best in live entertainment directly to our core audience and communities,” said Martez Moore, senior vice president of strategy and business development for BET Networks. “At the same time, we will be able to offer Live Nation a wealth of expertise about the African-American and urban markets.”
Advance tickets for next week’s show are priced at a competitive $27.50, as part of Live Nation’s effort to make prices more affordable for fans. After seeing sales increase by 300 percent last year, the company started offering two-for-one pricing for various concerts.
Mario Barrett (known professionally as just Mario) is best known for the R&B/pop favorites “Just a Friend” (2002) and 2004’s “Let Me Love You.”
A native of Baltimore, Mario, 23, knew he wanted to be a singer by the age of four. After winning several talent shows, Mario was signed to a deal by J Records, and released his debut self titled album at age 16.
His follow up albums, 2004’s “Turning Point,” 2006’s “Effortless” and “Go” from 2007 were known for the popular cuts “Let Me Love You,” “How Could You” and “How Do I Breathe.” Mario has also been featured in the film Step Up and the television program “Dancing With the Stars.”
He recently released “Break Up,” the first single from his new album “D.N.A.,” which was released Tuesday.
Twenty three-year-old Trey Songz (born Tremaine Aldon Neverson) was born in Petersburg, Va. and recognized his singing abilities at age 14. After being discovered during a talent show he was signed to the legendary Atlantic Records.
His first two albums “I Gotta’ Make It” (2005) and “Trey Day” (2007) presented the top 10 singles “Girl Tonight,” “Last Time” and “Can’t Help But Wait.”
Last month the singer released his new project “Ready,” which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 with its first single “I Need a Girl.”
“This album embodies everything I am as an artist,” Trey said. “ Everybody can be happy with this project, from the hip-hop to the R&B crowd. There’s always room for improvement. I’m growing as a person, as an artist and as a man.”
Both Mario and Trey Songz are involved with various community service efforts. Mario has participated in fundraisers for cancer prevention and is a spokesman for PETA (People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals.)
Trey Songz has formed the Songz for Peace Foundation, which warns teens in Chicago about the dangers of violence and promotes positive opportunities.
“The violence among youth is rising at an alarming rate,” he said. “So it’s nice to be in a position to play a positive role in their lives.”
About the Murat Centre
The Murat Centre, also known as the Murat Temple, was built in 1909 by the Murat Shrine, an order of Freemasons. The building’s namesake was from the Bir Murat desert in Egypt, which in turn was named after famous French general Joachim Murat. The building includes an 1,800-seat concert hall, a 2,500-seat performing arts theatre and the Egyptian Room, which can hold 2,000 people for cocktail receptions. The Murat Centre has hosted memorable events such as concerts, speeches from world dignitaries and professional wresting matches.
Get ready
to party!
What: 106 & Park Tour
Featuring: Mario and Trey Songz
When: Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Murat Centre, Egyptian Room. Seating is standing room only.
Tickets: $27.50 in advance, $30 night of show
For more information, call (317) 231-0000
