SW Buzzin’

Kelly Rowland will kick off the State Fair Classic featuring Grambling and Prairie View in Dallas

Promoter Al Walsh’s State Fair Classic

Ms. Kelly (Rowland) will be the featured artist at the Texas State Fair Classic this weekend in Dallas featuring SWAC Rivals Grambling and Prairie View Universities. Concert promoter Al Walsh held the annual kick-off press conference this week at Dallas City Hall. Walsh, a staple in the business, has been at the forefront promoting national concerts, games, plays and other major events. The State Fair Classic’s title sponsor is Southwest Airlines. Other artists who will be appearing for the weekend events include Mint Condition, Jonathan Butler and Earth Wind & Fire. The State Fair Classic will draw an estimated 50,000 at the Cotton Bowl.

Get in on the Street Play

Q93’s Wild Wayne will be heading up the New Orleans Street Plays events this weekend. Street play is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s effort to turn the nation’s street into play spaces and bring physical activity back into the lives of kids and the community.

When the Play Streets events happen, communities close specific streets to traffic and open the space up for activities, games and events. The Hip-Hop component, Hip Hop Public Health, is a non-profit that aims to end health illiteracy through entertainment-based intervention. The organization just released a free downloadable multi-genre compilation album designed to motivate kids to make healthier exercise and lifestyle choices. Recently featured on the Dr. Oz show, the project is the result of a collaboration between musicians, physicians, public health researchers, entertainment industry professionals, health advocates and school-aged children. Contributing artists include legendary Doug E. Fresh, VP of Entertainment for Hip Hop Public Health and DMC of Run DMC. Other artists include Jordin Sparks, Matisyahu, Travis Barker, Ryan Beatty, Ashanti, Ariana Grande, Paul Burch and Brady Rymer and others. The 19 tracks included on the album are available on iTunes.

The New Orleans event is sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association in conjunction with the partnership for a Healthier America. Radio stations and communities can get funding for these events by e-mailing [email protected].