Duane Stephenson Tours with The Wailers

(NEW YORK) - VP Records singer/songwriter Duane Stephenson sees the release of his sophomore album, BLACK GOLD, on September 28, 2010 and celebrates by hitting the road with the legendary Wailers, this week. As the esteemed tour opener for The Wailers, one of reggae music's most prized acts worldwide for decades, Stephenson will be placed in the spotlight to bring his blend of new-age reggae music to some of the genre's most avid lovers.

This U.S. tour will journey along the east coast, from Florida to Maine, and runs for two weeks. It kicks off on Thursday, September 16 at the University of South Carolina, and concludes on Friday, October 1 at the prestigious House of Blues in New Orleans, Louisiana. (See tour dates below).

Stephenson's debut album, August Town, from VP Records in 2007 was lauded as one of that year's best reggae albums. This new 14-track studio effort sees Stephenson working with legendary reggae producer, Dean Fraser, the mastermind behind the majority of production on BLACK GOLD. Its first single, "Rescue Me," features the soulful Gramps Morgan, who competes with Stephenson for a woman's affection on the country-tinged track. The two recently shot the forthcoming video in New York City.

Known for his conscious lyrics and depicting the plight of the world around him, BLACK GOLD encompasses Stephenson's growth mentally, emotionally, and of course, musically. From ballads to roots reggae, his musical skills and heartfelt sentiments on this album will resonate with reggae fans and be sure to gain him new ones.

The Wailers & Duane Stephenson U.S. Tour Dates:

09/16/10 University Of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina
09/17/10 Avalon Theatre - Easton, Maryland
09/18/10 Hampton Beach Casino - Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
09/19/10 Port City Music Hall - Portland, Maine
09/20/10 B.B. King's Blues Club - New York, New York
09/22/10 Buster's Billiards & Backroom - Lexington, Kentucky
09/23/10 Live On The Green - Nashville, Tennessee
09/24/10 Cat's Cradle - Carrboro, North Carolina
09/25/10 J.D. Legends - Franklin, Ohio
09/27/10 Freebird Live - Jacksonville, Florida
09/29/10 Revolution - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
09/30/10 The Venue - Gainesville, Florida
10/01/10 House Of Blues - New Orleans, Louisiana