John Legend tour announces second round of dates with Estelle

R&B’s latest leading man John Legend has announced dates for the second leg of his 2008-2009 North American tour. The first leg of the tour runs November 19 at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis, MN, through December 13 at Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, NC.

The second leg of dates begins January 12 at Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA, and wraps February 7 at the Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ. Highlights for the trek include a January 26 concert at Ryamn Auditorium in Nashville, TN, and a February 5 gig at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY.

Singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq provides opening support for the upcoming 2008 jaunt, while up-and-coming R&B singer Estelle joins Legend for next year’s 14-city run. The London-based songstress recently finished a late-fall supporting run with The Roots and Gym Class Heroes and is featured on “No Other Love,” a track on Legend’s new album “Evolver.”

Since its release on October 28, Legend’s third studio album has peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s R&B and Hip-Hop charts, and recently hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200. The singer debuted his new track “If You’re Out There” at the Democratic National Convention in August, and made the song available as a download on President-elect Barack Obama’s campaign site prior to Election Day (November 4).

“I’m so proud and happy and moved this morning,” Legend wrote on his Web site on November 5. “Like Barack said last night though, this is not the change we seek; this just gives us the chance to pursue that change. There’s a lot more work to do. Don’t tune out now. Stay vigilant. Stay involved. Hold our leaders accountable.”

John Legend itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)