Wilson teams with Babyface, K-Ci Hailey & El DeBarge for the summer event
R&B icon Charlie Wilson is bringing the ultimate soul-infused celebration to fans this summer with his Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour, produced by Live Nation Urban and P Music Group featuring an all-star lineup of legendary acts including Babyface, K-Ci Hailey and El DeBarge. The nationwide tour kicks off on August 27th at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and will travel across major cities, delivering an unforgettable night of timeless hits, powerhouse vocals, and feel-good vibes.
With decades of chart-topping success between them, Wilson, Babyface, Hailey and DeBarge will take fans on a journey through some of R&B’s most cherished classics. Charlie Wilson’s catalog includes anthems from his time as the co-founder and lead singer of The Gap Band, such as “Outstanding, Yearning for Your Love,” and “Burn Rubber,” along with solo hits like “There Goes My Baby,” “I’m Blessed,” and “Charlie, Last Name Wilson.” Together, this lineup promises a night filled with timeless music.
Babyface’s expansive catalog of love songs, including “Whip Appeal” and “Every Time I Close My Eyes,” is matched only by the chart-topping hits he’s written and produced for other artists—among them Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop),” Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You,” Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk,” and Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Roni.”
K-Ci’s signature voice and timeless discography will help set the tone for an unforgettable night. From Jodeci classics like “Come and Talk to Me” and “Forever My Lady” to K-Ci & JoJo’s chart-topping ballads “All My Life” and “Crazy,” along with his soulful take on Bobby Womack’s “If You Think You’re Lonely Now,” his set promises both nostalgia and raw emotion.
Rounding out the cookout line up is the incomparable El DeBarge, whose silky falsetto defined an era and helped shape the sound of modern R&B. As the lead vocalist of DeBarge, he delivered timeless hits like “Rhythm of the Night” and “I Like It,” songs that blended soul, pop, and funk in a way that resonated across generations.
More than just a concert, this tour brings the feeling of a family reunion to the stage, where generations come together, classics get a second wind, and soul meets celebration. With a lineup of legendary voices and chart-topping anthems, the tour is set to be a vibrant reminder of the power R&B holds in shaping culture, healing hearts, and bringing people together. From the cookout vibes to the sing-along moments, every stop on this tour is designed to feel like home.
“This tour is unlike anything I’ve done before. As someone who truly loves R&B, getting to share the stage with my friends Babyface, K-Ci, and El is something I’m really looking forward to,” says Charlie Wilson. “I’ve been performing for so long that my audience isn’t just made up of fans, it really has become a family. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize so many faces, and we’ve grown together through the music. The R&B cookout is gonna be one big family reunion for us and our fans.”
Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour isn’t just a concert, it’s a family reunion set to the soundtrack of R&B’s most timeless hits. Charlie Wilson, Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, and El DeBarge will bring the heart and soul of a classic cookout to every city, creating an atmosphere where fans are more than just an audience, they’re family. With electrifying performances, nostalgic anthems, and feel-good vibes, this tour is a celebration of community, connection, and the music that has defined generations.
Produced by Live Nation Urban and P Music Group, Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour will visit over 20 cities, including stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and Houston. Fans can expect a high-energy, soul-stirring experience that brings the heart of R&B to life on stage.
In select cities, fans can elevate their night with an exclusive all-you-can-eat VIP cookout experience. This one-of-a-kind pre-show event brings the backyard to the venue with a curated menu of classic cookout favorites, specialty cocktails, and laid-back vibes inspired by the culture that raised us. From the food to the music to the fellowship, it’s the perfect way to kick off an unforgettable evening of R&B legends. Availability is limited and only offered in select markets.
Presales are underway ahead of the public sale on Friday, April 18th at 10 am local time.
Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Tour 2025 Dates:
Aug 27 – Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Bowl (No El DeBarge)
Aug 29 – Concord, CA @ Toyota Pavilion (No El DeBarge)
Sept 5 – Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Sept 6 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Sept 7 – St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
Sept 11 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
Sept 12 – New York, NY @ Jones Beach Amphitheater
Sept 13 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion
Sept 14 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann
Sept 19 – Raleigh, NC @ Coast Union Music Park
Sept 20 – Baltimore, MD @ CFG Arena
Sept 21 – Virginia Beach, VA @ United Home Amphitheater
Sept 26 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
Sept 27 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amphitheater
Sept 28 – Dallas, TX @ Toyota Music Pavilion
Oct 3 – New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Arena (No Babyface)
Oct 4 – Atlanta, GA @ Chastain Park (No El DeBarge)
Oct 5 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
Oct 10 – Birmingham, AL @ Coca-Cola Amphitheater
Oct 11 – Brandon, MS @ Brandon Amphitheater (No El DeBarge)
Oct 12 – Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
