Outkast To Return To The Stage And Headline Summerfest 2014

Very Special Guest Gary Clark Jr. Joins them In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (February 26, 2014) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. officials are excited to announce the eighth major show slated for Summerfest 2014.  Outkast with special guest Gary Clark Jr. will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Sunday, June 29.

Ingenious and iconic recording artists and performers, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and André "3000" Benjamin announced via Outkast’s newly launched social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and www.Oukast.com that their return to the stage for their 20th anniversary will include festival dates around the world.  The influential group will be the marquee act at over 40 festivals around the world throughout the Spring/Summer of 2014 (additional dates to be announced).

“It's truly an honor to celebrate 20 years and still be free to do music the way we choose,” said Big Boi.  “Don't just think outside the box, know that there is no box.  I'm looking forward to rocking the stage with my Bro Ski and to all the fans - stank you smelly much, this is for y'all!” 

"And imagine, all we wanted to do was rap,” says Andre 3000.  “I am thankful to have been a part of a group that allowed me to explore anything that came to mind and have fun doing it.  Returning to the stage together is the most exciting way for us to thank everyone for their 20 years of supporting Outkast.”

To sum up Gary Clark Jr. is more challenging every day. He’s a musical universe unto himself, expanding at a nearly immeasurable rate, ever more hard to define — as a mind-blowing guitarist, a dazzling songwriter and engagingly soulful singer.  With his debut album Blak And Blu he has become the first artist ever recognized by the Recording Academy with Grammy Award nominations in both the rock and R&B categories for the same album in the same year, winning the latter: “Best Traditional R&B Performance”  - “Please Come Home” (from the album Blak And Blu).    It’s a lot to live up to, but through it all his musical ambition and reach continue to grow. New songs he’s previewed to delighted audiences show him exploring ever further combinations of sounds and styles, all with his distinct stamp.

Tickets go on sale Monday, March 3 at Noon and include Summerfest admission.  Tickets can be purchased at the Summerfest Box Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, Walmart stores, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1.800.745.3000 (live Ticketmaster Agent) or 1.866.448.7849 (“Ticketmaster Express” automated phone line).  Patrons may also utilize “ticketfast” at Ticketmaster.com to print barcoded concert tickets from home.  Convenience fees may be added to all purchases.

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PLEASE NOTE: To purchase Marcus Amphitheater tickets in person at the Summerfest Box Office on the day of the on sale, patrons must visit the temporary location at the Mid Gate on the corner of Harbor Drive and Chicago Street.  Parking will be available across the street.

It is impossible to quantify the creative impact and influence of Grammy-Award winning rap duo, Outkast, or the work of its members, André "3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.  Together and individually, these Atlanta natives have set the bar for originality, blasting genre boundaries and combining mediums since their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik was released in 1994.

The seismic effects of their originality continued to be felt with each subsequent release and, globally, Outkast has sold more than 25 million albums.  Their critically lauded, Platinum-Certified sophomore album ATLiens (1996) was one of the rare works of art to be appreciated for being ahead of its time, in its own time.  The double-Platinum Aquemini (1998) and quadruple-Platinum Stankonia (2000) received the highest praises from the loftiest critics to the most dedicated of Hip Hop fans.  Both albums were ultimately enshrined in Rolling Stone Magazine’s definitive list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2012.  The Diamond-certified Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003) was not only a massive commercial success, it also earned six Grammys, including Album of the Year, making Outkast the first rap group ever to win the award in that coveted category.  In 2006, the duo pulled off the unexpected by releasing Idlewild, a film both members starred in, and the accompanying soundtrack which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

In recent years, Big Boi and André 3000 have frequently collaborators with a multitude of artists. Big Boi has released two critically acclaimed solo albums, Luscious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty (2010) and Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors (2013). André 3000 appeared in Be Cool, Semi-Pro, Four Brothers, and the upcoming Jimi Hendrix biopic, All Is By My Side. Benjamin’s own high-end clothing line, Benjamin Bixby, debuted in 2010, at which time GQ Magazine named him “Best New Designer of the Year.”

Summerfest 2014 will take place June 25 - 29 and July 1 - 6 from Noon until Midnight and will be closed Monday, June 30.  Following its 1968 debut, Summerfest has evolved into what is now recognized as “The World’s Largest Music Festival” and Milwaukee’s cornerstone summer celebration, bringing the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites along with approximately 900,000 people from Milwaukee and around the world together each year for an unforgettable live music experience.  During the festival, the spotlight shines on over 800 acts, over 1,000 performances, 11 stages, delectable food and beverages and interactive activities, all in a world-class festival setting.  Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest.  For more details, visit Summerfest.com, Facebook.com/summerfest or Twitter: @Summerfest.