Common joins Art of Cool Fest lineup

The award-winning rapper, actor, producer and poet will play Durham Performing Arts Center on April 29.

The Art of Cool Festival previously announced that the Godfather of Funk, George Clinton, and the Parliament Funkadelic would play the fourth annual festival scheduled April 28-30. The three day festival features more than 50 artists and bands performing a mix of jazz, alternative soul and hip hop.

Other Notable performers include legendary emcee Rakim, producer/disc jockey Just Blaze; saxophonist/vocalist/producer Kenneth Whalum, jazz trumpeter and composer Theo Croker, emcee Goldlink, singer/songwriter Nao; singer/songwriter JMSN and trumpeter/composer Marquis Hill.

There will be two showcases. The first, Revive Big Band: A Journey Through the Legacy of Black Culture, will feature Igmar Thomas and the Revive Big Band. The second, Ropeadope: The Next Wave, will include saxophonist/rapper/Grammy winning "To Pimp A Butterfly" producer, Terrace Martin, and The Polly Seeds, trumpeter/composer/producer Christian Scott, Snarky Puppy drummer/producer Robert ‘Sput’ Searight’ of Sputnik, guitarist/composer, Matthew Stevens, Snarky Puppy keyboardist/producer/songwriter Shaun Martin and Erykah Badu’s band, RC and The Gritz.

Tickets to see Common at DPAC go on sale Friday at noon. These tickets are separate from the Art of Cool VIP and two-day club passes.

Tickets are on sale now for the Art of Cool Fest. A two-day general admission ticket, which is $115, allows guests access to all club shows. There is an option to add a ticket to see Common's DPAC show. The All-Access VIP ticket, priced at $265, includes reserved seating at the headliner performance from George Clinton on Saturday, April 29, and access to a VIP Sunday Brunch featuring a special performance by The Hamiltones. VIP tickets also get you into all club shows, but allow you to avoid waiting in line. VIP ticket holders will have access to purchase exclusive premium seats to see Common's show.