HIGHLAND
- Ne-Yo’s brand of rhythm and blues has dominated radio stations with
numerous hits like “So Sick,” “Sexy Love,” “Because of You,” “Closer”
and “Miss Independent” among others.

Ne-Yo, real name Shaffer Chimere Smith, will perform Thursday
at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino near Highland. His opening
act is Keri Hilson.

Ne-Yo has released three albums.

“In My Own
Words” was released in 2006 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album
chart. “Because of You,” released in May 2007, also debuted at No. 1.

His latest album, “Year of the Gentleman,” was released in September 2008 and debuted at No. 2.

In an interview posted on his official Web site with Real Detroit Weekly, Ne-Yo described what he looks for in crafting a song.

“Even
after seeing how the music industry works, I’m still a stickler for a
lyric,” Ne-Yo said. “That magic was never lost for me. There are some
people who can write things and just make you feel it. It’s just a
vibe-oriented process that there is really no way to lose that magic.”

His opening act is singer/songwriter Keri Hilson, whose
album “In a Perfect World …” hit No. 4 on the top Billboard album
chart when it was released in March.

Hilson’s latest song, “Knock You Down,” is currently playing on radio stations like Power 106 – KPWR-FM (105.9).

She described herself as goal-oriented in an interview.

“I come across a lot of people who are opportunists and they’re like, `If it
happens, it happens.’ I’m not one of those. I’m a go getter,” Hilson
said in comments posted on her official Web site biography.

Ne-Yo with Keri Hilson

Where: San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, 777 San Manuel Blvd. Highland

When: July 2; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $60, $50, $40

Information: www.ticketmaster.com