Saracen Casino Resort will host its event center grand opening featuring “An Evening With John Legend, A Night of Songs & Stories” at 8 p.m. June 13. Tickets start at $149, plus fees, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster beginning Friday at 10 a.m.
Legend is a multiplatinum artist and producer who has garnered 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award and four Emmy Awards, among others. Legend is one of only 19 people in the EGOT club.
“From recording studios to Broadway stages, from film sets to television screens, he’s proven himself a creative force who transcends boundaries and redefines what it means to be a modern artist,” according to a news release.
Legend has released 11 albums: Get Lifted (2004), Once Again (2006), Evolver (2008), Wake Up! (with The Roots) (2010), Love in the Future (2013), Darkness and Light (2016), A Legendary Christmas (2018), Bigger Love (2020), LEGEND (2022), LEGEND (Solo Piano Version) (2023) and My Favorite Dream (2024).
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
After releasing the 20th anniversary digital deluxe version of his Grammy-winning debut album, Get Lifted — featuring new remixes and collaborations with artists including Tems, Simi, Killer Mike and Lil Wayne — Legend launched his “Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour” in May. The North American leg kicks off in August.
“Legend’s influence extends to live performance, including his recent ‘An Evening with John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories’ tour in 2024. On screen, he delivered a stunning performance as Jesus in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (2018), earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor and winning an Emmy as a producer for Outstanding Variety Special (Live),” according to the release.
Legend joined “The Voice” as a coach for Season 16 (2019) and has returned for several seasons, most recently completing Season 27. Legend will return to the red chair for Season 29.
Alongside partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius, he co-founded Get Lifted Film Co., which has created a wide range of projects across major networks and streaming platforms. Recent highlights include the Emmy-winning HBO documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed,” Paramount+’s “Loudmouth” and Netflix’s hit series “Rhythm & Flow.” Upcoming projects include NBC/Peacock’s “Before I Let Go,” inspired by Kennedy Ryan’s best-selling novel; “The War & Treaty,” based on the lives of Black country music stars Michael and Tanya Trotter; and the Broadway musical “Soul Train” and off-Broadway play “Duke & Roya.”
Get Lifted’s storytelling expertise also extends to publishing through Get Lifted Books, which champions diverse voices with recent releases including Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant’s memoir, “Wild Life,” and basketball legend Candace Parker’s book, “The Can-Do Mindset.”
Expanding his entrepreneurial footprint, Legend launched his self-care brand, Loved01, in 2023, to bring consumers gentle but powerful skincare formulas at affordable prices. In 2024, he and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, introduced Kismet, a dog lifestyle brand offering premium food and accessories for modern dog families.
As an advocate for social justice, Legend founded FREEAMERICA in 2015 to transform the conversation around criminal justice policies and combat mass incarceration. He also serves on the boards of Harlem Village Academies and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, as well as advisory boards for The Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice and Teach for All.
In July, Legend was named Philanthropist of the Year at The Hollywood Reporter’s Annual Social Impact Summit in recognition of his ongoing commitment to social change.
“John Legend’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and justice. Whether through his music, storytelling, activism, or entrepreneurship, Legend continues to inspire and leave an indelible mark on the world,” according to the release.
Regarding Saracen’s hotel and event center, construction is nearing completion and will include more than 300 hotel rooms. The Saracen Event Center will host headliner entertainment as well as events and conventions.
“Located at 1 Saracen Resort Drive, the Saracen Event Center features more than 1,500 seats, modern production capabilities, and an intimate layout built to deliver unforgettable concert and comedy experiences for both performers and guests. In addition to hosting concerts, the Saracen Event Center is configurable to host large meetings, special events, conferences, and banquets,” according to the release.
Details: (870) 686-9001, www.saracenresort.com, info@saracenresort.com, or social media.