Jay-Z

New York rapper/biz impresario Jay-Z has announced plans for summer tour of intimate performances that will unveil his forthcoming album, The Blueprint 3, with a full live band.

So far only fives dates have been announced, beginning with a two-night stand at Las Vegas' 2,500-capacity Pearl venue at the Palms Casino Resort. Performances are also scheduled in Chicago and Atlanta. At the just-announced gigs, Jay-Z, a.k.a. Shawn Carter, will be joined by opener Ciara. More shows are expected to be announced soon.

Ticket info is available at livenation.com.

Ciara released her latest album, Fantasy Ride, last week, and performed on both Saturday Night Live and The Late Show with David Letterman this week in its support.

Jay-Z meanwhile, has been laying low, recording his new album, emerging only to celebrate Obama in song and dish some nasty words at Chris Brown; he is responsible for helping to discover and break Rihanna.

Jay-Z/Ciara tour dates:
7/3, Las Vegas, NV (The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort)
7/4, Las Vegas, NV (The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort)
7/7, Chicago, IL (Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island)
7/10, Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
7/12, Atlanta, GA (Chastain Park Amphitheatre)