Ja Rule & Ashanti
Elmwood Park
Tickets: GA -$45.00, Day of - $50.00
Show time: 7:00pm
Jeffrey Atkins better known by his stage name Ja Rule was born in Hollis Queens, NY. He debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its lead single "Holla Holla". During the 2000s, Ja Rule was signed to Murder Inc., formerly known as The Inc. and led by Irv Gotti. From 1999 to 2005, Ja Rule had multiple hits that made the top 20 of the U.S. BillboardHot 100 chart, including "Between Me and You" (featuring Christina Milian), "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" and "Ain't It Funny" (both with Jennifer Lopez)—which both topped the Hot 100—the number 1 hit "Always on Time" (featuring Ashanti), "Mesmerize" (featuring Ashanti), and "Wonderful" (featuring R.Kelly and Ashanti).
Rule has been nominated for two American Music Awards and four Grammy Awards with respective collaborators Lil' Mo, Vita, Ashanti and Case. Following the release of his platinum-selling debut Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), he released his second and third albums Rule 3:36 (2000) and Pain Is Love (2001). Both albums topped the US Billboard 200 album chart, launching him into the mainstream, selling over a combined 15 million units to a wide audience, and attaining triple platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), becoming his best-selling albums to date. Rule followed up with his fourth, fifth and sixth albums The Last Temptation (2002), Blood in My Eye (2003), and R.U.L.E. (2004), with The Last Temptation attaining Platinum status and R.U.L.E. reaching Gold status. As of 2018, Rule has sold 14.4 million units in the USA and has sold over 30 million records worldwide.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, actor and author Ashanti burst onto the music scene with her smash hit, self-titled debut album, Ashanti. It landed the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week. This set a SoundScan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart’s history and granted her a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Over the span of her 20-year career, Ashanti has released six studio albums and received a number of illustrious rewards including eight Billboard Awards, a Grammy, two American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards and six ASCAP Awards. She has reigned at the top as one of Billboard’s “Top Females of the Decade from 2000-2010” and continues to break Billboard records having a Hot 100 entry every decade in the 2000’s, 2010’s and 2020’s.
In 2005, Ashanti made her telefilm debut starring as Dorothy in The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz, opposite Miss Piggy and Kermit. She also starred in Disney’s animated series The Proud Family and continued her journey in television landing roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Army Wives, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, as well as portraying Dionne Warwick on NBC’s American Dreams.
In her feature film debut she co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson in the #1 box office hit Coach Carter. Ashanti’s additional film credits include Resident Evil Extinction, John Tucker Must Die and Bollywood film Bride & Prejudice. Ashanti executive produced and starred in the musical drama and feature film STUCK, released April 2019. She donned her executive producer hat once again for the feature film Mothers and Daughters, starring Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon and Mira Sorvino.
In partnership with Build-A-Bear Entertainment and Sony Pictures, Ashanti leads the cast of the family friendly Honey Girls and will soon begin filming The Plus One in March 2022. The Ashanti brand has continued to flourish with several major partnerships including her own fragrance, "Precious Jewel" with AMC Beauty. Endorsements with Candies Apparel and the groundbreaking Herbal Essence, where she is the first African American to land a national campaign inspired her to launch a clothing line in collaboration with Miss Circle and partner with
Pretty Little Thing to create her own swimsuit line “Ashanti.”
As an author, she has written her first book of poetry through Hyperion titled Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love and will release a book with Harper Collins in 2022.
As a philanthropist, Ashanti is the Ambassador for the Jumpstart Reading Program and became the “Youth of the Year” Ambassador for the Boys and Girls Club of America in 2009 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. She became a member of their "BE GREAT" Campaign with Denzel Washington and was a part of the “Let’s Move” health campaign with Michelle Obama. To celebrate her contributions to music and recording, Ashanti will receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Spring 2022.
Policies and Procedures
Featured Events
Berglund Special Events Center
Come out and start your Spring Decoration and MOTHER’S Day shopping with us at the 11th Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show!! As always FREE ADMISSION AND PARKING!!
We will have 242 vendors under one roof from Direct Sale vendors to Wood Crafters, Jewelry, Wreath Makers, Cheese cake vendor and MORE!
11th Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show Sponsored by Specialized Saw & Mower Inc. | Facebook
BUY TICKETS
Two works of incredible emotion and orchestral power will close our must-see Masterworks season in May. Elgar’s Enigma Variations is a great showpiece for orchestra with each variation portraying one of his own friends through vivid musical character sketches. The mysterious “Enigma” theme, never fully revealed, adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the work’s emotional range and rich orchestration. Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is a powerful and lyrical masterpiece, performed by acclaimed American cellist Julie Albers, principal with the world-class St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. This masterpiece blends Bohemian folk influences with sweeping Romantic expression, and showcases the cello’s full emotional and technical range which is regarded as one of the greatest concertos ever written for the instrument.
We're excited to welcome the 2026 AABOA Business Expo to the Berglund Center this May!
Join us for a high-energy day of networking, cultural celebration, and business excellence — all powered by the Asian American Business Owners Association (@aaboava).
From entrepreneurs to community leaders, this event spotlights the power and innovation of Asian American small businesses.
Berglund Center
May 13, 2026
Learn more & RSVP at aaboa.net.
BERGLUND HALL
BUY TICKETS
The 94.9 Star Country Daddy Daughter Dance presented by Roanoke Valley Community Credit Union
It's the sweetest night of the year... and this year we’re going to SPARKLE! The 94.9 Star Country Daddy-Daughter Dance: Diamonds & Denim!! Presented by Roanoke Valley Community Credit Union and sponsored by AmRheins Fine Jewelery, The Beauty Saloon and The Berglund Center… this year’s dance is all about the glitz, the glam & the jeans!!
Friday, May 22nd, from 6 to 9 PM in Berglund Hall!
Break out your best jeans and rhinestones! Dads, grandfathers and father-figures, daughters and granddaughters, too, join us for dinner, dessert, and LOTS of dancing! RVCCU will have fun interactive activities for dads & daughters, make a Daddy-Daughter Birthstone Necklace at the AmRhein’s booth, sparkle up your hair at the Beauty Saloon Booth, and so much more!
And Brett & Taylor will be there too!!
Tickets are just $20, plus taxes and fees, and on sale NOW! All ages welcome!
The 94.9 Star Country Daddy-Daughter Dance: Diamonds & Denim—presented by Roanoke Valley Community Credit Union, sponsored by AmRheins Fine Jewelry, The Beauty Saloon, Berglund Center, and 94.9 Star Country!
ELMWOOD PARK
Lou Gramm is the iconic voice behind Foreigner’s greatest hits, including “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Juke Box Hero.” Born in Rochester, New York, he began his career in local bands before joining Mick Jones to form Foreigner, becoming one of rock’s most celebrated vocalists.
In addition to his work with Foreigner, Gramm has enjoyed a successful solo career with hits like “Midnight Blue” and “Just Between You and Me.” Over five decades, he has toured extensively, earning acclaim for his powerful voice and enduring influence on rock music. Gramm continues to perform worldwide, bringing his signature sound to fans old and new.
More on Lou Gramm - HOME | lougrammofficial.com
Opening Act: Gypsy Nix
Roanoke City Tax Sale
The City of Roanoke Delinquent Tax Auction will be held at the Berglund Center on May 28 at 11 a.m., featuring a selection of real estate offered through public sale. Bidding will be conducted in a simulcast format, allowing participation both in person and online.
Online bidding opens April 28 at 11 a.m., giving buyers time to review properties and auction materials ahead of the live auction. For property details and the full auction packet, visit www.walkercommercialservices.com or call 540-344-6160.
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
With 13M albums sold and 18 No.1 singles, Tracy Lawrence has solidified his status as a cornerstone of country music for more than thirty years. Even as he continues to release music and tour, the CMA and ACM award winner’s ambitions have also extended to numerous media and charity projects. His interest in working with younger artists and being able to explore different topics led to the “TL’s Road House” podcast, which has featured guests such as HARDY, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and more.
Over three decades into his decorated career, Lawrence’s legacy continues to evolve. He spent 2024 touring with artists like Riley Green, Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and more on top of his first-ever headlining show at the Ryman, which was sold out, and he returned to the iconic venue this year with another sold-out show. After revisiting his catalog with the Hindsight 2020 Vol 1, 2 and 3 and Live at Billy Bob’s Texas albums, Lawrence released his Out Here In It EP, available everywhere now. Meanwhile, Lawrence continues to uphold his commitment to helping those in need across Middle Tennessee and beyond with his Mission:Possible non-profit committed to serving the homeless. From its humble beginnings cooking Thanksgiving dinners for the Nashville Rescue Mission to frying over 15K turkeys to date, the organization has raised more than $1.3M for those in need. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, Lawrence was honored with the 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award.
For additional information on Tracy Lawrence, please visit his website, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
Adventurer, television personality, and author Josh Gates is the host and executive producer of the smash-hit Discovery Channel series, Expedition Unknown. The show follows Gates as he sets out on a global journey to explore archaeological discoveries, historic mysteries, and scientific breakthroughs. Josh immerses himself in each story, conducting his own investigations, showcasing the work of dedicated explorers while also highlighting vibrant cultures and fascinating destinations. Armed with a degree in archaeology, a quick wit, and a hunger for adventure, Gates travels to some of the most remote corners of the planet in immersive, hilarious, and thrilling journeys.
Josh is also the host of Discovery’s new, hit show Josh Gates Tonight, which Collider recently declared “the best talk show going for film nerds and genre fans.” Each week, Josh is joined by high-profile guests from around the world in a series that’s part Raiders of the Lost Ark and part celebrity chat-show. Josh pours exotic cocktails with guests like Matthew McConaughey, Tim Robbins, Karen Allen, Kevin Bacon, Stephen Soderbergh, John Cleese and more.
An avid scuba diver and photographer, Josh has participated in sub-sea archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean, and his wanderlust has taken him from sweltering African deserts to the icy shores of Antarctica. To date, he has set foot in more than one hundred countries, has scaled "the roof of Africa" on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and climbed Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas.
For five years, Josh also helmed and co-executive produced the hit Syfy Channel series, Destination Truth. Each week, Gates and his intrepid team set out to investigate age-old legends. The show features remote and often never-before-filmed locations, from the distant mountains of Bhutan to the uncharted jungles of Papua New Guinea.
As the face of adventure for Discovery, Josh is also known for taking some of the biggest stars in Hollywood on thrilling expeditions into the unknown. He recently starred in a 4-part series alongside Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd, in Expedition: Back to the Future. In the Shark Week special Shark Trek, Josh also traveled where no host has gone before with William Shatner, taking the veteran Stark Trek icon to dive with man-eating Tiger Sharks in the Bahamas.
Josh holds degrees from Tufts University in Archaeology and Drama, serves as a trustee on the governing board of the Archaeological Institute of America, and is a fellow of The Explorers Club — a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of exploration and field research. He has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, and a variety of other national television and radio programs. Even more of Josh’s travels are chronicled in his bestselling book, “Memoirs of a Monster Hunter.”
Josh currently resides in Los Angeles and on airport floors around the world.