-Patti LaBelle will be presented with the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) Award of Excellence during the organization’s upcoming 30th anniversary celebration. Presented by Target, the UNCF’s annual “An Evening of Stars” will be taped live at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sept. 13. The two-hour tribute will then be telecast nationwide in January 2009.
-Al Jarreau is set to release his first-ever Christmas album on Oct. 14. “Al
Jarreau Christmas” features the Grammy-winning vocalist’s take on such
classics and holiday carols as “Winter Wonderland,” “White Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells” among its 12 tracks. The Rhino release carries a
suggested list price of $18.98; a digital version will be available for
$9.99.