Sheila E. to drum up entertainment at Ohio Black Expo in Columbus

World-famous percussionist and singer Sheila E. will be part of the musical lineup at the Riverfront Culture Fest during the Ohio Black Expo, which returns May 25-28. The "Glamorous Life" musician will perform May 27 in Genoa Park.

The product of a musical family, Sheila E. (nee Escovedo) was influenced and inspired by her well-known percussionist father, Pete Escovedo, and uncles Coke Escovedo, Alejandro Escovedo, Mario Escovedo, and Javier Escovedo, as well as her famous godfather, Tito Puente.

Diversity matters:New Columbus Symphony musicians discuss importance of diversity

Sheila E. began her career in the mid-1970s as a percussionist and singer for The George Duke Band. Under the guidance of superstar Prince, her successful solo career took off in 1984; in addition to her aforementioned career-defining hit, "The Glamorous Life," she released other chart-toppers, including "A Love Bizarre" and "The Belle of St. Mark."

Early-bird ticket sales for the Riverfront Culture Fest are $15 for a single day and $25 for both days (Saturday and Sunday). Early bird-sales end Feb. 28, after which tickets are $20 for one day, and $30 for both. Tickets can be purchased at ohioblackexpo.com.

Other live entertainment, vendors, food trucks and more will be offered during the festival, a highlight of the Ohio Black Expo - an event focusing on Black life, business, health and culture.

Concerts:‘American Idol’ alums Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken to perform at Midland Theatre on May 2

The expo will begin May 25 with a business conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where it will continue the following day with health and wellness workshops, happy hour events and a kick-off party, before culminating in the culture fest.

For a full schedule and other information, visit ohioblackexpo.com.

bpaschal@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Singer-drummer Sheila E to perform at festival during Ohio Black Expo