India Arie

Singer India Arie graced her Chicago fans with her presence during "The Experience with India Arie". The event was held at a new location, but that didn't prevent a packed house at the Kroc Center from coming out to see and hear India. During the interview with host Dedry Jones, India talked about growing up and making her way to Atlanta, Georgia at a very young age. She was born in Denver, Colorado to Joyce and Ralph Simpson. India's father is a former NBA basketball player for the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons. Her mother, who is now her stylist, is a former singer, who was signed to Motown Records as a teenager and opened for Stevie Wonder and Al Green. India also spoke about what it was like to record her cd, "India Arie and Joe Sample: Christmas With Friends" with the late, Joe Sample. India has sold over 3.3 million records in the United States and 10 million records worldwide. She has won 4 Grammy Awards from her 21 nominations, including Best R&B Album.

During her performance, India opened with "Merry Christmas, Baby", in which she told the crowd about how her Grandmother used to say: "Merry Chrimus, Baby"(You had to be there!). She also performed "I Am Light" and "Ready For Love". Her mother Joyce, joined her on stage for "Ready For Love" as India showcased her skills on the flute. After a brief breather, India met her fans during the autograph signing in the lobby. She chatted with them, posed for photos and even mentioned that she wants to do another "Experience..." next year in Atlanta...