Jay-Z playing free shows for Obama

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Hip-hop star Jay-Z will play two free concerts this weekend in support of voter registration and the campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama for the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

The first show is set for Saturday (October 4) at Detroit's Cobo Arena. Jay-Z will play Miami's Bayfront Park Amphitheatre the following day. Voter registration for the upcoming election ends Monday.

Jay-Z is the latest high-profile musician to sign on for Obama benefits. Tuesday, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel announced an October 16 fundraiser at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Reuters/Billboard