Prince announces tour to start in Dec

New York: Iconic singer Prince says he`s planning a tour to begin in December that will feature him, his band and other performers.The 52-year-old said Thursday night at New York`s famed Apollo Theater that he was announcing "a series of events," dubbed "Welcome 2 America."

He says he will perform with his band, the New Power Generation, and serve as master of ceremonies. The singer says "Welcome 2 America" is "best described as what we`ve all been waiting for." He tells concertgoers to "bring friends, bring your children and bring foot spray `cause it`s gon` be funky." Prince says the shows will feature funk, R&B and jazz artists including Maceo Parker, Janelle Monae, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding, Lalah Hathaway, Sheila E., Cassandra Wilson and Graham Central Station. Bureau Report