Jarekus Singleton, a former college basketball star and up and coming bluesman, will make his New Orleans debut at the Freret Street Publiq House on Saturday, June 28, 2014.

Photo by Marilyn Stringer

Singleton led the nation in scoring at William Carey University and was the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ national player of the year in 2007 until an ankle injury sidelined him in 2009.

The Clinton, Mississippi, native began playing bass at age nine in his grandfather’s church band, later switching to lead guitar. A fan of rap music from an early age, Singleton has infused his songwriting with elements of rap, rock, and traditional blues to generate a unique sound brimming with youthful energy.

Singleton’s debut album, “Refuse to Lose,” was released by Alligator records this year, and has garnered positive attention from the San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Post, and  USA Today, which streamed the album for free.

Singleton will take the stage at 11:30 p.m. on June 28 after Little Freddie King’s 10 p.m. set. Tickets are $10 presale and $12 at the door.