Seven years ago, Jonny Shipes, founder of Cinematic Music Grouop, an independent record label, management, publishing and touring company, launched the Smokers Club, a hip-hop showcase, at South by Southwest. The first tour featured heavy hitters such as Curren$y, Smoke DZA and Big K.R.I.T.

Since then, the Smokers Club has evolved into what a press release announcing the latest tour calls “an all-encompassing, leading cannabis lifestyle brand promoting good times, good weed, good music, and legalization.” All things we can get behind.

This year’s tour, which features acts such as Cam’ron, the Underachievers, G Herbo, Smoke DZA and Nyck Caution (of Pro Era), comes to the Agora on July 1. Tickets go on sale at noon today.

This article appears in Mar 30 – Apr 5, 2016.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.