In what a press release says is an effort to "connect with fans," Jay-Z [ tickets ] has unveiled a short run of intimate summer dates alongside Ciara [ tickets ].

Backed by a full band, the hip-hop mogul will kick off the five-day trek with two nights (7/3-4) in Las Vegas, followed by stops in Chicago (7/7), Uncasville, CT (7/10) and Atlanta (7/12). Details are below.

Jay-Z has been working on his upcoming 11th studio effort, "The Blueprint 3," the follow-up to 2001's "The Blueprint" and 2002's "The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse." Both releases topped The Billboard 200, and were certified double and triple platinum, respectively. The Grammy-Award winning performer most recently released 2007's "American Gangster," an unofficial companion to the Ridley Scott-directed film of the same name.

R&B singer/songwriter/actress Ciara will open during the summer trek, supporting her just-released third studio album, "Fantasy Ride." The record's latest single, "Love Sex Magic," featuring Justin Timberlake, currently is sitting at No. 10 on The Billboard Hot 100.