Pharrell Williams to perform at NBA All-Star Game

= Pharrell Williams's performance will come less than three weeks before he goes on stage at the Oscars. (Michael Kovac/Getty Images)

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams will perform during the opening ceremony of the NBA All-Star Game, according to the Associated Press citing an NBA announcement on Thursday.

The 40-year-old Williams, who has made a name for himself as a record producer and fashion designer, will also do player introductions with surprise guests for the Feb. 16 event at the newly-named Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Williams will perform at the Oscars weeks later on March 2 ahead of his album release later in 2014.

According to the report on Thursday, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; Earth, Wind and Fire; Janelle Monae; and Dr. John will perform as part of the halftime show. Gary Clark Jr., who won a Grammy in January for Best Traditional R&B performance, will sing the national anthem and also be a part of the halftime show. Hip-hop newcomer Kendrick Lamar, who received seven Grammy nominations this year, including Best New Artist and Album of the Year, will perform before the dunk contest a day before the All-Star game.

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