HEAR WHAT, WHERE AND WHY

The event: A concert billed as Ladies Night, featuring R&B smooth talkers Brian McKnight, Eric Benét, Jon B and Dwele.

The Atlanta connection: Benét has worked with Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri. “And to be in the studio with somebody who has really got a lock on how to make hit songs, I mean, I learned so much in that session. And I took everything I’ve learned from hanging out with him, and people like David Foster — who I idolized growing up for doing songs like ‘After the Love Has Gone’ by Earth, Wind & Fire and ‘Through the Fire’ by Chaka Khan — that I applied to this new album. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work with them.”

The Eric Benét of 2008: “You know, I never really tried to predict who I would become back in 1996 [when he released his solo debut, “True to Myself”], but I am very proud of the happy person I am today. I think there’s been a lot of growth in the man I am today — greatly because of some of the mistakes I’ve made. Falling on my face. But I’m growing from the experience and I’m really happy. And I wanted that to translate through the music, [his new album] ‘Love & Life.’ You can tell where I am in my life, in my music.

“And the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to be honest with yourself. Because Eric Benét of 1996 and 2000 was the kind of guy, if he was angry, he would brush it under the rug. If he was afraid, he wouldn’t acknowledge it. If he was sad, he would not address it. He’d just brush it up under that rug. And I’ve learned that the more I talk to somebody I love, friends or family members — and just open up and let it out and express it — the better everybody is.”

The three steps to romancing Halle Berry: (Or any other woman, for that matter — according to the man who was married to the Oscar-winning beauty for three years).

“OK, once again, this is 2008 Eric Benét — No. 1 step, rigorous honesty. Not trying to put on a facade or exteriors that are not genuine to what’s going on inside. Women are much more perceptive and intelligent than men. They will pick on that [expletive] real quick. That’s the best way to be — as authentic as possible.

“Two — breath mints. Nothing can kill a vibe like some funky breath. And three — ask her about what she thinks. How her day was. And be interested in how her day was. Don’t just talk about yourself all of the time. You’ll be intrigued by how she thinks, what she’s going through; and the connection will be well nigh upon thee.

“Keep in mind, I’m the youngest [with] four sisters, and even before my puberty began to jump off, I heard story upon story upon story about what men — or boys then — did wrong. And what they did right. What made my sisters excited. Why some made them never want to talk to them again. So ever since I was a rockhead little boy listening in the corner — or sometimes through the door — I knew what to do.”