Legendary entertainer Grace Jones will perform for guests at the 18th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party.  The gala event, which will take place March 7, 2010, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, has brought some of the most iconic musicians to the stage over the years, but none as theatrical as the incomparable Grace Jones.

grace-jones.jpg"Grace Jones is not only an amazing performer, but a dear friend and a fellow activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Sir Elton John.  "Without a doubt, Grace will put on a show for our guests that will have them talking for years to come.  It is an absolute honor to have Grace as part of this evening that means so much to the Foundation."

Ms. Jones' first album, Portfolio, released in 1977, resulted in a string of dance-club hits that transformed the international club scene.  Her following albums "Fame" and "Muse" generated considerable success in the market and solidified her as a major recording artist.  Jones later adapted to the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. This resulted in the acclaimed albums "Warm Leatherette", "Nightclubbing" and "Living My Life."

Equally known for her roles in the fashion, art and film communities, Jones has established a presence that has stood the test of time.  Born in Jamaica and raised in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a successful high-fashion model. Starring roles followed in such films as the James Bond blockbuster "A View to a Kill", "Conan the Destroyer" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the vampire thriller "Vamp."  Jones took the art world by storm when she became the muse to famed artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, resulting in an iconic series of portraits by Warhol and Haring's famous series of body paintings. With her dramatic visual makeover created in partnership with Jean-Paul Goode, Jones starred in the concert special "A One Man Show" and created a persona that has intrigued fans and established her as an international entertainment icon.

Follow the Elton John AIDS Foundation on Facebook:  http://apps.facebook.com/causes/5321

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation

February 25, 2010 / category: Events / link / comments (0)

Multi-platinum, Oscar and Grammy-winning rap superstar Eminem will descend upon European soil to headline three major festivals this summer - Scotland's T In The Park, Switzerland's Openair Frauenfeld and Ireland's Oxegen - giving hundreds of thousands of fans a live dose of select tracks from his impressive catalogue.

eminem.jpg

First, the hip-hop icon storms the UK, headlining the mainstage at Scotland's T In The Park in early July. This marks Eminem's first European show in five years and his first-ever appearance at the festival. He then continues his European return with appearances at Gampel, Switzerland's Openair Frauenfeld and Dublin, Ireland's Oxegen 2010. Much like the blistering show he performed at New Orleans' Voodoo Fest in October 2009, Eminem will be performing with a live band, bringing a new and different level of intensity to his music. He will also be joined on by his group D12 all the dates.

"I'm excited to get back to Europe to rock some shows," said Eminem. "The crowds there are always big, crazy and dedicated...it's going to be great to feel that energy again."

At the 16th annual Openair Frauenfeld, Eminem is set to share the stage with another hip hop legend, Jay-Z. His headlining set is expected to draw 40,000 fans.

Marshall Mathers will also take the stage in Dublin, closing out Oxegen with a highly anticipated mainstage headline set. It's Eminem's first appearance in Ireland since his phenomenal sold out shows to over 200,000 fans in Marley Park in 2004. Eminem will follow an Oxegen tradition that's included unforgettable performances by previous headliners The Who, Muse and Kings of Leon.

2009 has seen the re-emergence of one of hip-hop's finest MC's. Ever since he returned to the game with Relapse, the biggest selling hip-hop album of last year, Eminem has made himself an unmistakable presence: from the chart topping success of the album, through live performances at the American Music Awards and the Grammy Awards, to ferocious verses on tracks with Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Drake. He also snatched up two more Grammy Awards at the 2010 ceremony, upping his total count to eleven.

Since dropping his classic debut The Slim Shady LP in 1999, Eminem has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, and over 30 million in the United States. He is the biggest selling artist of the last 10 years, a feat that resulted in him being recently named Artist of the Decade by Nielsen Soundscan.

February 23, 2010 / category: Tours / link / comments (0)

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth (January 8, 1935) comes a new 25-track collection of his most well-known songs. ELVIS 75 follows the December release of the career-spanning 4CD box set, ELVIS 75: GOOD ROCKIN' TONIGHT. ELVIS 75 was released to all physical and digital retail outlets this past Tuesday, January 5, through RCA/Legacy, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. As the year continues, RCA/Legacy will unveil a full slate of Elvis Presley catalog titles.

elvis75.jpg

The release of ELVIS 75 coincides with a 4-day celebration of his 75th birthday, January 7-10th, centered at Graceland in Memphis. Events will include a birthday proclamation on the front lawn of Graceland, parties, dances, and panel discussions. For further information, please go to www.elvis.com.

In February, 'Viva ELVIS' by Cirque du Soleil® opens exclusively in a custom-built theatre at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter, Las Vegas. This lavish stage spectacular was created in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises and CKX, Inc. 'Viva ELVIS' is a harmonious fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music, and a tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley. Nostalgia, modernity and raw emotion provide the backdrop for his immortal voice and the exhilaration and beauty of his music. Created in the image of The King of Rock 'n' Roll - powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique and larger than life - the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom, excitement and turbulence of his era. Significant moments in the artist's life - intimate, playful and grandiose - blend with the timeless songs that remain as relevant today as when they first hit the top of the charts. 'Viva ELVIS' focuses on the essential humanity of the one superstar whose name will forever be linked with the history of Las Vegas and the entire world of entertainment: Elvis Presley. Ticket and show information is available now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/vivaelvis or by phone at 877.253.5847 or 702.531.2031.

From the moment in early 1956 when Elvis' first string of hits on RCA Victor proclaimed his arrival on the old 'Top 100' - "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" - there were 17 chart titles in 1956 alone - his hammerlock on rock and roll was unquestioned, his influence on the destiny of all popular music about to be engraved in stone. Even after the Beatles' conquest started in 1964, and the revolution of Bob Dylan in 1965, Elvis continued his reign on the charts, slotting nearly four dozen songs on the Hot 100 from 1964 to 1969.

As compiled by Joel Whitburn, Elvis is the top-ranked Hot 100 male artist (by far!) of the 1950s and '60s - and the only act (male, female, or group) ever to be top-ranked #1 for two separate decades. Elvis holds unassailable records for the Most Chart Hits (151), Most Top 40 Hits (104), Most RIAA Platinum Hits (28), Most RIAA Gold Hits (24), and Most Weeks Charted (1,598).

SOURCE Legacy Recordings

January 8, 2010 / category: Pop / link / comments (0)

Road to Wonder's Nomination began in February 2009 at 51st Grammy(R) Awards Ceremony

Stevie Wonder continues to write songs that positively affect global social issues with this year's Grammy® nomination for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance of his song "All About The Love Again." With a total of 22 Awards, Stevie Wonder has been awarded the most Grammy® Awards for a Male Artist in history.

S_Wonder1209.jpg

Wonder's "All About The Love Again" was first introduced to Grammy® voters during last year's 51st award ceremony. Wonder went on to perform the song, which was written for President Obama, during a PBS command performance at the White House. "All About The Love Again" marks the second time in Wonder's storied career where his music has been used for social change such as his "Happy Birthday" ode to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the campaign to adopt a Federal Holiday in his honor. Wonder began writing "All About The Love Again" in the 70's during his history breaking Grammy® run and was moved to complete the song by the Obama campaign message of Change. Grammy® insiders recognized Wonder's broad popular message and placed it in the Pop Male Vocal category this year. Will this become Stevie's 23rd Grammy®?

Wonder's songwriting genius and legacy continues to provide the world with music that permeates popular culture. The heartfelt simplicity of the message in the music has never departed from his songs. "All About The Love Again" speaks to the power of love to cure the problems of hunger, war, and poverty.

"All About The Love Again" appears exclusively on the Change is Now: Renewing America's Promise CD+DVD from set from Hidden Beach Recordings and is available at retailers nationwide and online from iTunes and Amazon.com.

About "Change Is Now"

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) joined forces with Hidden Beach Recordings to release CHANGE IS NOW: RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE-the first ever official Presidential Inauguration commemorative CD/DVD set. This collection celebrates President Barack Obama's historic election by including eight of his landmark campaign speeches together on one DVD and an 18-track CD with inspired music from some of America's top recording artists.

"The songs featured on this unique collection have captured the energy and enthusiasm that all Americans celebrated on January 20th," PIC spokesperson Brent Colburn stated. "The eighteen artists on this album truly represent how our differences can come together to celebrate our common purpose. We are grateful for their creativity and their musical contributions."

In addition to Stevie Wonder's track, CHANGE IS NOW: RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE features tracks by will.i.am, the Tony Rich Project, Ozomatli, Sheryl Crow, India.Arie, Melissa Etheridge, Lenny Kravitz, Robin Thicke, Maroon 5, Usher Raymond IV, BeBe Winans, Wilco, James Taylor, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Ritchie, Death Cab for Cutie and Common.

SOURCE Hidden Beach Recordings

December 9, 2009 / category: Awards / link / comments (0)

Epic Records is pleased to announce the release of "Soldier Of Love," the highly anticipated first single off Sade's forthcoming new body of work by the same name.

"Soldier Of Love" which Sade co-produced with Mike Pela, was written by Sade along with longtime collaborators Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman and Paul Spencer Denman. The track, featuring a pulsating and anthemic drum beat along with haunting vocals that Sade is known for, is set to hit airwaves December 8(th) and will kick off the countdown for SOLDIER OF LOVE. Recorded in England and set for release WORLDWIDE on February 8(th), SOLDIER OF LOVE marks Sade's first studio album since the multi-platinum release of Lovers Rock in 2000.

The first single "Soldier Of Love" will premiere on Tuesday, December 8(th) at 7am EST on www.sade.com.

Known for their one of a kind timeless sound, Sade has enjoyed phenomenal success both internationally and stateside throughout the span of their twenty-five year career. Since the release of their debut album, Diamond Life in 1984 the band has seen all five of their studio albums land in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart selling a total of more than 50 million albums worldwide to date. They've been nominated for American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and have won three Grammy Awards - first in 1986 for Best New Artist, then in 1994 for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group for "No Ordinary Love", and again in 2002 for Best Pop Vocal Album with Lovers Rock.

WWW.SADE.COM

SOURCE Epic Records

December 7, 2009 / category: New Releases / link / comments (0)

"VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters" to Premiere Worldwide Beginning Friday, November 27 at 11:00 PM* on VH1 in the US and on MTV's Channels Across 162 Countries

Full Episode Available at Storytellers.VH1.com Following On-Air Premiere

Six-time Grammy® Award winning rock band, Foo Fighters, had the crowd on their feet during a taping for "VH1 Storytellers" October 28 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, CA. Fans can watch this exclusive performance when "VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters" premieres Friday, November 27 at 11:00 PM* on VH1. The US premiere kicks off a global roll-out for this latest edition of "VH1 Storytellers," as the special will also debut on MTV channels across Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America beginning Friday, November 27 (check local listings). The broadcast, which will air in 162 countries, marks the first-ever global premiere of the iconic series, "VH1 Storytellers."

The one-hour on-air special will feature Foo Fighters performing a selection of some of their most popular songs in addition to their latest single from the new album Foo Fighters: Greatest Hits. Following in the "VH1 Storytellers" format, Foo Fighters will answer questions from the audience and give viewers a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration behind such classics as "Everlong," "Big Me," "My Hero" and from their new album "Wheels" and "Word Forward."

The full on-air show will be available online at Storytellers.VH1.com following the on-air premiere.

"VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters" is a production of VH1. Patrizia DiMaria produces with Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Bill Flanagan serving as executive producers.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

*All times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1

November 20, 2009 / category: Rock / link / comments (0)

The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation announced today that Sheryl Crow, Common and Ray LaMontagne will perform at the 2009 National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The annual holiday event will be streamed live at www.thenationaltree.org on Dec. 3rd at 5:00 EST/2:00 PST, and will be broadcast nationwide beginning Dec. 4th, on public broadcasting stations in partnership with WETA, Washington, D.C.'s flagship public broadcasting station (check local listings).

Sheryl Crow is a nine-time Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum singer-song writer. Her many other honors include three American Music Awards, a People's Choice Award, and a spot on VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll."

Common is a Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist who has collaborated with hip-hop producers Kanye West, Will.i.am, Pharell and many more. Common has also built a career as an entrepreneur, film actor and author of children's books.

Ray LaMontagne is a singer and songwriter, whose third and most recent album, "Gossip in the Grain" debuted at number three on the Billboard Charts. Rolling Stone magazine has described his voice as "full of the warm yearning of a young Van Morrison."

Additional performers will be announced next week.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is presented by the National Park Foundation and National Park Service. Underwriters Laboratories is the premier sponsor of the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2009. Alex Coletti Productions will produce the ceremony. Additional support comes from General Electric, Guest Services Inc., Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Washington, D.C., Hudler Carolina Tree Farms, Santa's Best, the W Hotel Washington, and the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.

For more information visit www.thenationaltree.org.

For Broadcast Inquiries please contact Suzanne Masri, WETA, (703) 998-2686 smasri@weta.org

SOURCE National Park Foundation

November 18, 2009 / category: Events / link / comments (0)

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT has reached a box office gross of $200 million worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today. The film has taken in $61 million domestically and more than $140 million internationally.

michael-jackson_this-is-it.jpg

Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said, "Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music. This special film documents Michael's creative genius. We are seeing repeat business throughout the world because this movie is so rich with Michael performing his most renowned and recognized songs while offering such a unique, never-before-seen perspective on his artistry. Kenny Ortega and the filmmaking team did a brilliant job of capturing Michael creating a masterwork and it's a genuine thrill to see audiences respond to the film as they have."

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in such countries as Japan ($27.2 million), UK ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show. Audiences are given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner for the concert tour and the director of the stage show, directed the film, which was produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

Sony Music Entertainment's Columbia/Epic Label Group has released a top-selling, two-disc, stand-alone companion album to the motion picture.

SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment

November 12, 2009 / category: Michael Jackson / link / comments (0)

Due to overwhelming demand, Spring 2010 performances of Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace will go on sale Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. These new available tickets will include 24 performances from April 10 -25 and May 8 -30.

Cher_colosseum.jpg

In addition to more performances, the pop icon will return to The Colosseum stage on November 19 with a newly added opening sequence and even more glitzy Bob Mackie costumes. Celebrating old-time Hollywood glamour and style, these new additions feature dazzling theatrics that pay tribute to the grace and timelessness of the 1940's and 1950's.

"We are so excited to return to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and have made wonderful, new changes to the show, including a number choreographed by my dear friend Tyce Diorio from So You Think You Can Dance," said Doriana Sanchez, director and choreographer of Cher at The Colosseum. "It pays homage to the great movie musicals, complete with incredible costumes by Bob Mackie. We are thrilled to be able to present some really fun and new things for the audiences to see."

Tickets for the following Spring 2010 performances go on sale Saturday, Nov 14 at 10 a.m.:

April 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25

May 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30

Cher returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace November 19 - December 20, 2009. The 90-minute show is presented at 7:30 p.m. four nights a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (dark Monday, Thursday and Friday). Tickets start at $95 and can be purchased by calling 1-866-510-CHER (2437) or online at Ticketmaster.com keyword "Cher". Tickets may also be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For groups of 20 or more, call 702-731-7208.

For more information on Cher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace visit cher.aeglive.com or www.caesarspalace.com.

SOURCE AEG Live

November 9, 2009 / category: Concerts / link / comments (0)

ABBA, one of the most popular pop music groups in history, has released only two concert films--until now. Nearly two hours in length, In Japan (Polar/Polydor/UMe), to be released November 3, 2009, joins ABBA In Concert and ABBA - The Movie as the only DVD venues for fans to experience the performance phenomenon of ABBAmania.

abbacover.jpg

The DVD's centerpiece is a 54-minute show, "ABBA In Japan," taped for Japanese television in 1978. Agnetha Faltskog, Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Ani-Frid Lyngstad perform 14 songs plus a bonus track of the original tape mix of "If It Wasn't For The Nights." Among the other songs are such global hits as "Take A Chance On Me," "Money, Money, Money," "SOS," "Dancing Queen," "Waterloo," "Fernando," "Knowing Me, Knowing You," "The Name Of The Game" and "Thank You For The Music."

Extras on In Japan include two exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries with TV performances and interviews with press and radio during ABBA's 10-day visits to Japan in 1978 (24 minutes) and 1980 (37 minutes).

ABBA's recent success has been nothing short of astounding given that the group disbanded in the early '80s. ABBA has reportedly sold more than 400 million records to date around the world. Fueled partly by the enormous success of the ABBA-centric Mamma Mia! on stage and screen, sales continue to soar for releases such as 1992's ABBA Gold - Greatest Hits, six-times U.S. gold and with more than 26 million copies sold worldwide. In late 2008, the nine-disc box set ABBA - The Albums, containing all eight original studio albums plus a bonus disc of B-sides, rarities and other hits, was issued.

But the group's touring tenure was relatively short. ABBA - The Movie, directed by the award-winning Lasse Hallstrom, documented a frenetic two-week concert tour of Australia in 1977 and was released in theaters later that year. In 2006, ABBA - The Movie made its DVD debut and in 2008 premiered in its Blu-ray version. The other previously released concert film, ABBA In Concert, captured the foursome on its 1979 swing across North America and Europe, only ABBA's second major tour, and was released on DVD in 2004.

Now with In Japan, fans can once again enjoy the rarity of ABBA on stage at the height of ABBAmania.

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises

October 29, 2009 / category: New Releases / link / comments (0)

Sponsors

EMINEM ON TOUR:

7/9-7-11 Balado Kinross-Shire, Scotland T in the Park

7/9-7-11 Gampel, Switzerland Openair Frauenfeld

7/9-7-11 Dublin, Ireland Oxegen

 

SOURCE Interscope Records