McDonald's(R) Live Brings Hottest New Music Directly To Fans

McDonald's(R) Live Brings Hottest New Music Directly To Fans

Rising Music Sensation Kenna Joins Superstar and Hit Maker Ne-Yo at Launch of 10-city Concert Tour

VENICE BEACH, Calif., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, McDonald's is connecting young adults across the country with a unique new music program called McDonald's(R) Live, a free ten-city concert tour featuring the latest music releases and emerging recording artists. The tour kicks off July 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Venice Beach, California, with a headline performance by Ne-Yo, winner of the 2007 BET Best R&B Male Artist of the Year award and Grammy nominated artist. Ne-Yo will be performing his chart-topping single, "Because of You" and other songs from his new album. In addition, Kenna, an up-and-coming artist whose long awaited album "Make Sure They See My Face" releases on September 11, will open the tour with his fresh, futuristic sound. Vibe Magazine raves "... he's made one of the best pop albums of the year."

"Music is the universal language among young adults," said Neil Golden, Vice President, Marketing, McDonald's USA. "Today more than ever, music touches every aspect of our lives from technology to pop culture to media. With McDonald's Live, music lovers across the country will experience new music live and free of charge."

After the tour launches in Venice Beach, it will continue to nine cities across the U.S., where concerts will be performed free for fans in the parking lots of McDonald's restaurants. Hot emerging artists are headlining the concerts, including bi-lingual songstress and chart topper Kat DeLuna; alternative rock band Single File; and soul, funk and R&B artist Kevin Michael. For a full list of artists, visit the tour website at http://www.mcdlive.com/.

"It wasn't that long ago that I was a new artist myself, trying to get that big break," said Ne-Yo. "McDonald's is giving the artists on the McDonald's Live tour the opportunity to really stand out, build a stronger fan base and most importantly, gain more exposure for their music."

Fans will be able to view the concerts, check the tour schedule and buy concert t-shirts at http://www.mcdlive.com/. Visitors to the site are also invited to vote for their favorite artist. The musician or group with the most fan votes at the end of the tour will be featured in a McDonald's advertising campaign next year.

McDonald's Live performances will be promoted on the #1 online music destination, Yahoo! Music. Additionally, top music network MTV will showcase content via its programming, live appearances and concert clips. McDonald's Live, Yahoo! Music and MTV will also be featured on the back of McDonald's large and medium French fry boxes beginning August 8.

   2007 McDonald's Live Tour Schedule:   -- Los Angeles - July 26   -- Denver - August 1   -- Chicago - August 7   -- New York Metro - August 14   -- Philadelphia - August 21   -- Miami - August 28   -- Atlanta - September 5   -- Madison - September 11   -- Kansas City - September 18   -- Austin - September 25    About McDonald's  

McDonald's USA, LLC is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/.

About Ne-Yo

The multi-talented Grammy-nominated #1 RIAA platinum-selling artist Ne-Yo was one of THE top success stories of 2006. His debut album "In My Own Words" hit #1 on the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, and spun off three solid hits. Ne-Yo's debut Def Jam single, "So Sick" rose to #1 on the Hot 100, Pop 100, and Digital Songs charts. Most recently, Ne-Yo is credited as co- writer of Beyonce's current Grammy-contending single, "Irreplaceable," the #2 most played song of all time. The song with the #3 all-time highest audience total was also co-written by Ne-Yo - Mario's "Let Me Love You." Ne-Yo recently founded The Compound Foundation, which is committed to service at risk and disadvantaged youth.

   (C) 2007 McDonald's    For more information contact:    Molly McKenna, McDonald's USA   630-623-6593   Kelli Anderson, GolinHarris   312-729-4432  

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: McDonald's

CONTACT: Molly McKenna of McDonald's USA, +1-630-623-6593, or Kelli
Anderson of GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4432

Web site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/
http://www.mcdlive.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment