Alicia Keys, Common, Erykah Badu and Rafael Saadiq to Headline Heineken Red Star Soul Concert Series Celebrating the Spirit and Inspiration of Soul Music

Alicia Keys, Common, Erykah Badu and Rafael Saadiq to Headline Heineken Red Star Soul Concert Series Celebrating the Spirit and Inspiration of Soul Music

2007 Heineken Independent Achiever Award Recipients Selected by Music Luminaries, To Be Honored on the Road During Heineken Red Star Soul

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Heineken USA announced today the artist lineup for the return of Heineken Red Star Soul, an original and proprietary series of music events and concert series created by Heineken. The series kicks off on August 15 with a concert hosted by VIBE Magazine and Heineken at Los Angeles' BOULEVARD3 featuring performances by GRAMMY(R) Award winner Common and debut-breakout star Chrisette Michelle, with the hottest beats to be provided by D-Nice.

Following the kick-off concert event in L.A., Heineken Red Star Soul continues throughout the fall, with stops across the U.S. featuring a roll call of today's music headliners and the stars of tomorrow. Other notables slated to perform at Heineken Red Star Soul concerts include GRAMMY(R) Award winners Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq and DJ Jazzy Jeff and Raheem DeVaughn, whose star continues to rise following his contributions to last year's Red Star Soul series.

Respected and recognized for his distinct sound and socially-conscious lyrics, Common's Heineken Red Star Soul performances coincide with the release of his much-anticipated seventh album "Finding Forever" (July 31 release date). And, after turning heads with her breakout performances during last year's Heineken Red Star Soul concert series, Chrisette Michelle shot to stardom on the music scene with much critical and fan acclaim. She re-ups with Heineken Red Star Soul and joins Common on the road to feature songs from her major label debut on Def Jam, "I Am" for this ground-breaking concert series.

"Heineken Red Star Soul was created to honor the achievements of soul and R&B musicians and others who inspire others with their talent and tenacity," said Andy Glaser, brand director, Heineken USA. "Heineken Red Star Soul shines a spotlight on these artists, enabling them to continue to bring new musical experiences to live audiences while celebrating the independent spirit that lives in each of us. With our concert performances and by honoring our Heineken Independent Achievers, we salute luminaries and rising stars who continue to make valuable contributions to soul and R&B music."

Following the kick-off in Los Angeles, Heineken Red Star Soul will bring special music events and concerts to select cities across the U.S. Scheduled locations, dates and artist lineup (subject to change) include:

   -- Cleveland, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 8/28 - Raphael Saadiq, Chrisette      Michelle and Teadra Moses.   -- Detroit, Seldom Blues, 9/4 - Common and Raheem DeVaughn.   -- Chicago, Crobar, 9/13 - Erykah Badu and Chrisette Michelle.   -- Atlanta, Opera, 9/18 - Common, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Emily King.   -- Washington, D.C., Love, 9/26 - Common and Teadra Moses.   -- Philadelphia, World Café Live, 10/3 - Erykah Badu and Raheem DeVaughn.   -- New York, Spotlight Live, 10/23 - Alicia Keys and DJ Cassidy.   

Performers at each Heineken Red Star Soul concert will be supported by a star-studded lineup of DJs, including Jazzy Jeff, D-Nice and Cassidy. Additional artists may be added throughout the series.

Heineken Independent Achiever Award

During each stop of Heineken Red Star Soul, a member of the local music community will be honored with the Heineken Independent Achiever Award. The Heineken Independent Achiever Award, established in 2006, recognizes individuals who demonstrate the hustle, integrity and drive necessary to make it while inspiring others.

Eight award recipients were selected by a committee consisting of music industry luminaries and winners will be announced in mid-August. The star- studded committee, featuring Bryan-Michael Cox and Kenny Burns, reviewed dozens of entries and offered their expertise to the search for independent spirits with the power to inspire others. Each of the committee's honorees will accept their award on-stage during the Heineken Red Star Soul concert in their hometown.

"Serving on the selection committee for the Heineken Independent Achiever Award was an incredibly rewarding experience for me," said Cox. "Knowing the honor and opportunity that receiving this Award will bring to these distinguished recipients, I am honored to be associated with the program and salute Heineken for its vision and its commitment to soul music and the broader music community."

In addition to three-time GRAMMY(R) Award-winning songwriter and producer Cox and industry insider Kenny Burns, the selection committee for the Heineken Independent Achiever Award included Vice President of Writer Publisher Relations, BMI, Catherine Brewton; and recipients of the 2006 Heineken Independent Achiever Award for Atlanta and Washington, D.C., founder of Atlanta's FunkJazzKafe, Jason Orr and current Jive artist Raheem DeVaughn.

About Heineken's Support of Music

Heineken Red Star Soul is a proprietary event demonstrating Heineken's continued commitment to bring consumers innovative and electrifying musical experiences. Heineken is deeply committed to bringing its consumers innovative music experiences. In addition to Heineken Red Star Soul, Heineken partnered with NARAS to roll out the "Green Carpet" at the GRAMMY(R) Awards. For years, Heineken has also been involved with Premiere Latin music events, artists and causes including the Billboard Latin Music Conference and Awards (7 years), the Latin Grammy Awards (7 years), Coachella and Street Scene.

For more information about Heineken Red Star Soul concert dates, locations and performance lineups, as well as information about the Heineken Independent Achiever Award, selection committee members and each recipient, log on to www.heinekenusa.com.

About Heineken USA

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's premiere importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light, Amstel Light, the largest- selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

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Source: Heineken USA

CONTACT: Tamara Moore of Heineken USA, +1-914-681-4153,
tmoore@heinekenusa.com, or Chip Scarinzi of Manning, Selvage & Lee, +1-212-
468-3503, chip.scarinzi@mslpr.com

Web site: http://www.enjoyheinekenresponsibly.com/
http://www.heinekenusa.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment