Darrell Griffth's All Star Celebrity Derby Affair Brings Top Name Talent to Kentucky International Convention Center

Darrell Griffth's All Star Celebrity Derby Affair Brings Top Name Talent to Kentucky International Convention Center

Fantasia and Chrisette Michele to Perform at Annual Derby Night Fundraiser

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, Darrell Griffith's 18th annual All Star Celebrity Derby Affair will feature live performances by R&B stars Fantasia and Grammy Award winning artist Chrisette Michele, with the music samplings of DJ Kid Capri, and promises to be the hottest ticket in town during Derby week. The event will be held from 11:30 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Cascade Ballroom of the Kentucky International Convention Center (211 Fourth St.) in downtown Louisville.

The All Star Celebrity Derby Affair, sponsored by the makers of Crown Royal Canadian whisky, is a VIP party experience for the residents of Kentucky and anyone in town celebrating Derby week. Featuring live music from award winning artist and special-themed lounges throughout the Convention Center, the Darrell Griffith Foundation fundraiser has something for everyone. This year the party will be held at the largest venue in its 18-year history, so more people than ever can join in the fun.

The event draws more than 2,500 people every year, making it one of the largest formal gatherings during Derby Week. In past years, celebrity guests have included Michael Jordan, Usher, Serena Williams, Nelly, Terrell Owens, Cedric the Entertainer, Dwayne Wade, and Gabrielle Union.

"Darrell Griffith is a proud supporter of this community, as well as a powerful advocate towards our commitment to social responsibility, and we are proud to have the Crown Royal company return as presenting sponsor for this legendary night," said Rob Mason, senior brand manager, Crown Royal.

Tickets may be purchased for $65 at all area CVS Pharmacies and FYE Music in Mall St. Matthews and Better Days West in the Lyles Mall.

For additional information, call the All Star Celebrity Derby Affair information line at (502) 387-8567.

About Darrell Griffith:

Darrell Griffith, universally known as "Dr. Dunkenstein," was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He led the University of Louisville to the 1980 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship by scoring 23 points. He was Kentucky's Mr. Basketball as a Male High School senior in 1976, the Wooden Award winner as the nation's best player in 1980 and NBA Rookie of the Year in 1981. Griffith played for the Utah Jazz for 11 seasons and ultimately had his number retired by the team in 1993. The Darrell Griffith Foundation supports a broad array of charities and scholarship programs.

About Fantasia:

Born and raised in High Point, North Carolina, Fantasia Barrino made history when she became the first artist in history to debut at number one with her single, "I Believe". After the arrival of her eagerly anticipated second album, simply and aptly entitled FANTASIA, the time was right to consider the facts: Her name indeed, had truly become a household word. Say the name 'Fantasia' and virtually all previous connotations have now fallen by the wayside. Fantasia has been nominated for 8 Grammy Awards.

About Chrisette Michele:

Chrisette Michele's second album, Epiphany, is scheduled to drop May 5, 2009, and the first single, "Ephiphany (I'm Leaving)," was written by Ne-Yo and produced by Chuck Harmony. Chrisette Michele is currently on tour with Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild. In 2007, Chrisette Michele released her gold-certified debut album, I Am. Nominated for a BET Award for Best New Artist, as well as two Grammys, I Am was a resounding success. In 2009 Chrisette took home her first Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her single "Be Ok" featuring Will.i.am.

About DJ Kid Capri:

DJ Kid Capri was born David Anthony Love in Bronx, NY and began scratching records as early as age eight. He was already an accomplished "turntablist" by his teens, later spinning records at the famed nightclub Studio 54 and earning a grassroots following by selling mix tapes of his nightly sets. As his reputation grew, Kid Capri eventually signed with Warner Bros., where he produced sessions for everyone from Heavy D to Boogie Down Productions to Quincy Jones; he also spent seven seasons as the DJ for cable's Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam. Capri's first official solo release, The Tape, appeared in 1991; the all-star Soundtrack to the Streets followed seven years later. Kid Capri has continued to be one of the premier Hip-Hop DJs spinning tracks at some of the hottest clubs and biggest celebrity parties.

About Crown Royal:

Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one-selling Canadian whisky brand in the U.S. by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. In addition to its sponsorship at Churchill Downs, the brand also sponsors NASCAR auto racing, Championship Bull Riding and a number of other major regional and national events. For more information visit: http://www.crownroyal.com/. It's about quality, not quantity.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Crown Royal

CONTACT: Mike Manning of Proof Media Mix, +1-720-936-3996,
mike@proofmediamix.com; or Greg Leonard of Diageo, +1-646-223-2000,
Greg.Leonard@diageo.com, both for Crown Royal

Web Site: http://www.crownroyal.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment