David Gest's All-Star Holiday Extravaganza Breaking Box Office Records in Memphis for December 6, 2004 Show

David Gest's All-Star Holiday Extravaganza Breaking Box Office Records in Memphis for December 6, 2004 Show

Famed Producer Returns to Work After a Year and a Half With Concert Featuring The Doobie Brothers, Dionne Warwick, Mya, The Emotions, Three 6 Mafia, Lil Wyte, Petula Clark, Topol Recreating 'Fiddler on the Roof' and Many Others to Perform at Concert Which Also Includes a Salute to Legendary Movie Stars Including Actress Jane Russell, Patricia Neal, Celeste Holm and a Number Of Surprise Guests

Proceeds From the Concert to Begin 'Be David's Gest for Christmas Dinner' Campaign in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Producer David Gest, who has been unable to work for a year and a half due to a closed hand concussion to the head, announced a star-studded lineup for his return to show business with a Christmas Special entitled "DAVID GEST'S ALL-STAR HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA" to be held on Monday, December 6, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, Tennessee. The show, with all its controversy of who's in and who's out, has created so much attention that it's already grossed over $300,000. The confirmed lineup includes The Doobie Brothers, Dionne Warwick, Academy Award nominee for Best Actor Topol recreating 'Fiddler on The Roof,' the 'Queen of Gospel' Shirley Caesar, The Emotions, Three 6 Mafia, Lil Wyte, Petula Clark, Tito Jackson, Billy Paul, Deborah Cox, Jerry Butler, Archie Bell, Barbara Mason, Billy Gilman, Mya, Gene Chandler, The Original Box Tops, Alex Chilton, Freddie Jackson, Martha Reeves, Freddie Scott, Kim Weston, Candi Staton, William Bell, Dorothy Moore, Mel Carter, Freda Payne, Carl Carlton, "One Life to Live's" Erika Slezak and a salute to an array of Legendary Movie Stars including Patricia Neal, Jane Russell, Esther Williams, Celeste Holm, Carroll Baker, Margaret O'Brien, Barbara Rush, Gale Storm, Tippi Hedren and Sally Ann Howes, just to name a few, introduced by Turner Classic Movies Host Robert Osborne. Gest will host the show that will feature his orchestra & choir and a special salute to the legendary pop & soul pioneer, Jerry Butler, on his 65th birthday. Sponsored by American Airlines and American Eagle, tickets went on sale on Monday, November 8th at 12:00 Noon at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts at 255 North Main Street in Memphis and through Ticketmaster at (901) 527-5700. The prices range from $45.00 to $150.00. The $150.00, $125.00 and $45.00 tickets are sold out except for a few single seats. The only seats available are at the $75.00 and $95.00 tickets. According to David, the seats for the gospel choir to attend the show were underwritten and paid in full by philanthropist Ed Davidson, Chairman and CEO of AMCO.

According to Gest, "I've never seen such intrigue about a show like this one in my entire career. Al Green left the show due to the fact that his agent pulled him. The agent was resentful that I went directly to the artist. Green definitely confirmed to me that he would perform at the show. It's unfortunate that he does not remember this. This incident definitely spawned more interest in the show than I could ever imagine. Ticket sales soared after he pulled out and no one asked for their money back. The public wants to see a spectacular special and this show will be first rate. What's the big to do that four acts can't make the show when I've added six acts to replace them. There are dozens upon dozens of acts on the show. I have many surprises planned and there's an old saying that any press is good press!"

In an unprecedented move, Gest will donate proceeds from the concert to select restaurants throughout Tennessee and Arkansas, which will serve free dinners on Christmas Day from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. to senior citizens, the disabled, the homeless and low income families. "With the unprecented sales of the last week, I will now be able to provide transportation for many to attend these dinners," said Gest.

All one has to do is show up and say they are David's Gest! The restaurants participating in "Be David's Gest For Christmas Dinner!" include:

Corky's, 5259 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 685-9744

Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken, 310 South Front Street, Memphis, TN
38103 (901) 527-4877

Willie Moore, 931 South Third Street, Memphis, TN 38126 (901) 774-9247

High Point Cafe, 111 Main Street At Jackson, Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 525-4444

Westy's 346 North Main Street At Jackson, Memphis, TN 38103 (901)543-3287

Precious Cargo Exchanges, 381 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 578-8446

Neely's Barb-B-Que 5700 Mount Moriah Road, Memphis, TN 38115
(901)795-4177

Ray's Barb-B-Que 1214 Missouri St., West Memphis, Arkansas 72301
(870) 732-2044



Gest is the award-winning producer of the highest rated musical special in television history, "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration." Gest also produced, for three consecutive years, the "Miracle on 34th Street" concerts at Madison Square Garden which featured such performers as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Brian McNight, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keyes, Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and Shaggy. Gest has also produced numerous events including the American Cinema Awards and the International Achievements In Arts Awards. Honorees from Gest-produced events include Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kirk Douglas, Janet Jackson and Celine Dion. He also produced the "Field of Dream Awards" for the Michael Bolton Foundation and the Barry Bonds Foundation. He and close friend, Bonds have also produced other shows together. Gest is responsible for the amazing comeback of Liza Minnelli, for whom he created and produced "Liza's Back!" The shows broke audience records at London's Royal Albert Hall and in New York's Beacon Theatre in 2002. He also produced "Liza Minnelli's Christmas Spectacular" at Town Hall during December 2002.

For Press Information Contact:
Richard Hoffman/Cynthia Lawes
Warren Cowan & Associates
310-275-0777



Source: David Gest Productions, Inc.

CONTACT: Richard Hoffman, or Cynthia Lawes, both of Warren Cowan &
Associates, +1-310-275-0777, for David Gest Productions, Inc.


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