McDonald's Spices Up the Already Hot Celebrity Line-Up at the Essence Music Festival With Idris Elba and Michael Baisden

McDonald's Spices Up the Already Hot Celebrity Line-Up at the Essence Music Festival With Idris Elba and Michael Baisden

WHAT: Like McDonald's, the Essence Music Festival, is a
multigenerational destination of choice for families. As such,
McDonald's is proud to continue its sponsorship of the Essence
Music Festival. In celebration of the African American woman,
McDonald's is bringing Idris Elba and Michael Baisden to the
Essence Music Festival as a special treat for those who visit
the McDonald's booth.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060626/CGM048 )

Although known for his acting abilities, Elba will be spinning
tracks during his "Ladies Only Show", while Baisden will hold a
book signing session and host his "Michael Baisden Live" show.
Other booth activities include Laurie Ann Gibson demonstrating
the latest dance moves while encouraging fun physical activity,
performances by Algebra as well as NeoSoul recording artist
Raheem DeVaughn and Essence's Angela Burt-Murray and Mikki
Taylor commentate a special fashion show unveiling the latest
looks.

WHO: Idris Elba is more commonly known for his acclaimed performance
as "Stringer Bell" on the HBO hit drama series The Wire and his
leading character role on the HBO special Sometimes in April.
Other film credits include The Gospel and Tyler Perry's Daddy's
Little Girl.

Michael Baisden does it all. As a best-selling author,
motivational speaker, former television talk show host and now
host of one of America's most popular nationally syndicated
radio programs, Baisden keeps it real mixing relationship talk
with the best of old school and today's R&B music.

Laurie Ann Gibson is one of the most sought after choreographers
in the entertainment industry, routinely doing choreography for
the biggest music superstars, including Diddy, Alicia Keys and
Usher. Her credentials also include features in the film Honey
and MTV's Making the Band 3.

Raheem DeVaughn is a true NeoSoul veteran of live performances.
His recurrent appearances in the DC area gave him celebrity
status amongst the local soul community as he made his national
debut with his new album, The Love Experience, in 2005.

Algebra is an up-and-coming NeoSoul artist whose melodic,
enchanting vocals are only trumped by the fact that she
seamlessly orchestrates her own phenomenally talented band,
creating one beautifully harmonic blend of music.

WHERE: Essence Music Festival
Reliant Park (McDonald's Booth)
One Reliant Park
Houston, Texas
July 1 - 3, 2006
10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Shannelle Armstrong, McDonald's
312-401-2834 (mobile)
shannelle.armstrong@us.mcd.com

Laura Kenton, Burrell Communications
312-497-8537 (mobile)
lkenton@burrell.com

PRNewswire -- June 26

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060626/CGM048
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: McDonald's

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