'The Lion King' to Roar in Virginia's Hunt Country

'The Lion King' to Roar in Virginia's Hunt Country

June 23 Gala To Benefit U.S. South Africa Wine Foundation

WASHINGTON, June 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "The Lion King" will roar this weekend in Virginia's Hunt Country.

Grammy-award winning composer and performer Lebo M -- the original voice of "The Lion King" -- will perform at "Cape Town in the Country" being held Saturday, June 23 at Coachman Farms in The Plains, Va. The black-tie gala benefits the United States South Africa Wine Foundation (USSAWF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to social and economic justice in South Africa's wine industry.

South Africa's Lebo M has landed today in the United States. Starting tomorrow he begins two days of rehearsals with Broadway entertainers in New York City before traveling to the Washington, D.C. area for the June 23 event.

Earlier this month, Lebo M brought "The Lion King" to Johannesburg, South Africa for the first-time ever and to kick-off the 10th Anniversary of the opening of "The Lion King" on Broadway. The South African premier featured an international audience including Oprah Winfrey along with students of her Girls' Academy.

"Cape Town in the Country" will feature an exclusive appearance by Lebo M and Broadway entertainers performing songs from "The Lion King" and Lebo M's other musical scores. Attendees will be treated to an African-inspired seated dinner and highly acclaimed South African wine. They also will have the opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions featuring unique wine packages; an excursion to South Africa and other destinations; and one-of-a- kind, high-end auction items.

Anyone with a social or business interest in South Africa or the wine industry should not miss this event at Coachman Farms, located 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C. The estate is a spectacular equestrian property owned by P. Jay Fetner, who has spent many years in Africa taking photographs for his award-winning book The African Safari. His significant collection of African art and antiques is displayed throughout his African-inspired home.

USSAWF, in association with the South African Wine Industry Trust (SAWIT), has created educational opportunities in the United States for talented black South African winemakers who had limited access to winemaking education during the apartheid regime.

Last fall, USSAWF initiated an internship program that placed five South African apprentices at Virginia wineries and another five in Monterey, Calif. wineries. The interns have since returned to South Africa with their newly acquired knowledge and skills to become key participants in South Africa's burgeoning wine industry.

"Cape Town in the Country" tickets are still available. To purchase tickets today, contact Sandi Young at (540) 364-6062 or at OutAfrica2003@aol.com. For more information visit http://www.ussawine.org/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: United States South Africa Wine Foundation

CONTACT: Alan Greilsamer of Communications Resources, LLC,
+1-703-760-7007, agreilsamer@communications-resources.com, for United States
South Africa Wine Foundation

Web site:

http://www.ussawine.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media interested in interviewing Lebo M or interested in covering the June 23 gala may make advance arrangements by contacting Alan Greilsamer at (703) 760-7007.

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