Starbucks Presents Mat Kearney in a Hollywood Concert to Benefit the International House of Blues Foundation

Starbucks Presents Mat Kearney in a Hollywood Concert to Benefit the International House of Blues Foundation

Proceeds to Support Music & Educational Arts Programs For Youth In Southern California

LOS ANGELES, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Starbucks Coffee Company today announces breakthrough artist Mat Kearney as the headliner for two upcoming concerts benefiting the International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and creative expression through music and art.

"Music plays such an important role in so many people's lives, that we felt compelled to align ourselves with a musical organization that is as passionate about giving back to local communities as Starbucks is," said Montey Dunn, regional marketing manager at Starbucks Coffee Company. "In addition, we are honored to have Mat Kearney help us celebrate and honor the spirit, creativity and passion for the performing arts."

Performing hit songs from his latest record-breaking album, Nothing Left To Lose, Kearney will perform live, in concert at the House of Blues Sunset Strip on Friday, August 31 and the House of Blues San Diego on Saturday, September 1, in hopes of helping Starbucks reach their goal of selling out the house and contributing more than $30,000 to IHOBF.

Mat Kearney's sound incorporates wide-ranging influences that paint his songs with strength and passion fusing poetic hymns with melodic choruses and acoustic folk/pop. Mat is currently on the road promoting his Columbia debut, Nothing Left To Lose, headlining shows throughout the country and opening for bands such as The Fray, Sheryl Crow and John Mayer, among others.

Opening for Mat Kearney, are the winners of the Starbuck SoCal Barista Music Contest, a contest that encouraged Starbucks partners across Southern California to submit a song for the chance to play live, in-concert at the House of Blues for a well-renowned artist. The two lucky winners were selected by the public after an online vote on http://www.hearmusic.com/socal. Opening the show in Los Angeles, Brian Boozer of the band "Soulajar" from Bakersfield and in San Diego, Dave "EJ" Robinos.

This concert is just one example of the many ways Starbucks continually supports and contributes to the local communities where their customers live and work and celebrates the talent of their baristas. Tickets are currently on sale with net proceeds benefiting the IHOBF. For more information about the Starbucks Presents concert, Mat Kearney and the opening performers, please visit http://www.hearmusic.com/socal.

About Starbucks Coffee Company:

Starbucks Coffee Company provides an uplifting experience that enriches people's lives one moment, one human being, one extraordinary cup of coffee at a time. To share in the experience, visit http://www.starbucks.com/.

About Mat Kearney

Raised in Eugene, Oregon, Mat Kearney went to college in California, where he studied English literature. While on spring break, Mat traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, where he began writing his own emotionally complex songs and album. Kearney's sound incorporates wide-ranging influences that paint his songs with strength and passion fusing poetic hymns with melodic choruses and acoustic folk/pop. Kearney most recently finished headlining VH1's "You Oughta Know" Tour and opening for his Columbia Records label mate John Mayer. Mat's major label debut, Nothing Left To Lose is online and in stores now.

About House of Blues: Founded in 1992, this dynamic company with soul, spirit and vision was acquired by Live Nation in November of 2006. With 11 branded clubs, including Atlantic City, Anaheim, Chicago, Cleveland, Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Diego and Dallas, which is expected to open in May 2007, each House of Blues club features live music, Southern-inspired cuisine in an eclectic environment celebrating the African American cultural contributions of blues music and folk art. http://www.hob.com/.

About International House of Blues Foundation: The International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF) is 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the arts to schools and communities through programs that promote cultural understanding and encourage creative expression. IHOBF was established in 1993 and conducts programming in nine locations nationwide, including: Anaheim, Atlantic City, Chicago, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Diego. Programming includes the Blues SchoolHouse (a multimedia classroom that includes live music and visual arts), Make An Impression (community and school-based art and music programs), and Roots of Rhythm (drum-based music-making experiences). IHOBF reaches over 60,000 students, teachers, and others annually nationwide with arts and cultural programs. For additional information, visit http://www.ihobf.org/.

Contact: Gaby Vizcaino
310-526-5530
gvizcaino@gcigroup.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Starbucks Coffee Company

CONTACT: Gaby Vizcaino, +1-310-526-5530, gvizcaino@gcigroup.com for
Starbucks Coffee Company

Web site:

http://www.starbucks.com/
http://www.hearmusic.com/socal
http://www.hob.com/
http://www.ihobf.org/

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