AARP to Celebrate its 50th Anniversary With Star-Studded Musical Event in Atlanta

AARP to Celebrate its 50th Anniversary With Star-Studded Musical Event in Atlanta

ONCE IN A LIFETIME LINEUP OF DIVAS TO SING SONGS OF SOUL AND INSPIRATION

Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, CeCe Winans Among Those Scheduled to Perform

*** Exclusive pre-sale for AARP MEMBERS begins April 1st ***

37 Grammy Awards. 34 #1 Hits. 27 #1 Albums. One Incredible Evening!

ATLANTA, March 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP, the world's largest advocacy organization for the 50+ community, today announced it will bring a star studded, two-hour musical event entitled, "Songs of Soul and Inspiration" to the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA on June 21, 2008. The mega-event -- directed by Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony award-winning producer and choreographer Debbie Allen -- is part of AARP's 50th anniversary celebration and features a once-in-a-lifetime line-up of female vocalists, including Yolanda Adams, Patti Austin, Shirley Caesar, Chaka Khan, Jamia, Dionne Warwick, CeCe Winans, the Fire Choir and Ann Nesby appearing with Paris Bennett. Tickets will be available beginning April 1st for AARP members through an exclusive AARP pre-sale event, and go on sale for the general public on April 21st.

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"We're thrilled to bring this extraordinary musical event to Atlanta in celebration of our 50th anniversary," said Emilio Pardo, Chief Brand Officer, AARP. "The talent coming together for this show is truly phenomenal and a perfect way for our members, their families and friends to join in our celebration. These performers have provided us with a lifetime of exceptional music that will now come together in one memorable evening."

This gathering of some of the top pop, gospel, rhythm & blues, and soul singers will honor the musical legacy of the African American church and the extraordinary voices that flowed from it into the worlds of popular music and film.

As young artists, these women made their way to recording studios, stages and concert halls to bring their faith to a larger audience. Over time, each woman became a star in her own right and brought unwavering messages of hope and inspiration to the airwaves.

"I am honored to help AARP celebrate its 50th Anniversary and I'm looking forward to spending this special evening with my friends who share a passion for the extraordinary music featured in Songs of Soul & Inspiration," said Chaka Khan. Dionne Warwick added, "Congratulations to AARP for 50 years of inspiration... this is only the beginning, and I look forward to celebrating in Atlanta!"

The event will feature a wide range of musical genres and vocal styles -- from the intimate jazz of Patti Austin and the silky pop of Dionne Warwick to the funk 'n'soul of Chaka Khan and the re-styled hip hop of Queen Latifah -- all fused with the messages of hope and inspiration. Underscoring the power of music to connect people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, Ann Nesby will pair her R&B stylings with her 19-year-old granddaughter Paris Bennett, one of the top 5 finalists on the fifth season of "American Idol."

Renowned choreographer Debbie Allen will direct the program, which tells the story of how these soulful superstars began singing in church choirs before taking their music to the world in their own distinctive styles. Additionally, the winner of AARP and Radio One's One Love Gospel Cruise national church choir competition, the Fire Choir, will perform with the stars.

TICKET INFORMATION

PRE-SALE PERIOD FOR AARP MEMBERS ONLY

The ticket pre-sale period for AARP Members will start on April 1, 2008 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time and concludes on April 20, 2008 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. AARP members will also receive a five dollar discount on all tickets.

AARP Members will need a special members-only code to make ticket purchases as part of this presale. For instructions on how to purchase pre-sale tickets, members should go to www.aarp.org/50th or www.ticketmaster.com\aarp.

REGULAR SALE PERIOD FOR GENERAL PUBLIC

Ticket sales will open to the general public on April 21, 2008 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time through Ticketmaster. Tickets purchases can be made via www.ticketmaster.com\aarp and also by phone at (404) 249-6400.

Discounted group tickets are also available for this event and can be requested at 1-866-715-1500 x4.

VENUE INFORMATION

The Philips Arena is located at 1 Philips Drive - Atlanta, GA 30303. MARTA (http://www.itsmarta.com/) trains are the most convenient public transportation means to reach Philips Arena. Additional information about Philips Arena is available online at www.PhilipsArena.com.

ABOUT AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Source: AARP

CONTACT: Michelle Alvarez of AARP, +1-202-434-2555, +1-202-390-0032,
malvarez@aarp.org

Web Site:

http://www.aarp.org/

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