Samsung Sound Check Presents: Ne-Yo, Jimmy Eat World, Gym Class Heroes, Paramore, Sean Kingston

Samsung Sound Check Presents: Ne-Yo, Jimmy Eat World, Gym Class Heroes, Paramore, Sean Kingston

Five Of Today's Hottest Bands Perform Private Shows in Five Major Cities, Supported by Four Different Carriers - All United Through Samsung - For An Exclusive Music Experience!

Interactive sampling areas allow consumers to experience Samsung mobile phones featuring enhanced multimedia capabilities, music and entertainment for consumers on the go!

LOS ANGELES, March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) has announced the first annual Samsung Sound Check, an exclusive music tour with leading musical acts, designed to provide consumers with rare, private concerts and the opportunity to experience the latest in music-centric mobile phones.

In five cities from late-March to mid-May, Samsung Sound Check will deliver five one-night private music events with tickets only available via radio promotions, street teams, and online registration.

The Samsung Sound Check Line-Up:
-- Ne-Yo in New Orleans, LA on March 27, Presented by Alltel Wireless
-- Jimmy Eat World in Charlotte, NC on March 30, Presented by Alltel
Wireless
-- Gym Class Heroes in Chicago, IL on April 10, Presented by U.S. Cellular
-- Paramore in Houston, TX on April 29, Presented by CricKet Wireless
-- Sean Kingston in Las Vegas on May 14

"With Samsung Sound Check, we are able to thank our customers with a cool, live musical event, while also showcasing the premiere music experience you can achieve with our innovative mobile phones," said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Telecommunications America.

Each Samsung Sound Check event will feature a one hour, high-energy performance by a headline band as well as music by Los Angeles-based DJ, Matthew Sullivan, a vinyl collector 'since infancy' who has performed with the likes of Ludacris, Kinky, The Bravery, The All-American Rejects and Big & Rich, and who prides himself on spinning out the most appropriate sounds for his audience. Other highlights of the night will include interactive half-shell phone booths that will showcase the capabilities of Samsung's latest mobile phone offerings. The event will also give visitors an opportunity to win a number of prizes including a selection of the phones featured at each venue.

For more information on the Samsung Sound Check series as well as the products available through Alltel Wireless, U.S. Cellular and CricKet Wireless, please visit http://www.samsungsoundcheck.com/ or http://www.samsungwireless.com/.

About the bands:

NE-YO -- Performing at House of Blues in New Orleans, LA (March 27)

Grammy award winning and multi-platinum songwriter, arranger, and vocalist Ne-Yo has solidified as a true artist. Responsible for two of three of the most played songs in radio history, Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" and Mario's "Let Me Love You," Ne-Yo has two double platinum albums to his credit and multiple #1 singles. Multi-nominated, Ne-Yo won the prestigious Male R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year award at the 2006 Billboard Awards and was nominated for two Grammy's that year: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his chart-topping hit "So Sick" and Best Contemporary R&B Album, "In My Own Words." His second album, "Because of You," released in 2007, showcased Ne-Yo's stellar growth as a songwriter, his maturity and his prowess as a performer, and won the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album (as well as being nominated for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance). Most recently he penned chart-topping songs for Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson.

JIMMY EAT WORLD -- Performing at Amos' South End in Charlotte, NC (March 30)

With 10+ years of international success under their belt, Jimmy Eat World is one of the leading rock bands touring today. Formed in Mesa, Arizona in 1994 by singer/guitarist Jim Adkins and drummer Zach Lind, they released their debut album "Static Prevails" in 1996, followed by "Clarity" in 1999. The latter title in particular was a pioneering record that resonated immediately with young listeners and is widely cited as a hugely influential record to this day. Jimmy Eat World's platinum breakthrough album Bleed American was issued in 2001, and was retitled as Jimmy Eat World but will be receiving deluxe reissue treatment under the original title this year. Bleed American included the smash hits "The Middle" and "Sweetness," and propelled the band to platinum status, sold out tours, an appearance on Saturday Night Live, an MTV Video Award nomination, invitations to tour with Green Day, Weezer and Blink-182, and critical acclaim on year-end lists from top-notch music publications. Their fifth album Futures debuted at number six on the Billboard charts, featured the Modern Rock hit "Pain," and quickly achieved gold status. Jimmy Eat World is currently touring in support of their sixth studio album, Chase This Light, the most emotionally and sonically expansive record of the bands 13-year career. Chase This Light's highlights "Big Casino" and "Always Be" seamlessly combine deep, heartfelt expression with the razor sharp hooks that have always been the band's stock in trade.

GYM CLASS HEROES -- Performing at Park West in Chicago, IL (April 10)

Melding elements of rap, rock, R&B, and funk into one cohesive and melodic sound, upstate New York's Gym Class Heroes have diverse appeal due to their impressive musical dexterity. With their music rooted in traditional hip-hop, the quartet's music also features live instruments instead of looped samples or beats, and lyrics that are often socially conscious yet with a sense of humor. The formation of the band dates back to the late 90's when MC Travis "Schleprok" McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley became friends during high-school gym class. The band was officially formed in 2001 with the two high school friends eventually teaming up with guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and bassist Eric Roberts. After several albums, and many concert tours, the Gym Class Heroes' profile notably increased at the end of 2006 with the release of their Album "As Cruel As School Children" and the single "Cupid's Chokehold/Breakfast in America," which hit number four on Billboard's Hot 100 and remained in constant rotation on radio and MTV during the spring of 2007. From the word go, Gym Class Heroes have defined themselves via a free-thinking philosophy, always breaking musical boundaries and changing perceptions of what hip-hop or indie or rock can be. With "As Cruel As School Children," Gym Class Heroes make plain that they are proudly unified in their disorderly vision, confident that their integrity will pay off dividends in the end. For more information, go to http://www.gymclassheroes.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/gymclassheroes.

PARAMORE -- Performing at Meridien in Houston, TX (April 29)

Paramore, the rapidly emerging pop-punk quintet from Tennessee, has been building a near-deafening "next big thing" buzz. Driven by riveting live shows and the undeniable charisma of their front woman, 19-year-old Hayley Williams, they have captivated an increasingly rabid following. Confronted by the double-edged sword of overwhelming early praise, Paramore has risen to the challenge and recorded an album that happily delivers on all the claims made on their behalf. With their new Fueled By Ramen collection, "RIOT!," they announce that they have the talent, the passion, and the songs to take themselves to the next level! The band's rise has been the result of consistent hard work since Hayley first met guitarist Josh Farro and his younger brother Zac (drums) while they were together in school four years ago. After adding bassist Jeremy Davis, Paramore was formed in 2004. They played their first show in Nashville, and were soon building a local fan base. After just a few months of gigging, the band had their first big break in early 2005, when Fueled By Ramen founder John Janick saw them at a gig in Florida, was instantly struck by their presence and their dedication, and immediately signed them. Upon the release of their debut album, "All We Know Is Falling," in the summer of 2005, the music community began taking immediate notice of the band. Nonstop touring throughout 2006 continued to build momentum, culminating with a sold-out headlining tour of North America in the fall of 2006, as well as successful tours of both Europe and Japan. "Next big things" come and go, but it is obvious that Paramore has something special -- both talent and staying power. "RIOT" is the band's declaration of ambition, musical growth, and dedication.

SEAN KINGSTON -- Performing at Empire Ballroom in Las Vegas, NV (May 14)

Sean Kingston, the 18 year-old Miami born, Jamaica bred artist, is not just a new face in popular music; he's accomplished the rare task of creating a new genre where rap, reggae, pop, doo-wop and remarkable songwriting all combine into something totally refreshing. Discovered on the popular social networking site, MySpace, Kingston has become a force to be reckoned with since his debut, self-titled debut album launched on July 31, 2007 on Epic Records. Kingston continues to command the charts with his #1 smash hit in 21 countries, "Beautiful Girls," and his second and third top ten singles "Me Love" and "Take You There." Additionally, Sean is featured on Natasha Bedingfield's latest hit, "Love Like This." For more information on Sean Kingston, please visit http://www.seankingston.com/, http://www.myspace.com/SeanKingston or http://www.epicrecords.com/.

About the sponsors:

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsungwireless.com/.

About Samsung

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Employing approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication Network Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com/.

About Alltel

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has nearly 12 million customers. Alltel, NYSE: AT. For more information, please visit http://www.alltel.com/.

About Leap

Leap provides innovative, high-value wireless services to a fast-growing, young and ethnically diverse customer base. With the value of unlimited wireless services as the foundation of its business, Leap pioneered both the Cricket(R) and Jump(TM) Mobile services. The Company and its joint ventures now operate in 23 states and hold licenses in 35 of the top 50 U.S. markets. Through its affordable, flat-rate service plans, CricKet Wireless offers customers a choice of unlimited voice, text, data and mobile Web services. Jump Mobile is a unique prepaid wireless service designed for the mobile-dependent, urban youth market. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Leap is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "LEAP." For more information, please visit http://www.leapwireless.com/.

About U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular is the nation's sixth-largest wireless service carrier, providing wireless service to six million customers in 26 states. The Chicago-based company employs 8,000 associates and operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customer needs by providing a comprehensive range of wireless products and services, superior customer support, and a high-quality network.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Samsung Telecommunications America

CONTACT: Danielle Dorfman, +1-310-720-2651, danielledorf@yahoo.com; or
Ashley Lane, +1-972-301-5407, alane@mww.com, or Makenzie Blythe,
+1-972-301-5411, mblythe@mww.com, both of MWW Group, all for Samsung

Web site:

http://www.samsungwireless.com/
http://www.samsung.com/
http://www.samsungsoundcheck.com/
http://www.alltel.com/
http://www.leapwireless.com/
http://www.gymclassheroes.com/
http://www.seankingston.com/

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