The Third Annual Hennessy Artistry Concert Series to Feature Inaugural Curator Ne-Yo

The Third Annual Hennessy Artistry Concert Series to Feature Inaugural Curator Ne-Yo

Tour to Visit Six Cities Across the U.S. Featuring Ne-Yo in Los Angeles, Miami and New York

NEW YORK, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy, the number 1 selling cognac in the world, announced today that it will once again host the annual Hennessy artistry concert series this fall. For the first time the tour will involve a curator who will represent the style of Hennessy, as well as "Flaunt their Taste" through the planning and execution of all the elements of the concert series. Acclaimed R&B artist Ne-Yo will be the first Hennessy artistry curator. As the curator, Ne-Yo will use his distinct taste to create a unique concert experience with both class and urban style. Ne-Yo will influence all aspects of the tour, from selecting the performers to crafting the concerts' design elements and atmosphere.

"Hennessy and I are a good mix," said Ne-Yo. "Hennessy is known for its skilled blending of tradition with trendy innovation in its drinks and in its appeal. That's a lot like what I try to do with my music. I'm always trying to find the right balance of class and urban style."

"With his unique mix of classic refinement and hip-hop appeal, Ne-Yo is the perfect curator to shape the ambiance of the Hennessy artistry concert series," said Andy Glaser, SVP of Hennessy U.S. "Ne-Yo will create Hennessy's mix of class and style in the concerts' settings."

The series will kick off in Los Angeles on September 17th, 2008, the day after Ne-Yo's third album "The Year of the Gentleman" is released. Ne-Yo, along with LL Cool J and DJ's Berrie and Mars will take the stage to entertain guests at the first of these invite-only performances.

Ne-Yo debuted in 2006 with his album "In My Own Words," which became a certified RIAA double-platinum album. In 2008 Ne-Yo won a Grammy for the Best Contemporary R&B Album for his second CD "Because of You." Ne-Yo has also been recognized for his remarkable songwriting, writing songs such as Rhianna's "Unfaithful," Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" and songs for Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias.

The sequential artists and cities will be:

-- Ne-Yo with special guest L.L. Cool J
* Wednesday, September 17, Los Angeles
-- Ashanti with DJ Kiss and DJ Sky Nellor
* Thursday, September 25, Chicago
-- Eve with DJ Jus Ske and DJ Irie
* Saturday, September 27, Detroit
-- Ne-Yo with special guest Fat Joe
* Wednesday, October 1, Miami
-- Musiq SoulChild with DJ Rashida and DJ Ruckus
* Saturday, October 4, New Orleans

The Hennessy artistry 2008 concert tour will culminate in October in New York with the highly anticipated Finale Event featuring some of the most formidable performers in music today. The finale event will also feature elements of Hennessy's "Flaunt Your Taste" ad campaign.

The tour is hosted exclusively by Hennessy which boasts a long and supportive partnership with emerging and established music talent. The tour will also feature the brand's signature cocktails; Hennessy Sidecar, Hennessy Mojito and Hennessy Ginger showcasing the cognac's classic and trendy flavor to local U.S. cities encouraging the art of global mixing.

Hennessy Cognac, the No. 1-selling cognac in the world, is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA and is a subsidiary of LVMH (Moet Hennessy-Louis Vuitton). Hennessy distills, ages and blends a full range of marques, including Hennessy V.S, Privilege V.S.O.P., X.O, Paradis and Richard Hennessy.

Source: Moet Hennessy USA

CONTACT: Cragin Brown, +1-212-420-9420, ext. 36, or +1-518-796-9533,
CBrown@StrategicGroup.tv, for Moet Hennessy USA

-------
Profile: intent