Thalia Helps Launch Fiesta Tour McDonald's(R) Cross-Country Latin Music Celebration

Thalia Helps Launch Fiesta Tour McDonald's(R) Cross-Country Latin Music Celebration

Puerto Rican Day Parade Marks First Stop of the Fiesta Tour McDonald's(R) Music Experience in its Trek to Las Vegas for the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards

OAK BROOK, Illinois, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- International superstar actress and songstress Thalia today helped launch the Fiesta Tour McDonald's(R) Music Experience on its cross-country trip to the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards, set to take place on November 5, 2009 in Las Vegas. The mobile music exhibit, which includes memorabilia from iconic Latino artists from yesterday and today, will visit 10 cities from June through November 2009.

Housed in a 50-plus foot vehicle, the exhibit is a walk-through display of artifacts and memorabilia loaned by more than 50 Latin musicians. Organized by decades, from the 1950's to the present, the exhibit includes items from Celia Cruz, Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee, Alejandro Sanz, Pepe Aguilar, Cristian Castro, Beto Cuevas, Mana, and Ivy Queen just to name a few.

"The Fiesta Tour McDonald's exhibit celebrates Hispanics' love for music and recognizes artists like Thalia, who has demonstrated such a strong commitment to education and whose music not only lives in the hearts of our community but is part of our cultural roots," said Cristina Vilella, Director of Marketing, McDonald's. "We are thrilled to offer communities across the country the rare opportunity to view first-hand these special items belonging to their favorite musicians."

Thalia's donation of an outfit, which she wore during a performance at an awards ceremony, is the newest addition to the exhibit. "The Fiesta Tour McDonald's exhibit is a one-of-a-kind compilation of items and great moments in Latin music history," said Thalia. "Every item has a unique story, including the outfit which I wore during the 2008 Premios Juventud awards. The cause of Hispanic education and culture is a lifelong passion of mine, and I applaud McDonald's for organizing this celebration of our music and making it available for so many people to enjoy."

The Fiesta Tour McDonald's will also be visiting select high schools in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Dallas as part of McDonald's sponsorship of the Latin GRAMMY(R) In the Schools Program; a unique education initiative that brings together a panel of music industry experts and musicians who visit the schools to talk to students about the importance of education and to share their experiences in the music industry. "The Latin GRAMMY(R) In the Schools Program is a great way to motivate students to pursue their dreams," said Vilella. "Having the opportunity to hear about how some of their favorite artists started their careers and the importance they place on education is a fabulous experience for these kids."

Additionally, the Latin GRAMMY Street Parties are a way to bring the excitement of the Latin GRAMMYs to each city, which feature established as well as up-and-coming artists.

Tour Schedule
Date City Event
June 13th &14th New York Puerto Rican Day Parade
July 25th & 26th Chicago National Council of La Raza Conference
Sept 12th Atlanta Fiestas Patrias 2009
Sept 19th Indianapolis Fiestas Patrias 2009
Sept 27th New Jersey Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties
Oct 4th Chicago Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties
Oct 11th Miami Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties
Oct 18th Los Angeles Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties
Oct 25th Dallas Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties
Nov 5th Las Vegas 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY(R)

(For additional festival and school event locations visit www.meencanta.com)

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants.

About The Latin Recording Academy(R)

The Latin Recording Academy is an International, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY(R) Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

About the Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties

Produced by Eventus under the authorization of The Latin Recording Academy, the Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties promote the creative spirit, diversity and artistic achievement of Latin music through a series of grassroot festivals featuring concerts and promotional activities in top US Hispanic Markets. In 2009, the Street Parties celebrate its seventh year anniversary.

(C) 2009 McDonald's

Note: GRAMMY(R), Latin GRAMMY(R), the Latin GRAMMY logo and Latin GRAMMY(R) Street Parties(TM) are brands property of The Recording Academy.

Source: McDonald's

CONTACT: Cristina Alfaro, McDonald's, +1-630-623-6432,
cristina.alfaro@us.mcd.com; or Aimee Duenas, Valencia, Perez & Echeveste,
+1-626-403-3200, ext. 210, aimee@vpepr.com

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