Bobby Z and the American Heart Association present the 3rd Annual Benefit 2 Celebrate Life! concert on June 28 at First Ave. in Minneapolis

Bobby Z and the American Heart Association present the 3rd Annual Benefit 2 Celebrate Life! concert on June 28 at First Ave. in Minneapolis

"Purple Rain" actress Apollonia to host VIP Reception, kick off concert

MINNEAPOLIS, May 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 3rd annual "Benefit 2 Celebrate Life! Bobby Z & Friends" will return to the stage at First Avenue, in Minneapolis, on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale May 9.

Robert Rivkin, better known as Bobby Z the former drummer for Prince & The Revolution and Purple Rain-fame, and his organization, My Purple Heart, will again partner with the American Heart Association to host the event to raise heart-health awareness on the third anniversary of Bobby's near-fatal heart attack.

This year's concert will bring Purple Rain actress Apollonia Kotero back to Minneapolis and First Avenue--for the first time since the release of the Oscar and GRAMMY-winning film 30 years ago. She will host the VIP Reception beginning at 6 p.m.

"It was an amazing experience, a dream come true, to sing and act alongside Prince and become dear friends with all the members of The Revolution while filming Purple Rain," Kotero said. "It will be my first time back to First Ave and it will be surreal. When I was told in 2011 of my dear friend Bobby's near death experience, I dropped to the floor and cried. I have lost others in my life to heart disease so I want to support Bobby's efforts to raise awareness and save lives."

The concert will include performances from Sounds of Blackness--Minneapolis's GRAMMY-winning ensemble; former American Idol contestant Paris Bennett; and more performers to be announced.

"The Sounds of Blackness is honored to partner with Bobby Z and the American Heart Association and use the power of music to spread awareness about heart disease and stroke empowering the community to live healthier," said Gary Hines, music director for Sounds of Blackness.

Bobby Z, was in critical condition after three blocked arteries caused a heart attack in February 2011. Doctors were able to open his blockages with three stents which has allowed Z to make a full recovery.

"This concert series has become a unique way I can use my passion for music and heart-health to reach new audiences with important messages," said Z.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Z's "My Purple Heart" organization and the American Heart Association for continued heart-health education.

Limited General Admission tickets are $30 until June 1; after that remaining General Admission tickets will be $50. VIP Admission is $100 and includes early admission, exclusive viewing with host Apollonia, photo opps, and VIP laminate. Doors open at 6 p.m. for VIP and 7 p.m. for General Admission. Concert begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale to the public at noon, May 9, through First Avenue at www.first-avenue.com.

For more information visit www.heart.org/BenefitConcert or www.mypurpleheart.org.

SOURCE American Heart Association

American Heart Association

CONTACT: American Heart Association, Elizabeth Warmka, Elizabeth.warmka@heart.org, 651-245-2293; Or First Avenue, Machen Davis, machen@first-avenue.com

Web Site: http://www.heart.org/BenefitConcert


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