Live Event Benefits New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund
Fuse to Air Benefit Concert Live in HD and Commercial-Free
Citi Cardmembers Eligible for Exclusive Presale
Madison Square Garden’s national music network Fuse and MSG Entertainment today announced that JAY-Z will play a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, underwritten by ABSOLUT, JAY-Z and Live Nation, on September 11 at 9pm ET that will air exclusively in HD and commercial-free, live on Fuse. All proceeds from the concert will go towards New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, the organization that has been helping New York City families of fallen first responders for over 25 years. The exclusive relationship between MSGE and Fuse will allow JAY-Z’s fans nationwide to experience “Fuse Presents JAY-Z Live from Madison Square Garden: Answer the Call,” the highly anticipated live event, the same day his 11th studio album, TheBlueprint 3is released.
For this live event, 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise will go directly to New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Since its inception, the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund has distributed over $114 million to the families of New York City police and fire personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Though the Benefit Fund was initially created to assist families of New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers, the non-profit now includes the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Officers as well. For more information on the organization, go to www.answerthecall.org.
The on-sale date and method of purchase will be announced shortly. After the announcement, Citi card members will have access to presale tickets through Citi's Private Pass(R) program. For complete presale details visit: www.citiprivatepass.com and for more information on programming surrounding this event, go to www.fuse.tv/jay-z.
The events of September 11th challenged JAY-Z as an entertainer and a New Yorker. This benefit concert serves as not just a reminder of the lives lost but as a look towards the future and the hope that arose on September 12th. "This charity and concert encompass the true spirit of New York City,” commented Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. “We are asking everyone to 'answer the call' and support and honor the families of those that lost their lives in the line of duty. There was true camaraderie and resiliency that this city showed the world in 2001, and we continue that today by taking care of our own."
"On behalf of New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund’s Board of Directors and the families of our fallen heroes, we are truly grateful for JAY-Z's choice to support our charity and ‘answering the call’,” said Stephen J. Dannhauser, president and CEO of the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
Kicking off with the live airing of “Fuse Presents JAY-Z Live from Madison Square Garden: Answer the Call,” on September 11 at 9pm ET, Fuse will feature additional JAY-Z programming in support of the Benefit Fund and The Blueprint 3’s release throughout the weekend. Content will include “The JAY-Z Chronicles,” tracing his career and rise to the top through music videos and facts, “Loaded: JAY-Z,” featuring a half-hour of JAY-Z’s greatest music videos, and encore performances of the concert.
The unique relationship between MSG Entertainment and Fuse offers music lovers distinct multi-platform access to JAY-Z and the opportunity to support, along with JAY-Z, an important New York City cause. Through television, on-line exposure at MSGE venue websites and msg.com, and cross-venue assets, JAY-Z will benefit from MSG’s multi-tiered exposure to his fans, ultimately further promoting this important charity.
“MSGE and Fuse are honored to support JAY-Z’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for a great cause through this unique live concert and television event,” said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media. “By utilizing Madison Square Garden’s historic venue, Fuse’s national reach of 65 million homes as well as our on air programming and promotional efforts, we hope to help JAY-Z reach fans by giving back through music.”
“Together, MSGE and Fuse are thrilled to support JAY-Z’s upcoming charity performance at The Garden and provide significant exposure to his fans in efforts to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Jay Marciano, president, MSG Entertainment. “There is no better outcome than when an evening of great music can excite fans and help people in need at the same time. Through MSG’s unique assets, thousands of fans will be able to experience JAY-Z live exclusively on Fuse, bringing JAY-Z closer to potential donors and ultimately raising awareness for a meaningful cause.”
MSGE and Fuse have the joint power to offer a special experience to artists - with legendary venues, national television exposure and programming, along with combined marketing power to garner attention from an expansive network of music lovers. JAY-Z will join artists including Dave Matthews Band, Kanye West and Fall Out Boy who have all taken advantage of this type of collaborative series.
About MSG Entertainment
MSG Entertainment (MSGE), the live entertainment arm of Cablevision Systems Corporations, is a worldwide entertainment company recognized for its signature combination of event production and entertainment marketing. In addition to the nearly 700 entertainment concerts and events that take place each year at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, The Beacon Theatre and The Chicago Theatre, MSGE has an exclusive co-booking agreement with Boston’s Citi Performing Arts Center/ Wang Theatre. MSG Entertainment's live events include The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which includes the national arena tour and the theatrical tour and has played to more than 43 different cities across North America. Additionally, MSGE has an ongoing partnership with Cirque Du Soleil to create new content and productions for its venues. Wintuk, which premiered in 2007, was built exclusively for the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden and runs every holiday season. More than six million people attend MSG Entertainment branded events annually including concerts, special events, and family attractions.
About Fuse
Fuse brings viewers closer to their favorite artists and bands by featuring original series and specials, exclusive interviews, live concerts and video blocks - all rooted in the music experience. Celebrating the hit makers of today, familiar favorites and edgy newcomers, Fuse accommodates the wide ranging tastes and attitudes of its 18-34 year-old audience with compelling music programming on-air, on-line, on-demand and via mobile technologies. Fuse is a part of MSG Media, which includes television networks MSG and MSG Plus and MSG Interactive, which oversees all company wireless and online initiatives. MSG Media is a division of Madison Square Garden, L.P., which is owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, and includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); MSG Entertainment, which includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Wang Center, the Beacon Theatre, as well as the legendary Chicago Theatre, and which manages wholly-owned live entertainment properties including the Radio City Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Additional information about Fuse can be found at http://press.fuse.tv/
About Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter
Since 1995, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter has dominated the rap industry and set trends for a generation. Now in 2009, he personifies the “American Dream. Founder and chairman of, Rocawear, he is also co-owner of the NJ Nets, 40/40 sports clubs, co-owner of Carol’s Daughter skin line and Translation Advertising. After three successful years as President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Kanye West, JAY-Z entered into a partnership with Live Nation to form Roc Nation. Through Roc Nation, on September 11, 2009, JAY-Z will release Blueprint 3, the last chapter of the critically acclaimed Blueprint trilogy. JAY-Z became the first non-athlete to enter into a major footwear co-venture with his S. Carter line for Reebok and in addition, continues his philanthropic work through his Water For Life initiative and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Over his career, the multiple Grammy and award winner has sold more than 40 million albums and sold out arenas across the world.
Contacts:
For Fuse:
Lauren Melone, 212-324-3401
lmelone@fuse.tv
or
For
MSGE:
Liz Bishko, 212-465-6360
elizabeth.bishko@thegarden.com
or
For
JAY-Z:
Jana Fleishman, 646-688-0517
janafleishman@gmail.com