press room
For Immediate Release
10/31/2007Contact:
Beth Olsen
Goodman Media International for Americans for the Arts
212.576.2700 ext. 243 or bolsen@goodmanmedia.com
Music from the Upcoming Film “August Rush” to Debut at New York City Center Benefit Concert for Americans for the Arts
NEW YORK, October 29, 2007 – “August Rush” producer Richard Barton Lewis joins Americans for the Arts in presenting the benefit concert “A Celebration of Music,” Friday, November 9, 8:30 p.m. at the New York City Center. The special one-night-only event will highlight new music and some familiar favorites inspired by Warner Bros. Pictures’ music-driven drama “August Rush,” set in New York City.
“August Rush” stars Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Leon Thomas III and Jamia Simone Nash will perform pieces from the film along with soundtrack artists John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting), David Crosby and Impact Repertory Theatre, under the direction of legendary music producer Phil Ramone. The Berklee College of Music Symphony will also perform, plus surprise guests to be announced later. The program, which offers a lively and eclectic mix of musical styles, will also showcase selections from Grammy Award-winning composer Mark Mancina’s original score.
All proceeds from this event will benefit Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts in America for nearly 50 years.
Tickets, on sale now, include a range of extras: autographed soundtrack CDs from the film, VIP access and backstage passes to meet the artists, donor recognition and the opportunity to extend individual sponsorships for local music students to attend the event.
“August Rush,” in theaters November 21, tells the story of a charismatic young Irish guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered young cellist (Keri Russell) who have a chance encounter one magical night above New York’s Washington Square but are torn apart, leaving in their wake an infant, August, orphaned by circumstance. Now performing on the streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious stranger (Robin Williams), August (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. The film, which also stars Terrence Howard, is directed by Kirsten Sheridan and produced by Richard Barton Lewis from a screenplay by Nick Castle and James V. Hart, story by Paul Castro and Nick Castle.
For tickets and information about the November 9th concert in New York, please contact CityTix at (212)581-1212; www.nycitycenter.org and New York City Center Box Office. VIP tickets and sponsor packages are available by calling Blue Room Events at (877) 252-7814.
Concert schedule and performances are subject to change. For more information visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.
