Heineken USA Kicks-Off with Heineken Red Star Soul

29/08/06 Heineken USA hits a soulful note with the September kick-off of Heineken Red Star Soul, a series of live musical concerts and events that celebrates and recognizes emerging and established artists and individuals who have blazed independent paths to success in the soul music category.

Heineken Red Star Soul concerts, will be an invitation-only music experience and feature performances by soul music's established and emerging artists including Angie Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Floetry, Lyfe Jennings, Amel Larrieux, Raheem DaVaughn, Bilal, Goapele, Leela James, and Dwele'. At each Concert, which will be part of a series of events happening locally in eight participating cities, Heineken will also present the Independent Achiever Award to a local rising star who has experienced success while making a positive impact on the music community.

"Heineken Red Star Soul lends a spotlight to performers who are inspiring a generation with their aspirational spirit and undeniable talent," said Andy Glaser, Heineken brand director. "We're proud to share this premium experience and these talented performers with our consumers and to provide a forum to showcase rising talents in soul music. Red Star Soul is another example of Heineken's long-term commitment to bring original and innovative music experiences to our consumers."

The concert aspect of the event series begins on September 12 in Philadelphia and concludes in early November in Atlanta. The lineup includes:

* Philadelphia, Theater of the Living Arts, 9/12:  Floetry, Goapele, Raheem DeVaughn, Emily King, Chrisette Michele, Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby

* Detroit, Bleu, 9/20:  Amel Larrieux, Dwele', Raheem DeVaughn, Politicks and Chrisette Michele

* Cleveland, HOB, 9/25:  Lyfe Jennings, Cheri Dennis, Raheem DeVaughn, Noel, Politicks and Chrisette Michele

* New York, Nokia Center, 10/2:  Raphael Saadiq, Raheem DeVaughn, Emily King, Chrisette Michele, Robin Thicke, Claudette Ortiz, Ryan Toby and Politicks

* Chicago, Park West, 10/10:  Angie Stone, Raheem DeVaughn, Bilal, Chrisette Michele and Politicks

* Washington, D.C., Love, 10/20:  Robin Thicke, Raheem DeVaughn, Emily King, Chrisette Michele, Governor, Ryan Toby, Claudette Ortiz and Politicks

* Houston, The Parador, 10/25:  Bilal, Leela James, Raheem DeVaughn, Chrisette Michele and Mirrah

* Atlanta, Center Stage, 11/8:  Donnell Jones, Shareefa, Raheem DeVaughn, Chrisette Michele and Politicks

Music industry icons Kenny Burns, Trinidad Mann and Jenine Simone will each host selected shows during Heineken Red Star Soul. Burns, a former Vice President of Roc-A-Fella Records and Co-founder of men's fashion line RyanKenny, has guided the careers of many of today's top stars including Kanye West and Monica.

Trinidad is a rising star who has appeared in films such as "G," "Karma" and the upcoming film, "Third Miracle." She has performed with numerous artists, including Jamie Foxx, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J and Faith Evans. Jenine Simone is a recording artist and producer based in Houston, Texas.