Approximately 40,000 lucky fans will experience Sting and special guest Jonny Lang in a unique ticketed event to support the launch of an innovative national advertising and marketing campaign for Blue Cash from American Express — the company's newest credit card that offers a cash rebate of up to five percent(1). The concert follows the release of Sting's tenth solo album, Sacred Love, available September 30.

Sting Concert: Chicago and Across the US
Beginning September 23, Chicagoans will see heavy “Blue 5” branding throughout the city as part of an intensive effort to make it nearly impossible for locals to miss Blue Cash. Advertising will heavily emphasize the up-to-5 percent cash back benefit that inspires the “Blue 5” imagery canvasing Chicago. Also starting September 23, local fans will be able to win Sting tickets through radio promotions on WXRT (93.1 FM) Chicago, and they will be able to purchase VIP tickets online at www.StingAtTheBlue5.com. From September 29 to October 5, thousands of free tickets will be distributed by “Blue Cash Roadies,” a high-tech street team that will visit various Chicagoland locations to offer fans on-the-spot opportunities to win tickets. A lucky few will win backstage passes and the opportunity to meet Sting and his band before the show.

Outside the Chicago market, Sting fans can experience the show as well. Blue Cash has partnered with radio stations in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, Dallas, Houston and Washington, D.C., to create flyaway promotions that include trips to Chicago and tickets to the Sting concert.

“American Express has a history of delivering extraordinary experiences to our Cardmembers, and the Chicago concert will be no exception, as we showcase one of the world's most popular music artists to help launch our campaign promoting Blue Cash,” said Gordon Smith, president of the Consumer Card Services Group at American Express. “Sting is an icon and a perfect partner for an innovative campaign that introduces Blue Cash to Chicago with excitement and high impact.”

Fundraising for Music Education
American Express will sell special VIP tickets to the Sting concert, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit “Save the Music” programs in Chicago-area schools. This is part of a year-long effort by American Express and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation to help raise $1 million and awareness for music education programs in U.S. public schools. While general admission tickets are free, a limited number of VIP tickets will go on sale September 23 at www.StingAtTheBlue5.com. VIP tickets will admit concertgoers through a private entrance and provide food, beverage, and a special viewing area from which to enjoy the show.

“I look forward to seeing our Chicago fans and sharing with them some classics as well as some of the new songs from my latest album, Sacred Love,” said Sting. “As a longtime supporter of Save the Music, it's my pleasure to perform a concert that will benefit the cause.”

Chicago Marketing Campaign
In addition to the Sting concert, an eye-popping marketing and promotion campaign will raise awareness about Blue Cash. Chicago residents and visitors will see commuter trains, buses and London-style taxis fully wrapped in Blue Cash creative. In addition, a giant “Blue 5” will be projected onto clouds and nearby buildings each evening from Grant Park. Blue Cash ads will dominate local train stations, appear on bus shelters and glow from backlit sidewalk display panels throughout the city. Spectacular-sized billboards will appear in strategic locations around town, as will backlit posters in local health clubs. Many other visual elements will appear prominently around the market.

In conjunction with the local Chicago activities, Blue Cash will be featured in an aggressive national television, print, radio and online advertising and promotions campaign that includes heavy ad buys in 10 key U.S. markets and the flyaway contests to Chicago.

Concert Details
On October 7 at the “Blue 5,” Grant Park gates will open at 4:00 PM, and the show begins promptly at 7:00 PM. Tickets are required for admission. The main entrances to the concert grounds are on Columbus Street between Monroe and Jackson, adjacent to the Art Institute. All seating is general admission for seats on the park grass. Fans may bring blankets for comfort, but no chairs of any kind will be permitted. Glass bottles, coolers and controlled substances are strictly prohibited.

About Blue Cash
Blue Cash was created for forward-thinking, optimistic, financially savvy and young-minded individuals who are interested in great value, and in exploring the ways innovative tools can help simplify their lives. Blue Cash has no annual fee, allows extended payment over time, and offers a 0 percent introductory rate(2) on purchases for six months, as well as a variety of other valuable benefits and services. For more information about Blue Cash, click here.

About American Express
American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial services and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. For more information about Blue Cash and American Express Cards and services, click here.

(1) Annual cash reward for everyday purchases at stand-alone U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, drugstores and home improvement stores is up to 3 percent. Stand-alone locations do not include the departments of superstores or warehouse clubs where the standard rebate of up to 1.5 percent applies. Your annual cash reward for all other purchases is up to 1.5 percent. You will receive an additional rebate of up to 2 percent in months in which your account carries a balance. Your cash rewards are limited to $50,000 of annual eligible spending. Balance transfers do not earn a cash back reward.

(2) There is 0 percent introductory APR on purchases for the first six months. Then a variable APR on Purchases of either 8.99 percent, 10.99 percent, or 13.99 percent as of 08/30/03. The variable APR for Cash Advances is 18.99 percent as of 08/30/03. Default APR is up to 23.99 percent.