BLUE FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS® RETURNS TO CHICAGO WITH THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN; BLUE JAM SESSIONS(SM) TO BENEFIT MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Morrissey, Outkast's Big Boi, Counting Crows, Graham Colton Band, Sleepy Brown, Jem and More to Jam at the House of Blues in Support of Blue For Music
NEW YORK, June 22, 2004 -- Blue from American Express will return to Chicago to once again support local public school music education programs. Some of the hottest acts in music will take the stage for Blue Jam Sessions, July 15-17, at the House of Blues in Chicago, as part of Blue from American Express’ continued Blue For Music effort to raise money and awareness for music education programs in America’s public schools. Net proceeds from ticket sales to the concert series will benefit participating Chicago-area public schools.
"Music education programs play a vital role in raising successful, well-rounded children, but many programs are facing cut backs," said John Hayes, Chief Marketing Officer, American Express. "The Blue Jam Sessions present a powerful means of rallying Chicagoans around an important cause, and promise to be exciting experiences for Cardmembers. We are proud to bring a roster of great artists to Chicago to support music education programs in this city."
Ticket Sales and Ticket Giveaway Promotions
Beginning Sunday, June 27, at 10:00 am, American Express® Cardmembers can purchase tickets for Blue Jam Sessions at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (312) 559-1212. Tickets are general admission and cost $55. Chicago music fans can also win tickets through local radio station giveaway promotions. In addition, through a national radio partnership with Westwood One/Premiere, fans outside the Chicago market can enter to win flyaway trips to Chicago and tickets to Blue Jam Sessions.
Through Blue For Music — a collection of events, programs and exclusive offers that give Cardmembers unique music experiences — American Express will donate net proceeds from Blue Jam Sessions ticket sales to Chicago public schools via the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.1
For more information about Blue Jam Sessions in Chicago - including news on exclusive Cardmember events & radio promotions — log on to www.americanexpress.com/bluechicago.
Blue Jam Sessions Concert Schedule
Thursday, July 15 – Big Boi of Outkast and Sleepy Brown
Friday, July 16 – Counting Crows, Graham Colton Band and Jem
Saturday, July 17 – Morrissey
Blue For Music in Chicago and Beyond
In 2003, American Express raised more than $1 million for U.S. public school music education programs through Blue For Music programs. In Chicago, legendary rocker Sting helped raise $300,000 at the Blue Cash® from American Express launch concert in Grant Park in October of 2003. Part of the ongoing Blue For Music effort, the concert drew over 40,000 fans and raised enough money to put new instruments in the hands of music students from 12 Chicago public schools.
American Express has committed to raising another $1 million nationwide in 2004 toward the cause. At Blue Jam Sessions in Los Angeles earlier this year, top musicians, including Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Stevie Wonder, The Strokes, Counting Crows, Mary J. Blige, Jewel and Dashboard Confessional, performed to help raise $200,000 in support of music education programs. Additionally, as presenting sponsor of Sting’s 2004 U.S. tour, Blue For Music will receive one dollar for every ticket sold to the concerts. Funds raised through ticket sales will directly benefit music education programs across the U.S.
About Blue For Music
Since its 1999 launch, Blue from American Express has been closely connected to the world of music. In addition to delivering special Blue concerts, music deals and online music opportunities over the years, Blue For Music helps build support for music education programs in public schools nationwide. The need for funding and support remains high, as studies have shown that students involved in music, on average, perform better in standardized tests, have improved spatial abilities, and are more likely to stay in school and go on to college.
For the second consecutive year, American Express is proud to contribute funds raised through Blue For Music activities to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education in America’s public schools by restoring music programs in cities across the country and raising awareness about the importance of music participation among our nation’s youth. Since the VH1 Save The Music Foundation’s inception in 1997, 1000 public schools in 80 cities have had their music programs restored and have placed instruments in the hands of 500,000 children. Visit www.americanexpress.com/blueformusic for more information.
About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, network, and financial services provider founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking.
1 Donations are not tax deductible for Cardmembers.
