Media, News, Sponsorship

ALICIA KEYS
RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA
WITH SPECIAL GUEST JORDIN SPARKS

Multi Grammy award-winning R&B superstar ALICIA KEYS will perform in the next series of 'a day on the green' concerts announced today.

Alicia will perform at three events in Perth, the Hunter Valley and Bowral as part of her December Australian tour. Special guest support artist will be chart-topper JORDIN SPARKS, with LOWRIDER opening the day.

With 30 million album sales, 11 Grammy Awards, 4 US #1 albums, a name-check from Bob Dylan, and most recently being awarded the prestigious honour of recording the next James Bond theme with Jack White, Alicia Keys has set herself apart from her contemporaries. Selling almost 20 million singles, Alicia has created instant classics with the likes of 'Fallin', 'A Woman's Worth', 'Karma' and 'Superwoman', and has become one of the brightest stars of this decade.

The release of her fourth album As I Am received a rapturous response from fans, as they sent it sailing to a #1 debut on the US Billboard chart, achieving the highest first week sales of any female R&B artist in history. 'No One' received two Grammy Awards and peaked at #2 on the Australian charts. The media have been just as taken with what is, arguably, Alicia's finest work to date.

Spin announced that: "On her melodically powerful third studio album, she matures into the matriarch of her genre." Blender were awestruck, offering: "The music is dizzying, even mesmerizing." The New York Times pronounced that "As I Am radiates not just confidence but also experience. On the whole it's her strongest effort yet." And People Magazine declared that Alicia continued to "scale artistic heights on As I Am" ranking the album their #1 for the year.

Those witnessing the live shows have been similarly wowed. The Independent enthused that "Keys proves she's still in a league of her own," while the Manchester Evening News gushed "Despite lyrics bursting with attitude and huge critical acclaim the performing arts school valedictorian remarkably remains more dignified than diva. And it is that, teamed with her ability to both silence and excite her audience through her performance at the piano that secures Keys' place among modern R&B royalty."

Alicia received rave reviews and sold out every single show on her first Australian tour in 2004, so to say a return visit has been eagerly-awaited is an understatement!

The tour's special guest will be the esteemed JORDIN SPARKS, who will be playing her first live shows in Australia. Winner of American Idol in 2007, it took Jordin little time to establish herself as one of the stars of 2008. Capturing a worldwide audience following the release of her debut album Jordin Sparks and single 'Tattoo', it wasn't until Jordin handed the reins to her fans, that things really took off. Allowing them the privilege of choosing her second single, they settled on 'No Air' which saw Jordin hit #1 around the world - including Australia.

Hip-hop funk enthusiasts LOWRIDER will open all shows. The band drew major attention upon securing the opening slot for Christina Aguilera's Australian 2007 tour. 2008 saw more milestones achieved as they toured nationally with the Big Day Out and released their sophomore record Diamond Amongst The Thieves (out now through Illusive).

Alicia Keys, Jordin Sparks and Lowrider concert dates are:

SATURDAY DECEMBER 13 BIMBADGEN ESTATE, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW
A Reserve Seat: $199.90 plus b/fee
B Reserve Seat: $149.90 plus b/fee
General Admission: $105 plus b/fee
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.com .au or 136 100
For transport enquiries: Rover Coaches (02) 4990 1699
For accommodation enquiries, contact Hunter Valley Wine Country (02) 4990 0900.
For VIP dinner & show packages, contact Bimbadgen Estate on (02) 4998 7585 or Ticketmaster on (03) 9685 2477.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 14 CENTENNIAL VINEYARDS, BOWRAL, NSW
A Reserve Seat: $199.90 plus b/fee
B Reserve Seat: $149.90 plus b/fee
General Admission: $105 plus b/fee
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.com .au or 136 100
For transport enquiries: Berrima Buslines (02) 4871 3211
For accommodation enquiries, contact Southern Highland Tourism 1300 657 559
For VIP dinner & show packages, contact Centennial Vineyards on (02) 4861 8701 or Ticketmaster on (03) 9685 2477.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 20 SANDALFORD WINES, SWAN VALLEY, WA
A Reserve Seat: $199.90 plus b/fee
B Reserve Seat: $149.90 plus b/fee
General Admission: $105 plus b/fee
Tickets available from Ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100
For VIP dinner & show packages, contact Ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION FOR ALL SHOWS
'a day on the green' is a fully licensed event. Strictly no BYO alcohol.
Food will be available on site or BYO picnic. Picnic rugs and deck chairs are recommended.

For full event information, please visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY AUGUST 22