Hispanic First-Time Home Buyers Ready to Move the Market

July 14, 2015

Hispanic First-Time Home Buyers Ready to Move the Market

More than half expect to make a 20 percent down payment, according to a TD Bank survey

CHERRY HILL, N.J., July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Saving for a down payment of 20 percent or more may be difficult for Hispanic first-time home buyers but, according to research released today by TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®, they want to try to make it happen. The bank polled more than 1,000 Americans looking to purchase their first home within the next five years.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131120/MM21057LOGO

The First-Time Home Buyer Pulse revealed that 66 percent of Hispanics surveyed who are planning to buy a home in the next five years would like to provide a sizable down payment of 20 percent or more. In addition, 66 percent of Hispanics indicated that they are having trouble saving for a down payment.

“Many first-time buyers today are finding it difficult to save for a large down payment, especially young adults who are saddled with substantial student loan debt,” said Scott Haymore, Head of Mortgage Pricing and Secondary Markets, TD Bank. “The great news is that many lenders today are offering home affordability and down payment assistance programs so it’s important for these buyers and potential buyers to shop around for a mortgage and learn more about the options available to them.”

Hispanic First-Time Home Buyers Are Keeping Their Finance Options Open

Hispanic first-time home buyers are keeping their options open in terms of how they plan to purchase their first home. The top three options Hispanics consider include cash savings, 30-year mortgage, and affordability program.
Hispanics (46 percent) are more likely than the general population (38 percent) to consider affordability programs.
The majority of Hispanics (71 percent) will buy their first home with a spouse/partner, compared with 56 percent of the general population.

“Finding a lender should be a buyer’s first step when searching for a home,” said Haymore. “Today, mortgages are not one size fits all – in order to find the option that best fits your needs and budgets discuss your financial situation with a lender you trust.”

Hispanic First-Time Home Buyers Are Looking for Move-in Ready Homes

More than half of Hispanics (62 percent) are interested in buying a move-in ready home as their first home.
Nearly one third of Hispanic first-time home buyers (32 percent) are looking for a home in a big city or urban area, compared with 20 percent of the general population.
When purchasing a home, the top three amenities that Hispanic first-time home buyers seek include a backyard or pool, an attractive design, and close proximity to water and green spaces.

Hispanics Face Roadblocks When Purchasing Their First Home

The top four roadblocks preventing Hispanics from buying their first home include saving money for a down payment, paying down debt, steady employment and finding a home in their price range.
In addition, nearly a quarter of Hispanics (22 percent) feel like they can’t find a home that meets their needs and wants.

Nearly half of Hispanics surveyed (46 percent) plan to buy their first home in the next one to two years, and 38 percent plan on purchasing in the next three to five years. Additionally, when ready to purchase a home, Hispanics indicate that mortgage rates are the most valuable asset compared to a realtor or insurance costs.

Additional highlights from the First-Time Home Buyer Pulse are available at http://mediaroom.tdbank.com/homebuyer.

Survey Methodology
The total sample includes 1,002 respondents who are not currently homeowners and are considering purchasing a home in the next 5 years. The National sample size of 1,002 has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%. Data has been weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the population. The survey was fielded June 11 – June 16, 2015.

About Vision Critical
Vision Critical provides a cloud-based customer intelligence platform that helps companies build engaged, secure communities of customers they can use continuously, across the enterprise, for ongoing, real-time feedback and insight.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at approximately 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth^®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD”. To learn more, visit www.td.com.

Ken Johnson-Mondragon joins RCL Benziger as Director of Latino Research and Development

July 14, 2015

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Ken Johnson-Mondragon joins RCL Benziger as Director of Latino Research and Development

CINCINNATI, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — RCL Benziger welcomes our new Director of Latino Research and Development, Ken Johnson-Mondragon. He will begin work with RCL Benziger on July 13 and report to Anne Battes, Publisher, focusing on research and product development for the Latino community.

After receiving his M.A. in theology from the Catholic University of America, Ken served four years as a parish youth minister and pastoral associate. From 1999 to 2015, he worked for Instituto Fe y Vida, a national Catholic formation institute for Hispanic youth and young adult ministry, where he served as Director of Research and Publications. In 2007, Fe y Vida published his first book, Pathways of Hope and Faith Among Hispanic Teens. This year he will complete his Doctor of Ministry in Hispanic Ministry, from the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio.

Ken is passionate about creating tools to empower those who evangelize young Latinos – in families, schools, and parishes. “His experience and research expertise will enable our team to better assess the catechetical needs of the Latino community,” said RCL Benziger President, Peter M. Esposito. As RCL Benziger’s presence in the Hispanic community grows, so will the scope of the resources we develop to serve the Catholic Church.

Visit www.RCLBenziger.com to learn more about our programs, resources, and services.

For more information, please contact
Harry G. Johns II, Director of Marketing, 513-728-6793

Founded in 1792, RCL Benziger is one the oldest publishers of Catholic educational materials and faith formation resources in the United States. Known for its multimedia product offerings, including digital and bilingual resources, RCL Benziger is a major provider of religious education programs for Catholic schools and parishes.

The RCL Benziger family of products supports catechists, educators, students, families, and individuals with resources for Sacrament preparation, family life, catechist formation, and adult faith formation.

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Tantalo Group Re-Imagines The Panama City Nightlife Experience

July 14, 2015

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Tantalo Group Re-Imagines The Panama City Nightlife Experience

Teatro Amador Nightclub & Caliope Restaurant & Bar Bring Unparalleled Electronic Music And Cuisine To Panama’s Blazing Tourism Market

PANAMA CITY, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Leading hospitality development and management company, The Tantalo Group, has unveiled Teatro Amador Nightclub and Caliope Restaurant & Bar, two new and pioneering venues. Past the neoclassical doors of one of the oldest, still-functioning theaters in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s UNESCO World Heritage District, guests escape into an atmosphere where international music and cuisine converge in an incomparable setting. The venue surpasses the traditional concepts of Panama City nightlife, providing a lavish entertainment outlet for VIP guests, superstar DJs, locals and travelers alike.

“Panama has rapidly transformed into a major center for commerce and tourism creating a huge opportunity for creative and well-executed hospitality concepts,” said Matthew Blesso, Founder and CEO of NY-based Blesso Properties and Owner of Tantalo Group. “We are thrilled to own what we believe will be the premier nightclub in all of Central America as well as one of the most innovative restaurant concepts in Panama.”

Teatro Amador captivates its patrons by magically blending the old and the new combining a historic theater built in 1912 with an L-ACOUSTICS Line Array providing the best sound system in all of Central America. “Entering the space you feel like you have stepped back into the 1920s in Panama or Havana,” said Lorenzo Robles, General Manager. “While many nightclubs are sexy like ours, few have our historical character.”

Under new management, Blesso plans to take this nightclub to a realm heretofore unseen in Panama. Teatro Amador will not only host the world’s top DJs making it Panama’s premier electronic music destination, but will also continue the theater’s 100-year history as a cultural center showcasing multidisciplinary art and live music.

Right above the nightclub, Caliope Restaurant & Bar, offers one of the most inventive gastronomical experiences in Panama. The localvore restaurant offers a monthly rotating menu of international fusion cuisine. Head Chef Martino Pace, formerly of the Michelin-starred Le Calandre in Padua, Italy, prepares inventive dishes using traditional Panamanian ingredients in a novel way, truly embodying ‘Cusina sin limitadas’ (Cuisine without Limits). Caliope is the first high-end restaurant in Panama City, offering elegant cuisine in a fun, high-energy, casual setting, boasting 84 seats with access to a breezy internal terrace, open kitchen, two-story green wall and a sophisticated NYC-caliber cocktail menu.

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The Tantalo Group
For information and reservations: 866-970-4131 or www.tantalohotel.com.

TEATRO AMADOR
Teatro Amador is located on Avenida Central, between 11th and 13th Streets in Casco Viejo, Panama City. For more information and bookings: www.teatroamador.com.

CALIOPE Restaurant & Bar
Caliope Restaurant is located at Avenida Central, between 11th and 13th Streets in Casco Viejo, Panama City. Caliope is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00PM to 12:00AM. For more information and reservations: 011.507.212.1565 or www.calioperestaurant.com.

Media Contact: Lauren Cultrona [email protected] 212-857-0114

MasClientes.com, the Ultimate Tool for Online Services in Spanish

July 14, 2015

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MasClientes.com, the Ultimate Tool for Online Services in Spanish

In the wake of the financial problems of Penny Saver and its PowerSites.com portal, the El Clasificado affiliate has strengthened its position as a major online brand for advertisers.

LOS ANGELES, July 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Any small or medium-size company with ambition and prospects should have a presence on the Internet, a need that not all Hispanic businesses know how to meet. Conscious of this, El Clasificado launched MasClientes.com in August 2014 offering a service for any company to have a web page in Spanish and building a presence in the most important search engines such as Google and Yahoo.

With the Penny Saver having declared bankruptcy, MasClientes.com has become a strong, attractive alternative for companies who had utilized the services of PowerSites.com. Also, El Clasificado brand now provides opportunities for companies who prefer English to be the language of choice for their web page.

For either language, MasClientes.com customers have their site optimized with the latest SEO and SEM techniques, a modern design that is easy to use, find online, and has been adapted to meet the tastes of the market they are targeting. Additional benefits include Google analytics reports, lead generator tools and the inclusion of your organization in leading online business directories like Yelp and Citysearch.

With certain offerings, companies that are utilizing the MasClientes.com packages are also reaping of the benefits of having a presence in Elclasificado.com and its 25 million monthly page views, a tool today helping to connect millions of people in the California Hispanic market as well as nationally.

“I’ve been a client of theirs for the past two years and have received fabulous customer service and many business opportunities,” said John G., a user from San Bernardino who has his page on MasClientes.com. “Both the product and the service have resulted in money well spent.”

Further offering increased response for each advertiser’s marketing dollars, MasClientes.com has also already ensured that each site is compatible with any mobile device. Helping to ensure an improved user experience as well as greater ranking within Google search results. It also provides the publicity that a company needs to increase traffic, establish its brand, grow it business as well as attract customers.

Download the MasClientes.com media kit today!

Contact: For advertising opportunities contact, Dario Rodriguez, Multimedia Manager at [email protected], 714-308-5642.

(Español) Atención recién graduados: consejos para la compra de tu vehículo

July 14, 2015

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Universal Music Latin Entertainment Creates First U.S. Latin Cultural Festival

July 13, 2015

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Universal Music Latin Entertainment Creates First U.S. Latin Cultural Festival

TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY FOR THE 2-DAY CELEBRATION FEATURING MULTIPLE STAGES, FOOD FROM ALL OF LATIN AMERICA, ART EXPERIENCES AND A MULTI-GENRE LINE-UP OF MORE THAN 25 TOP MUSIC PERFORMERS

JUAN GABRIEL, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, LA ARROLLADORA BANDA EL LIMON & JULION ALVAREZ ARE THE FIRST SUPERSTAR HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED TO PERFORM

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., July 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — UNIVERSAL MUSIC LATIN ENTERTAINMENT (UMLE), the world’s leading Latin music label, has announced that it will launch L Festival – Feria Cultural Latinoamericana on October 24 and 25 of 2015 at the OC Fair & Event Center. The first of its kind, L Festival will celebrate the best of Latin America’s art, cuisine and music. International star Enrique Iglesias, Juan Gabriel, La Arrolladora Banda El Limon and Julion Alvarez are the first superstars announced to headline the four main stages at the event.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150713/235481LOGO

Download photos, logo, and press materials here: L Festival Art

Performances will include more than 25 acts representing 10 countries, Pop, Regional Mexican, Urban, Tropical and EDM genres and include Juan Magan, Zion y Lennox, La Santa Cecilia and Far East Movement. Additional headliners and artists from the top of the Latin charts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 15, at www.lfestival.com. Two day access passes will be available, starting as low as $99, plus unique VIP upgrade opportunities to bring fans even closer to their passion for music, food and art. Children under 6 are free and children 7-10 are half price.

Created by UMLE in partnership with concert leader CMN Events, and sponsored by Bud Light, Pepsi and Verizon, the all day festival marks the first time that two 100% Latin music entertainment companies have created an event on this scale. It also marks the first time in OC Fair and Event Center history that an all-Latino community event is showcased.

In making the announcement, Jesús López, Chairman of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula, said: “The Hispanic community represents an important share of music consumption and more of the live concert business. UNIVERSAL MUSIC LATIN ENTERTAINMENT as the leading company in Latin music will once again make history by expanding its entertainment business to offer the Hispanic family a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Music, Art, and Gastronomy are part of a lifestyle and the Hispanic family will take center stage of the L FESTIVAL – FERIA CULTURAL LATINOAMERICANA.”

Victor Gonzalez, President of Universal Music Latin Entertainment, said, “As Universal Music Latin Entertainment and market leaders, it fills us with pride to present the first version of L FESTIVAL – FERIA CULTURAL LATINOAMERICANA, an event crafted for the Hispanic family where music, art and gastronomy will converge to provide festivalgoers with a unique 2-day entertainment experience. Being the first in its kind we want to ensure that this event sets a new precedent for the Hispanic community by offering a best in class show and cultural experience.”

L Festival – Feria Cultural Latinoamericana will celebrate the wide diversity of Latin culture in the US, with interactive music, art, history and cultural experiences for the entire family. With a projected buying power of $1.5 trillion by the end of this year, the US Hispanic population has a powerful voice in the culture. Hispanics are diverse, speak multiple languages, and straddle multiple cultures, and L Festival – Feria Cultural Latinoamericana is an opportunity for families to experience their shared values while celebrating what makes them unique.

Since 2002, CMN Events has leveraged its multicultural expertise to produce and execute some of the most engaging lifestyle events around the globe, including music tours, experiential marketing events and international soccer matches. CMN now takes on the task to produce and stage the event.

“I am excited to partner with Universal Music Latin Entertainment to create an experience that the Hispanic community can enjoy and cherish,” said Founder and CEO of CMN, Henry Cárdenas. “We at CMN pride ourselves in producing experiences that really engage and speak to music fans. We like to be a part of memorable events that are celebrations of our culture. That’s what it’s all about!”

THE ART EXPERIENCE – A curated art experience will include multiple galleries spotlighting artists from numerous Latin American countries in an explosion of color, emotions and expressions of social justice.

According to Nielsen, Hispanic consumers spend on average $135 annually on music of which $72 is on live music, far more than the average US consumer. Much of this difference is explained by Hispanics’ love of live music and a culture that values communal celebration.

The L Festival is being spearheaded by Gustavo Lopez, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Universal Music Latin Entertainment. An executive with four children, Lopez was inspired to create a music and cultural festival because he wanted to take his children to an event that he was going to be proud of, where they’d be safe, and where they would have a rich cultural experience. That didn’t exist until now.

Gustavo Lopez concluded, “We‘ve crafted two wonderful days filled with great music, art, food and the rich offerings from our culture that we will be proud to share with our families and friends.”

(Español) SPRINT ACERCA A LOS AFICIONADOS A LA COPA ORO DE LA CONCACAF

July 13, 2015

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Janet Jackson Announces 2nd North American Leg To “Unbreakable World Tour”

July 13, 2015

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Janet Jackson Announces 2nd North American Leg To “Unbreakable World Tour”

– Due To Overwhelming Fan Demand, 27 New Cities Added –

– Tickets For 2nd Leg Of Tour On Sale Starting July 20 at JanetJackson.com –

LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Janet’s Jackson’s tour is not only UNBREAKABLE, it is now unstoppable thanks to her fans across North America. The recent BET Awards’ Ultimate Icon honoree, multiple GRAMMY® Award-winner and multi-platinum selling artist announced a 2nd North American leg to her UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR with an additional 27 new cities added to what has become one of the most highly-anticipated international tours. Janet has been listening to her fans and their overwhelming response to both her new music and her tour. They’ve asked her to bring the UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR to their city and now she’s giving even more fans a chance to be part of this year’s most exciting tour.

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150712/235398

The 2nd leg of the North American tour will kick off on January 12, 2016 in Portland, OR and will visit 27 cities including dates in New York City, Washington DC, Boston, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and more! A full list of dates on the 2nd leg of the UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR is below. All dates on the tour are being co-produced by Miss Jackson’s Rhythm Nation. Additional worldwide concerts will be announced at a later date.

Fans who pre-order the album on JanetJackson.com will receive presale access for premium seating beginning July 14 at 10:00 a.m. until July 19 at 10:00 p.m. before tickets are available to the public. Janet is very appreciative of everyone who purchases tickets, but also wants to thank the fans that purchase her music with a special enhanced experience at the show. Janet believes that music is the livelihood of not only the artist but also songwriters, studio musicians, back-up singers, producers, editors, engineers, stage hands, road crew, tour managers and more. By purchasing music, fans are showing their support for the industry as a whole, and for everyone involved in bringing music to life both in the studio and live on tour.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. local through Sunday, July 19 at 10:00 p.m. local.

The UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR will return one of this world’s most influential entertainers back to the live stage in support of her upcoming album due out this Fall on Rhythm Nation/BMG. The first single from the new album, No Sleeep, has already entered the Top Ten on the Urban AC and Billboard Hot R & B Songs charts, only two weeks after being released.

The Unbreakable World Tour’s first leg, a 39-date tour, starts Aug. 31 in Vancouver, BC, and includes stops in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Nashville, Cincinnati and San Diego.

In addition to Live Nation and Rhythm Nation, other concert promoters will include Nederlander Concerts, Jam Productions, Another Planet Entertainment, and such promoters as Bamp and Tommy Meharey.

Janet Jackson, iconic music artist, multi-award-winning songwriter, producer, singer, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee and winner of the NAACP Best Sporting Actor award, publisher, choreographer, dancer, Number One New York Times Best Selling Author, businessperson, and philanthropist, is one of the biggest-selling, most influential artists in popular music history. Having won 6 GRAMMY® Awards, along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BET honors, and Billboard Music Awards, Janet Jackson stands as one of the most prolific artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. With sales of over 160 million records worldwide, her music and artistry have opened doors through which other top artists have followed, while acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.

For Janet Jackson news, please follow www.twitter.com/JanetJackson.

JANET JACKSON – UNBREAKABLE WORLD TOUR – SECOND LEG
All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.
All dates below on sale July 20.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016	Portland, OR	Moda Center
Wednesday, January 13, 2016	Seattle, WA	KeyArena
Friday, January 15, 2016	Sacramento, CA	Sleep Train Arena
Saturday, January 16, 2016	Anaheim, CA	Honda Center
Tuesday, January 19, 2016	Tucson, AZ	Tucson Arena
Thursday, January 21, 2016	San Antonio, TX	AT&T Center
Saturday, January 23, 2016	Houston, TX	Toyota Center
Sunday, January 24, 2016	Dallas, TX	American Airlines Center
Wednesday, January 27, 2016	Tulsa, OK	BOK Center
Friday, January 29, 2016	Indianapolis, IN	Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Saturday, January 30, 2016	Lexington, KY	Rupp Arena
Monday, February 01, 2016	Columbus, OH	Schottenstein Center
Tuesday, February 02, 2016	Cleveland, OH	Quicken Loans Arena
Friday, February 05, 2016	Detroit, MI	The Palace of Auburn Hills
Saturday, February 06, 2016	Pittsburgh, PA	CONSOL Energy Center
Wednesday, February 17, 2016	Newark, NJ	Prudential Center
Friday, February 19, 2016	Bethlehem, PA	Sands Bethlehem Events Center
Monday, February 22, 2016	Brooklyn, NY	Barclays Center
Wednesday, February 24, 2016	Philadelphia, PA	Wells Fargo Center
Friday, February 26, 2016	Boston, MA	TD Garden
Monday, February 29, 2016	Baltimore, MD	Royal Farms Arena
Tuesday, March 01, 2016	Washington, DC	Verizon Center
Thursday, March 03, 2016	Atlanta, GA	Philips Arena
Friday, March 04, 2016	Winston-Salem, NC	Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Sunday, March 06, 2016	Columbia, SC	Colonial Life Arena
Tuesday, March 08, 2016	Jacksonville, FL	Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
Wednesday, March 09, 2016	Fort Lauderdale, FL	BB&T Center

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Follow us @twitter.com/LiveNationInc

The Weeknd, Skrillex, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne To Headline First-Ever Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival Along With Very Special Guest Justin Bieber

July 12, 2015

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The Weeknd, Skrillex, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne To Headline First-Ever Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival Along With Very Special Guest Justin Bieber

Billboard Announces Line-Up and Additional Details for Its Inaugural Weekend Festival, Produced in Partnership with Live Nation, Set for August 22-23 at Jones Beach, NY

Kygo, Jason Derulo, American Authors, Betty Who, The Chainsmokers, Cold War Kids, Fetty Wap, Halsey, Holy Ghost!, Kiesza, Little Mix, Santigold, ZZ Ward And Over 40 Of Today’s Hottest Hitmakers Set to Perform

NEW YORK, July 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Weeknd, Skrillex, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne will headline the first-ever Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival that will also feature a very special performance by Justin Bieber. The highly anticipated festival, produced by Billboard, the leading global destination for charts, news, trends and innovations in music, in partnership with Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, will bring together some of the biggest chart-topping artists on August 22 and 23 at New York’s Nikon at Jones Beach Theater and surrounding beach areas for a weekend of epic music performances. More than 40 of today’s hottest hitmakers, including Kygo, Jason Derulo, American Authors, Betty Who, The Chainsmokers, Cold War Kids, Fetty Wap, Halsey, Holy Ghost!, Kiesza, Little Mix, Santigold and ZZ Ward, along with exciting breakthrough artists will perform on one of the festival’s three stages throughout the weekend. A full line-up is below. Fans should check back at www.billboard.com/hot100fest for the latest festival news and line-up information.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150710/234962

The Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival is presented by MasterCard, Sour Patch Kids, Nordstrom Rack and SinfulColors®. Citi MasterCard cardmembers who use Citi Wallet connected to MasterPass will have exclusive access to tickets beginning July 13 at 9:00 a.m. EDT through July 15 at 10:00 p.m. EDT before they are available to the public. For more information and to sign up for Citi Wallet, be sure to visit: www.citi.com/citiwallet. Tickets for the general public go on sale July 16 at 10:00 a.m. EDT at www.livenation.com.

Collectively, the festival headliners have 197 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and have sold a combined 116.3 million albums and songs in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music. They also represent some of this generation’s biggest social media influencers, with a massive fan following across Twitter, Facebook and other platforms. Joining them will be dozens of Billboard-charting artists spanning multiple genres, from pop and rock to R&B and dance, representing one of the most electrifying and diverse festival line-ups this summer. Fans will see some of their favorite artists at one of the festival’s three stages, including the famed amphitheater Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, as well as two additional stages with one located on the beach.

“It’s an honor to be able to extend the Billboard brand into the festival space, and we feel that Jones Beach is the perfect location to create something truly unique and unforgettable,” said Billboard co-president John Amato.

“The Hot 100 Music Festival will be one of those truly memorable summer concert events. We are very excited to bring fans some of summer 2015’s chart toppers in a venue that will showcase the best these artists have to offer,” said Live Nation President and CEO, Michael Rapino.

Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival Line-Up

The Weeknd, Skrillex, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Very Special Guest Justin Bieber
Kygo, Jason Derulo, American Authors, Betty Who, The Chainsmokers, Cold War Kids, The Faint, Fetty Wap, CRUISR, Halsey, Holy Ghost!, ILoveMakonnen, Justin Baron, Kiesza, Lights, Lindsey Stirling, Little Mix, Main Attrakionz, The Maine, Markam, Matoma, Michael Brun, Michael Woods, Misterwives, MKTO, Natalie La Rose, New Politics, Party Thieves, Ryn Weaver, Santigold, X Ambassadors, ZZ Ward and more!

Join the Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival conversation by using #hot100fest.

Be sure to visit the following for the latest news and updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Billboard
Twitter: @Billboard

About Billboard
Billboard is the world’s most influential music brand, built on the most complete and well-respected database of charts across all music genres. The Billboard charts define success in music. From the iconic Billboard magazine to Billboard.com which is the ultimate consumer-facing destination for millions of passionate music fans, to the industry’s most elite conference series and influencer events including the Power 100 and Women in Music – the Billboard brand has unmatched authority among fans, artists and the industry alike.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

A Flame We All Carry:

July 10, 2015

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A Flame We All Carry:

Opening Ceremony Celebrates the History of a Land, the Heart of a People and a Games to Remember

TORONTO, July 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Opening Ceremony, produced by Cirque du Soleil, Official Creative Partner for the Opening Ceremony, spoke to the enduring legacy of First Nations, the welcoming of cultures from around the world, the inspirational power of athletes and the proud legacy of Canadian sport heroes — in front of a sold-out live audience of 45,000, with hundreds of millions of households watching the broadcast across the world.

The Canadian 4 x 100-metre relay team that brought a nation to its feet with a gold-medal performance at the 1996 Olympic Games, took part in a historic torch run that concluded atop the CN Tower, which, until 2010, was the world’s tallest tower, building and freestanding structure. The audience then saw Canadian track legend Donovan Bailey turn, torch in hand, and BASE jump from the CN tower before descending from the ceiling and delivering the flame to the Opening Ceremony.

Following the raising of the Pan Am Games and the Olympic Games flags, Saäd Rafi, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) chief executive officer, spoke of the excitement of the Games and the legacy they will leave. “The memory of these Games, and the beautiful venues left behind, will say to our youth for years to come: To try is worthy. To be hopeful is right. To be idealistic is wise,” said Rafi.

Dr. Julio C. Maglione, president, Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) then welcomed athletes and visitors to the Games. A video tribute honoured the 2015 passing of Mario Vázquez Raña, who was PASO’s president at the time of his death. Canada’s Governor General David Johnston then said the words everyone had been waiting to hear: “Tonight, I solemnly declare open the 17th Pan American Games.”

In an emotional family moment, Marita Payne-Wiggins, team member on the 1984 Canadian Olympic silver medal 4 x 400-metre relay team, passed the torch to her son, Canadian-born NBA basketball star Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins ran up the stadium steps to meet the final torchbearer, Steve Nash, two-time winner of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award and current general manager of Canada’s senior men’s basketball team. With the Games cauldron lit, 6,100 athletes from 41 countries and territories will begin competing in 36 sports as the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games get underway.

To see photos from the Opening Ceremony, please visit http://toronto2015.mediaroom.com/pad.

For further information, please contact:
Main Press Centre: [email protected] 416-957-3414
Media Team: [email protected] or 416-957-3409