Thursday, January 13, 2011

Selena Gomez to Headline Benefit Concert for City of Hope with a Special Performance by Jonas Brothers, Plus Allstar Weekend

Tickets on sale January 15 for third annual Concert for Hope presented by Staples, March 20 at Gibson Amphitheatre

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Music Group artists Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, and Allstar Weekend will take the stage and give hope to millions of people with cancer at the third annual Concert for Hope presented by Staples. Selena Gomez & The Scene will headline the show, with a special performance by Jonas Brothers. Allstar Weekend will round out the bill. Concert for Hope will take place at Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk on Sunday, March 20. All proceeds for the Concert for Hope will benefit lifesaving cancer research at City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers. Tickets for the concert will be available at 10 AM on Jan. 15 at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 800-745-3000.



Gomez is the leader of the platinum selling band Selena Gomez & The Scene, and has sold out shows around the world. Selena and her band recently took home the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Breakthrough Artist. Gomez is also a formidable actress, starring in Disney Channel's Emmy-winning hit comedy "Wizards of Waverly Place." The multi-platinum selling, Grammy nominated Jonas Brothers are long time supporters of City of Hope. In addition to their illustrious recording career, Jonas Brothers have starred in their own television series with Disney Channel’s JONAS and JONAS LA, and movies with their silver screen Jonas Brothers Concert in 3D and Disney Channel’s “Camp Rock” and “Camp Rock 2 – The Final Jam.” Allstar Weekend was named “The next big thing” by Billboard Magazine. They are currently on tour in Europe and will kick off their next US tour February 23 with The Ready Set.

“It is gratifying to see a young generation of musical artists come together to support a future free from cancer,” said Bob Cavallo, Disney Music Group chairman and long-time supporter of City of Hope, through its Music and Entertainment Industry fundraising group. “We are fortunate to have the commitment of these talented young artists to help City of Hope fulfill its mission of conducting innovative research and saving lives.”

“Some of the most important advances in cancer treatment originated from the work of dedicated City of Hope researchers, including the development of many of the most widely used cancer drugs. It is an honor to support this remarkable institution and its work to advance medicine and pursue research that saves lives around the world,” said Gary Marsh, president, entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

Concert for Hope has raised nearly $1 million a year for City of Hope. This is the second consecutive year that Staples has served as the national presenting sponsor of Concert for Hope, and since 2004, Staples provided City of Hope with more than $5 million in support through various corporate giving and fundraising efforts.

“Staples is honored to once again serve as the national presenting sponsor of Concert for Hope,” said Ron Sargent, Staples chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe continued education and awareness building are essential in helping City of Hope and its efforts to find a cure for the millions of people living with cancer.”

"City of Hope's innovative work and dedicated outreach helps millions of people nationwide," said Rick Mueller, president of Live Nation - California. "Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers and Allstar Weekend command the spotlight and, in joining together for Concert for Hope, they will use that magnetism to highlight a great cause. We're glad to be part of such a special night."

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 1.5 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2010; nearly 11,000 were children under the age of 15. City of Hope’s Pediatric Cancers Program specializes in research and treatment of cancers affecting children, teenagers, and young adults and maintains an integrated Childhood Cancer Survivor Program, which aims to prevent and treat long-term issues associated with cancer therapy.

“Disney Music Group and these remarkably talented young artists are helping City of Hope raise awareness and critical funds to ensure the best therapies are available to patients everywhere who face cancer and other life-threatening diseases,” said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer, City of Hope.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr.