Mar 4, 2014

Night of the Proms Making its debut in America at T-Mobile Center on June 21

Night of the Proms

Mar 4, 2014

Night of the Proms Making its debut in America at T-Mobile Center on June 21

Kansas City, Mo. (March 4, 2014)  Night of the Proms, the hottest ticket in Europe for 3 decades, announces its one-of-a-kind classic-meets-pop concert tour is coming to America for the first time.

2014 featured artists Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, The Pointer Sisters and Nile Rodgers & Chic come together for one night in Kansas City on June 21 at T-Mobile Center performing their #1 hits on one stage backed by IL Novecento, Belgium's world renowned classical orchestra, Fine Fleur; a 24 voice choir, and a 8-piece electric band headed by British pop star John "Music" Miles. Comedic opera diva Natalie Choquette adds her genius to complete an incomparable line-up.

Night of the Proms proven track record has sold over 9 million tickets across Europe by matching pop stars and the music of the world’s greatest composers presented with jaw-dropping sets, spectacular light shows and exquisite audio technology. Night of the Proms promises to bring America's Heartland the same unforgettable experience. Presenting hit after hit, the audience becomes part of the show, singing along and dancing in their seats to the best-ever performances of great music they know and love.

Leading up to the live USA concert debut, Kansas City’s own PBS station, KCPT is airing a television series, NIGHT OF THE PROMS, showcasing for the first time the best performances by great artists over the years. KCPT will also air a one-hour television music special event, NIGHT OF THE PROMS: CLASSIC MEETS POP, beginning on March 4.

In 1985, two Belgian students gave their own twist to classical concerts by adding contemporary music and popular artists to the program. The new and very original concept of ‘Classic Meets Pop’ was born. Each year, Night of the Proms announces a brand new roster featuring some of the world's top artists performing their own chart-topping hits. Ticket buyers line up even before the artists are announced at the show's home arena, Belgium's Sportpaleis, one of the world’s largest venues.

The Proms helped launch the careers of superstars Andrea Bocelli and David Garrett and it boasts a long list of great artists, including Sting, Roger Daltrey, Joe Cocker, Tears for Fears, John Fogerty, Sinead O'Connor, James Brown, Boy George, Chrissie Hynde, Seal, Simple Minds, En Vogue, INXS, Donna Summer, Toto, Huey Lewis, Foreigner, James Blunt, UB-40, Gloria Estefan, Roger Hodgson, Cyndi Lauper, Meatloaf and Art Garfunkel.

“With Night of the Proms we have taken a mix of talent and the different genres of music and made it something extraordinary and spectacular,” says conductor Robert Groslot.  “We are confident that the American audience will enjoy this magical night of entertainment as much as the artists on stage do.” Multi-GRAMMY, award-winning talents and veteran Night of the Proms performers scheduled to perform together in one night will include:

Michael McDonald, a veteran of European Night of the Proms tours, is one of the most distinctive singer and songwriter of our time.  From ‘70s-era Doobie Brothers classics such as, “Takin’ It To The Streets” and “What A Fool Believes” to solo career hits like “I Keep Forgettin’” and “Sweet Freedom” through two highly-acclaimed Motown covers albums and recent genre-busting guest spots with alternative buzz bands Grizzly Bear and Holy Ghost. The five-time Grammy Award winning McDonald is that rare artist in contemporary music – an artist whose work is both timeless and ever-evolving.  Along with his musical contributions, McDonald has long been an active humanitarian. Over the years, he has lent his talents and energies to many causes and non-profit organizations.

Kenny Loggins, who will be joining Night of the Proms for his first time, has had a remarkable four-decade-plus career that has brought him from the top of the charts to the toast of the Grammys. With 12 platinum albums, a pair of Grammys and hits on almost all the Billboard charts, Loggins is a massively successful and accomplished artist. He has been called the ‘King of Movie Soundtracks’ with “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack, “Playing with the Boys” and “Danger Zone” from Top Gun and he co-wrote and performed the title song from the original Footloose. Loggins also contributed to 1985’s landmark charity single “We Are the World.”

The Pointer Sisters, also veterans of European Night of the Proms tours, started their formal vocal training in their father’s church and went on to achieve worldwide fame and have secured a place in pop music history as a dynamic female group.   This memorable Grammy winning R&B recording group achieved mainstream success with top-ten hits as “I’m So Excited,” “Jump,” “Automatic,” “Fire,” “Slow Hand” and “He’s So Shy” and much more.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC, yet another talented veteran of the European Night of the Proms tours, Nile Rodgers is a multiple GRAMMY Award winning musician, composer, arranger, guitarist and co-founder of the band CHIC. Most recently, Nile won three GRAMMY awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Group/Duo Performance for his collaborations with Daft Punk on their RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES album as well as their hit single, “Get Lucky.” Nile is considered one of the most influential producers in the history of popular music and had produced some of the biggest hits in the careers of Madonna, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Diana Ross, among other artists.  Now a cancer-survivor and successful author, Nile continues to break ground producing and releasing music for critically acclaimed video games, Halo (Series), Gears of War as well as Pop, Rock and Dance musicians world-wide.

Adding to the classical repertoire of the evening will be the unique multilingual entertainer Natalie Choquette, who is best known for presenting opera with an irresistible humorous twist. Choquette, who was born in Tokyo of diplomat parents during a raging typhoon, is a Canadian soprano who portrays colorful zany divas (such as “LaFettucini from il Teatro Bolognese”) and she received international accolades from critics as well as the public, dressed in outrageous costumes, singing the most famous and beautiful opera arias while interacting with the audience and musicians.

Tickets for Night of the Proms go on sale Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at  www.t-mobilecenter.com or T-Mobile Center Box Office. Tour is produced by AEG Live and Emery Entertainment.  Full event information is available at www.notp.com/usa/.