D'Angelo and Lucy Pearl Concert to Benefit Magic Johnson Foundation's 15th Annual ``A Midsummer Night's Magic''.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 7, 2000

Precocious musical talent D'Angelo along with special guest Lucy Pearl and The Dodge Greek Theatre have announced to donate a portion of the proceeds from the August 4 Voodoo: Episode II concert to the Magic Johnson Foundation's 15th Annual "A Midsummer Night's Magic."

Money raised from the Midsummer events will directly benefit the Magic Johnson Foundation's Taylor Michaels Scholarship that provides financial support to deserving high school students.

Sizzling recording star D'Angelo will be performing new songs from his latest album, "Voodoo," as well as many of his hits from "Brown Sugar" at the August 4 concert. Beyond offering fans an evening filled with brilliant music, D'Angelo's concert also possesses a deeper significance: D'Angelo and tour sponsor Levi's have joined forces with the anti-gun violence organization PAX, a national grass-roots initiative promoting common sense solutions to gun violence among America's youth.

Each of D'Angelo's concerts offers PAX supporters an opportunity to spread their anti-violence message to audiences throughout the country. This engagement at The Greek Theatre is part of the D'Angelo landmark 2000 tour that will visit 23 cities nationwide.

"We would like to thank the bright and talented star D'Angelo for teaming up with `A Midsummer Night's Magic' in support of the Magic Johnson Foundation," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson. "His spirit of positivity and compassion will make a significant difference to all the deserving high school and college students who will benefit from his generosity."

The concert is just one of several events being held during "A Midsummer Night's Magic." On Saturday evening, August 5, a Mardi Gras Gala will take place at the Paramount Studio back lot where New Orleans comes alive with jazz and R&B on the BET Soundstage, celebrities, fine cuisine, dancing, and more.

The spectacular weekend wraps up on Sunday, August 6 by returning to UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, where it all began 15 years ago. The popular all-star basketball game line-up includes Magic Johnson, Allen Iverson, Steve Francis, Gary Payton, Tracy McGrady, Nick Van Exel, Joe Smith, Vin Baker, Baron Davis, Shawn Kemp, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Antoine Walker among others.

The Magic Johnson Foundation and Coors Light & Coors Original present "A Midsummer Night's Magic." Major sponsors include Ralphs, Food 4 Less, American Airlines, Pfizer, AT&T, Wave Radio 94.7 FM, DaDa Footwear, Crown Royal, Hilton Hotels and Hewlett-Packard. Other sponsors include Avirex, HBO, Soul Life and VIBE Magazine.

For ticket information, contact 888/MAGIC-05, Ticketmaster, or 310/338-8110 or visit the Foundation's Website at www.magicjohnson.org. For travel information, contact Gwenn at New Act Travel -- 800/722-3233 or call American Airlines at 800/433-1790. When calling American Airlines, refer to the I.D. Code 786OUY for travel discount rates.

The Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) is a non-profit organization that provides support to community-based organizations that serve the health, educational and social needs of inner-city youth and organizations. In addition, the Foundation is committed to raising awareness about several health and social concerns that threaten under-served communities.

Note: Media interested in covering the D'Angelo performance at The Dodge Greek Theatre must contact Paula Rudelir at The Greek Theatre at 323/644-5007. For access to other Midsummer events, contact Stacey Garcia at 310/338-8110.