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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2002
PR-071-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND RECORDING ACADEMY PRESIDENT MICHAEL GREENE ANNOUNCE RETURN OF THE GRAMMY AWARDS TO NEW YORK CITY

First time the Grammys will be back in the Big Apple since 1998


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg joined Recording Academy President/CEO Michael Greene, Cablevision President/CEO and Madison Square Garden (MSG) Chairman James Dolan, MSG President Seth Abraham, and CBS President/CEO Leslie Moonves today to announce that the 45th Annual Grammy Awards would return to New York City on February 23rd, 2003. The star-studded spectacular event will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network.

"Twenty years after the Grammy Awards were first held in the old Felt Forum, it is particularly meaningful that the Recording Academy has decided to bring back an event at this time that showcases the music industry's most talented artists," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The Academy has always had a significant presence here in New York, and in February 2003, people from over 175 countries will be watching a premiere entertainment event broadcast from the greatest City on earth."

"We are extremely delighted to be bringing the Grammys to New York for our 45th anniversary," said Recording Academy President/CEO Greene. "This caps off a very interactive year of Recording Academy programs in the city through our ongoing community outreach programs, mentoring and local school initiatives, an energetic, involved New York Chapter, Grammy professional education and networking events, and additional funds and services when the city has needed us most. We look forward to working with Mayor Bloomberg and his staff and our great friends at Madison Square Garden. The Academy itself never left New York, and now we are thrilled to bring our main event -- the Grammy Awards -- back to the city."

"The return of the Grammy Awards is another example of Cablevision and Madison Square Garden's objective to bring top entertainment to New York," said MSG Chairman Dolan. "We are honored to host one of the industry's premier events at the Garden, which has been home to some of the greatest musical events in history."

"It feels great to be back at the Garden and it is with great pride that CBS will broadcast the Grammy Awards from New York next February on a new night -- Sunday," said CBS President/CEO Moonves. "It all adds up to one exciting event: The music industry's biggest showcase will be broadcast on television's most watched night from the country's largest city and from the world's most famous arena."

After the announcement, pop superstar Marc Anthony presented Mayor Bloomberg with a guitar donated by legendary artist Les Paul that was painted with a poignant September 11th scene by Peter Ortel, a New York City retired fireman from Rescue 3, and then autographed by Paul. The guitar will be displayed throughout the year at Madison Square Garden and then auctioned at a later date with the proceeds going to the Widows & Orphans Fund for New York City.

The Recording Academy estimates the economic impact on the host city at approximately $35-40 million. The 45th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast on February 23rd, 2003 from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. The event will air on the CBS Television Network as a prime time special continuing CBS' long-standing partnership with the Recording Academy. Nominees for the 45th Annual Grammy Awards will be announced in January 2003. For more information about the Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy and its Foundations, log onto the Grammy website at www.Grammy.com.


www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Jennifer Falk
(212) 788-2958