JUNE 2008 ROGERS CENTRE EVENT NEWSLETTER
Rogers Centre News, a monthly publication, is brought to you with the latest news and information on events at Rogers Centre.
ROGERS CENTRE WARMS UP TO SUMMER WITH EXCITING JUNE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Looking forward to getting out and about this summer? Between football and Bollywood; award nominated performers and employee achievements, Rogers Centre will have you coming back for more with a stacked sport and entertainment calendar.
QUICKLINKS:
THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR BRINGS BOLLYWOOD TO ROGERS CENTRE
FLO RIDA, DANITY KANE AND DAY 26 RECEIVE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2008 BET AWARDS
AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN AND AMITABH BACHCHAN ADD GLAMOUR TO THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR
STADIUM OPERATIONS STAFF MEMBER ACHIEVES MAJOR LEAGUE MILESTONE
GET READY TO ROAR: TORONTO ARGONAUTS TAKE ON HAMILTON TIGER- CATS IN PRE-SEASON GAME
TORONTO BLUE JAYS SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
LEO KU DAZZLES FANS WITH HIS MAGIC MOMENTS 2008 CONCERT
AN EVENING OF BOLLYWOOD MAGIC DEBUTS AT ROGERS CENTRE
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| Bollywood brings the best of dance and song to Rogers Centre |
Bring together the biggest names in Indian Cinema, the glamour of Bollywood singing and dancing, along with spectacular staging and THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR comes to life. Ethnic Guru Inc is proud to present the international debut of THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR at Rogers Centre on FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
The evening truly will be unforgettable as revered Bollywood actors and musicians lend their considerable talent to this world-class extravaganza. International movie star AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN along with her husband, popular Bollywood actor, ABHISHEK BACHCHAN and his father, the legendary Bollywood actor and politician, AMITABH BACHCHAN take to the stage for performances that will delight fans. Joined by fellow Bollywood blockbuster actors AKSHAY KUMAR, PREITY ZINTA and RITESH DESHMUKH plus megastar pop duo THE BILZ & KASHIF, these superstars will provide the excitement and glamour celebrated by Indian Cinema.
Acclaimed Indian dancer and choreographer, SHIAMAK DAVAR has created a stage show that is artistic, athletic and alluring. The driving force behind many famous Bollywood movie dance scenes, he has also choreographed many stage events and industry award shows. A few of his greatest accomplishments include the Closing Ceremonies of the 2006 Commonwealth Games (Melbourne), the Indo-Japan Friendship Year 2007 inaugural event in Tokyo and the Indian Economic Forum in Rome, Italy.
Musical direction is in the capable hands of Bollywood composing sensations VISHAL & SHEKHAR. Heralded for their innovative mixing, which combine traditional Indian music with techno sounds, the duo is in high demand and have composed award winning scores for many Bollywood hit movies. Their original music for THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR will set a mood for the audience and give added mystique to the show.
Tickets for the concert, ranging in price from $97.75 - $287.50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail.
HOT SUMMER CONCERT FEATURES BET AWARD NOMINEES FLO RIDA, DANITY KANE AND DAY 26
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| The concert of the summer is almost here. |
Winning legions of fans with their catchy songs, FLO RIDA, DANITY KANE, and DAY 26 have solidified their success in the music industry by receiving nominations for the coveted 2008 BET Awards. This industry recognition adds to the mounting excitement for their upcoming concert at Rogers Centre on MONDAY, JULY 14, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
The nominations place the artists in such company as mega-stars CHRIS BROWN, KANYE WEST and ALICIA KEYS, who have all walked away with multiple BET Awards during their career. Created in 2001 to celebrate the best in hip-hop, R&B, gospel and rap, the Black Entertainment Industry awards ceremony has quickly grown to become one of the most influential award shows in North America. Committed to rewarding outstanding talent, the BET awards recognize current hit-makers but also make sure to showcase the success of new performers.
Nominated in such categories as "Best New Artist" and "Best Collaboration" for his mega hit LOW featuring T-Pain, FLO RIDA continues to establish himself as one of the hottest newcomers of the last year. DANITY KANE and DAY 26 both received nominations for "Best New Group" reconfirming P. Diddy’s exceptional talent of finding and nurturing new bands.
FLO RIDA has the opportunity to win some additional award hardware as he has been nominated for two MuchMusic Video Awards and will appear live on stage at the ceremony on June 15, 2008 in Toronto.
Come July, FLO RIDA, DANITY KANE and DAY 26 will hit Toronto to give fans the performance they have been waiting for on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Fresh from the BET awards ceremony and with brand new singles on the radio, this will be the concert of the summer. DANITY KANE are set to release their new single BAD GIRL in early July and IN THE AYER, the hot new collaboration between FLO RIDA and Will.i.am, is set to take over the airwaves shortly.
Tickets for the concert, ranging in price from $20.00 - $89.00, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Rogers Centre – Gate 7, charge by phone at 416-870-8000 or online. Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to contact the Group Sales Office via e-mail.
BOLLYWOOD ROYALTY TO APPEAR ON ROGERS CENTRE STAGE
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| Glamourous Bollywood couple add dazzle to The Unforgettable Tour |
She is a former Miss World, L’Oréal spokesmodel and star of numerous international films. He is part of an artistic and influential family, Bollywood actor and businessman. Together, AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN and ABHISHEK BACHCHAN are the golden couple of Bollywood cinema and loved by legions of fans.
Both artists have flourished in Bollywood and international cinema, developing a strong fan base throughout the world. RAI BACHCHAN continues to raise her profile in North America recently filming a role in the PINK PANTHER 2 and having her very own wax statue unveiled at Madame Tussauds Times Square location.
Returning to Toronto to perform as part of THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR at Rogers Centre, this globe-trotting power couple are very familiar with Ontario. Making an appearance in January 2007 for the world premiere of their movie The Guru, over 1,000 excited fans crowded around the Elgin Theatre to show their support and catch a glimpse of the stars. Mayor David Miller was also on hand for this historic premiere to introduce the movie; the first Indian movie released by a Canadian distributor.
Since 2007, the couple officially announced their engagement and married in a lavish wedding and reception. Along with wedding preparations, both appeared in a number of 2007 Bollywood films and received considerable critical acclaim for performances in Provoked, The Last Legion and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. Embarking on the international THE UNFORGETTABLE TOUR this summer, the couple will continue to be busy throughout 2008 providing their fans with show stopping entertainment.
JUNE SYM: 25 YEAR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE AND RECIPIENT OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LIFETIME PASS
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| June Sym displays her MLB Lifetime Pass in the Blue Jays Memorabilia Suite |
"The Toronto Blue Jays home opener on April 13, 1979 was a day to remember," said June Sym, Executive Assistant Stadium Operations. "Here I was, on the first day of my new job stationed in the wind tunnel of Exhibition Stadium, Gate 6, in -40 degree weather, wearing a short skirt and handling tickets."
Poor weather conditions didn’t deter Sym and after a combination of 25 years full-time and 5 years part-time service, she still impacts the Toronto Blue Jays on a daily basis.
After that chilly first day Sym, as a part-time seasonal employee in the Stadium Operations department, figured she would stay with the organization for a few seasons before moving on to find a position as a medical secretary; the field where she had done her formal studies.
But when opportunity knocked, Sym rose to the challenge with the Toronto Blue Jays and when offered a role as a receptionist she signed on with the stipulation that when the work stopped being fun she would move on. Instead of moving on, Sym moved up into the Stadium Operations Department and has played an instrumental role in keeping the Jays running smoothly ever since.
"My goal is to make life comfortable for people while they are working here," said Sym who manages a high volume of daily requests from all aspects of the organization.
During her time with the Toronto Blue Jays, Sym has put her strong analytical thinking skills to good use; seeing and addressing problems in an effective manner. Among the many example of this, it was through her observations game staff became an in-house department in 1980.
Among her many contributions, Sym recalls one of her biggest challenges: helping to facilitate a move the organization’s move from Exhibition Stadium to Rogers Centre (then SkyDome) in less than a month.
"We were operating out of both buildings but when the time came to officially switch over, we had two weeks maximum," said Sym. "It was a crazy period but all of the departments pulled together and we were up and running in no time."
Throw in two World Series championships and the honour of participating in the execution of the 1991 All Star Game celebration and Sym can truly say that she’s seen it all. When asked what keeps her job fun, Sym’s answer is simple:
"This club is all about integrity and commitment. The Blue Jays have been my second family and I want to give back what they’ve invested in me."
In recognition of her 25 years with the Club, Sym is now one of five Canadian employees, still working, who have received the elite honour of a Major League Baseball Lifetime Pass allowing Sym and a guest to enjoy any Major League Baseball game at any stadium throughout the league.
2008 SEASON GUARANTEED TO BE FEROCIOUS WITH PRE-SEASON MATCH AGAINST TIGER-CATS
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| Fans will be baring fangs in this pre-season catfight |
The battle of Ontario takes place on June 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Rogers Centre when the TORONTO ARGONAUTS face off against the HAMILTON TIGER-CATS in a pre-season match to remember. Fans who have been waiting for the 2008 season will build up their excitement to a fever pitch with this classic match-up.
2008 promises to provide fans with tackles, tailgates and treats as the TORONTO ARGONAUTS unveil their season. The pre-season game introduces the team line-up for 2008 and gives fans a peek at what to expect for the rest of the year. Popular with all fans, the Street Fest will take place in the bus lot while buskers return to Gate 5 and Gate 11 to get fans pumped for the game. And special sections will be designated "all you can eat" for fans to further enjoy their game experience.
The TORONTO ARGONAUTS season officially starts on July 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. when the Boatman officially take on the HAMILTON TIGER-CATS; and this time it’s for keeps!
Season Ticket packages, as well as flex packs and individual game tickets are now on sale. Call the Argos at 416-341-ARGO or visit them online for all your information needs.
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| Team wants to celebrate every win with packed house |
The Toronto Blue Jays have been flying high of late, recording one of their most successful records in the month of May in franchise history. The team looks to keep the winning streak alive at Rogers Centre as they welcome division rivals along with National League foes to the city.
Toronto will face five different opponents over 15 games at home including three National League visitors.
The Toronto Blue Jays will play the following games in June:
June 6 - 8 vs Baltimore Orioles
June 9 - 11 vs Seattle Mariners
June 13 - 15 vs Chicago Cubs
June 24 - 26 vs Cincinnati Reds
June 27 - 29 vs Atlanta Braves
For complete season coverage, visit the Blue Jays online.
INTERNATIONAL CANTOPOP AND MANDOPOP STAR BROUGHT PURE MAGIC TO ROGERS CENTRE
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| Ku gave a magical performance at Rogers Centre |
Fans could hardly contain their excitement as LEO KU took to the stage for his MAGIC MOMENTS 2008 CONCERT. Elaborate costumes, emotive songs and duets, electric visuals and energetic dance routines made the evening truly magical. Special guest stars THERESA FU, KARY NG, TERENCE SIUFAY, NO.6, INK and MANDY LIEU joined KU in this musical extravaganza.
KU built up anticipation for the show with an opening number full of bold visuals and costumed dancers. To the sound of cheering fans, KU took to the stage and started the concert by performing one of his massive hits LOVE AND HONESTY. Known throughout the world for his use of falsetto voice, KU’s next songs, LOVE AND DREAMS ARE FLYING and NOBITA, showcased this unique talent that is quite rare among Cantopop and Mandopop singers.
Performing duets with NG and FU brought hit songs HEARTLESS TO BREAK UP and MAKE A WISH to life, and resonated with fans who waved brightly coloured wands in appreciation. Throughout the show, the use of costumes and dance routines added visual impact to the storytelling nature of KU’s songs.
An energetic beatbox medley, featuring an impressive solo by INK, brought fans to their feet. Performing 10 straight minutes of vocal percussion, INK manipulated his voice to create drum beats, rhythms and musical sounds normally heard only through machines.
Taking time to chat and interact with the audience, KU charmed the approximately 10,000 fans in attendance. He demonstrated his international appeal through his warm personality, and taking the time to meet with fans who rushed toward the stage for a chance to get up close and personal.
An entertainer who has recorded over 20 albums, appeared in 10 movies and numerous television programs, KU created a memorable stage show that left fans delighted and wanting more.
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