World’s Preeminent Tennis & Music Festival Kicks-Off 2015 US Open at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

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Novak Djokovic

 
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced a star-studded lineup for the milestone 20th annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess.

 

 
The stadium show will include live performances from Rolling Stone “Artist You Need to Know” Bea Miller, “hip-pop” duo Kalin and Myles, Flo Rida protégé Natalie La Rose, MTV’s “Artist to Watch” Jacob Whitesides and chart-topping pop-rock act American Authors. 
 

They’ll team-up with tennis superstars Novak Djokovic, last year’s US Open champion Marin Cilic and more for a day of tennis, music and fun to honor the legacy of legendary pioneer Arthur Ashe.

The annual event takes place Saturday, August 29th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, NY, from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m to kick-off the 2015 US Open, which runs from August 31st – September 13th.

 

From 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., families can enjoy an exciting array of free tennis games geared toward kids, plus live music and attractions taking place throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Inside Arthur Ashe Stadium from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., the live tennis and music show will feature fun exhibition matches and skills competitions with Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic as well as musical performances by Bea Miller, Kalin and Myles, Natalie La Rose, Jacob Whitesides and American Authors.

Additional participants will be announced in the coming weeks.

 
 
 

Stadium show tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (1-866-OPEN-TIX), www.usopen.org and at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office.

American Express is the official card of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. General admission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $25. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will be broadcast nationally by ESPN2 on Sunday, August 30, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET). 

 
 
 

“It’s an historic occasion for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, as we mark two decades of bringing the best in tennis and music together on a truly special day for families,” said Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. “The event also captures the spirit and vigor of Arthur Ashe and is a fantastic way of encouraging youth to be active in tennis and life, while developing healthy habits early on.”

 
 
 

Over the years, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day has been a launching pad for many of music’s biggest acts including Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande, Ne-Yo, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Hunter Hayes, Fifth Harmony, The Wanted, Carly Rae Jepsen, Jonas Brothers, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys and Hanson, among many others.

 
 
 

This year’s lineup will feature:

 
 
 
Bea Miller – Singer/songwriter Bea Miller began tapping into her vocal prowess by belting out “America the Beautiful” after a Venus vs. Serena match at the 2008 US Open, sparking a serious desire to devote her life to making music.

Years later, she emerged as a top-ten finalist on The X-Factor, and signed a deal with Syco Music/Hollywood Records. She released her debut EP Young Blood in the spring of 2014 with singles “Young Blood” and “Fire N Gold” both landing on the Billboard charts. She also honed her performance skills touring with Demi Lovato. Her raspy vocals and sharp-edged pop have already earned her recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need To Know,” as an MTV “Artist to Watch for 2015,” as one of Billboard’s “10 Artists to Watch in 2015,” and as Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing.”

With her debut album Not An Apology dropping July 24, Bea’s excited about performing her new songs live and deepening her connection with her fanbase.

 
 
 

Kalin and Myles – Continuing the tradition of artists “graduating” from the Hess Festival Stage to the AAKD Stadium Show, Bay area twosome Kalin and Myles stir up pop, hip-hop, and R&B into an irresistible and inimitable hybrid affectionately and appropriately dubbed “Hip Pop.”

First meeting at a house party in 2011, they began making music together, creating their own beats, singing, and rapping. In April 2014, they inked a deal with Republic Records for the release of the Chase Dreams EP, where they steered pop music down their own lane.

The collection’s first single “Love Robbery” quickly racked up over 5 million views on YouTube while snagging the #1 “most played” spot at Power 106FM in Los Angeles. The band has gone on to sell nearly 800,000 digital singles to date and their success amplified once more with the release of their Dedication EP followed by this summer’s Dedication 2015 Tour.

The album elevates Kalin and Myles to a new plateau with the title reflecting their commitment to delivering for the countless fans worldwide, who are turning them into a household name.

 
 
 
Natalie La Rose – Dutch native Natalie La Rose’s debut single for I.M.G./Republic Records, “Somebody” featuring Jeremih, is one of this Summer’s biggest singles.

Now certified platinum by the RIAA, “Somebody” hit #1 at Rhythm and entered the Top 3 on Top 40 airplay charts nationwide.  “Somebody” entered the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as the Top 10 of both iTunes’ Pop and Overall Top Songs chart.  It’s also been one of the Top 5 “Most Shazamed Records in the USA.”

To date, the song has over 105+ million streams on Spotify worldwide, with over 65+ million YouTube/Vevo views and counting. La Rose made her national television debuts this Spring on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the Late Late Show with James Corden. She also opened the Radio Disney Music Awards with Fifth Harmony, who she is touring with this Summer.

With the release of her second buzzworthy single, “Around The World” featuring Fetty Wap, La Rose is quickly proving that she is more than just somebody, she is an artist to watch!

 
 
 

Jacob Whitesides – An undeniably talented songwriter and performer, Jacob Whitesides—chosen as MTV’s “Artist To Watch” this August—has caught the ears of millions of music fans with his debut EP A Piece Of Me which reached #1 on the iTunes U.S. Singer/Songwriter chart, #3 on the Pop Albums chart and #5 on the Overall chart.

Jacob’s unprecedented independent success to date has been accomplished entirely on his own, simply relying on his music and a genuine dialogue with his millions of devoted social followers around the globe (aka “Whitesiders”), who have allowed Jacob to land at the top of the charts in seven countries and help him sell out his first European shows in only minutes.

Jacob—raised modestly by a single mom in the smoky mountains outside of Knoxville, Tennessee—is breaking virtually every music industry rule by maintaining full control of his career as CEO of his own touring, merchandising and record label, Double U Records. At 17, Jacob is proving how musicians can establish a credible career for themselves by using the available democratic and free media platforms to support their music.

Jacob is currently on a U.S. Amphitheater tour with R5.

 
 
 

American Authors – Brooklyn based band American Authors hail from the four corners of the country, each bringing their own influences and experiences to the writing table to create pop-flavored alt rock sprinkled with four-part harmonies, spirited lyrics, and contagious optimism.

“Go Big Or Go Home” is the follow-up to their triple-platinum Top 5 hit “Best Day Of My Life,” which boasts over 47.5 million streams and 58.1 million YouTube views to date.  “Best Day Of My Life” and “Believer” were back-to-back hits from the debut album Oh, What A Life, which rose to #3 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. “Go Big Or Go Home” premiered earlier this month on U.S. television when they returned (for their third appearance!) on ABC’s Live with Kelly & Michael.  The band’s headline summer tour across the U.S. continues in Tulsa on July 24th and Baton Rouge on August 1st. On August 2nd in Birmingham, AL, they segue into two weeks of co-headline shows with Andy Grammer.

American Authors’ second album on Island Record is due out September 25th.

 
 
 
 
 

The AAKD Grounds Festival offers a wide range of interactive activities and the opportunity for children of all ages to test their skills, hit with top tennis pros, win prizes and enjoy music: 

 
 
 
·         Hess Festival Stage – the Grounds Festival’s free concert featuring up-and-coming musical talent including girl-pop trio Sweet Suspense and rising Def Jam artist Alessia Cara (additional acts to be confirmed) is hosted by Radio Disney.
 
 
 
·        

YouthTennis.com – Tennis is sized right for kids! With shorter courts, smaller racquets and lower-bouncing balls, the focus is on the fun so kids enjoy the game right from the start.

 
 
 
·         USTA Play Day – Experience a “Play Day”—a welcoming way for kids to experience the social and competitive aspects of tennis.

Play points and rally against other players and pros.

 
 
 
·         Family Fun Court – Kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun playing tennis.

Join your child on court and see how you can play tennis anywhere.

 
 
 
·         Hess Toy Truck Obstacle Course – Test agility, balance, running and tennis skills on the engaging and challenging obstacle course.
 
 
 
·        

Hess Target Time – Intermediate and advanced level-kids can test their skills hitting targets.

 
 
 
·         Xerox Beat the Pro – Challenge the best playing points against some of the top touring and teaching pros in the world.
 
 
 
·         PTR 10 and Under Tennis – Have some fun with PTR professionals and work on improving your beginning serve, scoring and rally skills.
 
 
 
·         USPTA 10 and Under Tennis – USPTA-certified teaching professionals host this court consisting of 30 colorful hitting stations using a variety of teaching aids.
 
 
 
·        

Nike Tennis – Tennis and skill activities on two courts featuring Nike sponsored athletes.

 
 
 
·         Esurance Champions of the Court – Exciting doubles play for all levels.

Which team will win Champions of the Court?

 
 
 
·         Tennis and Education Zone – Innovative and fun tennis-based, educational activities to develop the skills of beginning players of all ages.
 
 
 
·        

Coca-Cola Get Fit and Play – Challenging tennis courses for varying skill levels focusing on agility, balance, coordination, speed and strength.

 
 
 
·         IBM Speedzone – Just like the pros, utilize IBM’s speed serve technology to test the power behind your shot.
 
 
 
·        

Wilson Burn Challenge – Try the new Wilson Burn racket to see how your serves, groundstrokes and footwork rank against competitors worldwide. 

 
 
 
·        

The US Open American Express Fan Experience – Step inside the US Open American Express Fan Experience for even more tennis fun! The Fan Experience is located in the Chase Center near the East Gate.

 
 
 
·         Watch the Pros Practice – See tennis’s biggest stars up close as they prepare for the US Open.

Public practices are featured on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and Court 17.

 
 
 
·         Also – Autographs, Face Painting, Juggling Workshop, Hair Beading and Braiding, Storytelling, Balloon Artists, Roving Entertainers and more!
 
 
 
 
 

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess is the largest single-day, grassroots tennis and entertainment event in the world and has been supported by Hess since 2003. With chart-topping performers, celebrities and professional tennis players, the day helps to promote youth tennis and encourages children of all ages to develop healthy habits through fun activities.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day also celebrates the life and values of tennis legend and humanitarian Arthur Ashe.

 
 
 

Proceeds from Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day benefit the USTA Foundation which helps fund the National Junior Tennis & Learning Network (NJTL), a nationwide group of more than 500 nonprofit youth-development organizations that provide free or low-cost tennis, education and life-skills programming to more than 225,000 children each year, founded 45 years ago by Arthur Ashe, along with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder. 

 
 
 

For more information on Youth Tennis and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, log on to www.YouthTennis.com and/or www.AAKD.com. To connect via social media, please “like” the official Facebook page facebook.com/ArthurAsheKidsDay and/or follow @AAKidsDay on Twitter and Instagram. In the event of inclement weather, ticket holders can log on to any of the sites listed above for the most up to date information.

 
 
 
The 2014 US Open surpassed 700,000 attendees for the seventh time, with the final tally of 713,642 ranking fourth-highest US Open attendance in history.
 
 
 

Coverage of Serena Williams’ third consecutive women’s singles title and Marin Cilic’s first men’s singles win aired on CBS Sports, capping a 47-year relationship with the US Open.  A new 11-year partnership with ESPN will commence for the 2015 US Open, whereby ESPN will become the exclusive domestic television and digital media partner.  

The 2014 US Open was broadcast in more than 200 countries around the world, and aired on CBS, ESPN and Tennis Channel in the U.S.

 
 
 
The 2015 US Open will be held Monday, August 31 through Sunday, September 13.

Tickets for the 2015 US Open can be purchased four ways: 1) at USOpen.org; 2) by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX; 3) at all Ticketmaster outlets; or 4) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office.  American Express is the Official Card of the US Open.

 
 
 

Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. More information on Hess Corporation is available at www.hess.com.

 
 
 

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with more than 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game.

 

The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships and helps underserved youth and people with disabilities. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com, “like” the official Facebook page facebook.com/usta or follow @usta on Twitter.

 

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