New York, NY, February 28, 2005 -- Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, VH1 President Christina Norman and Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey Senior Vice President & General Manager Barbara Kelly today announced a donation of over $1 million worth of new musical instruments to the New York City public school system. The donation, made by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, furthers the Foundation's core mission to emphasize the importance of instrumental music as an integral part of a child's education. Since its inception eight years ago, the Foundation has restored instrumental music programs in 166 New York City Public Schools, providing nearly $4.5 million worth of new musical instruments.

The Mayor and VH1 also announced that thanks to the efforts of NYC Big Events, the "Save The Music: A Concert To Benefit The VH1 Save The Music Foundation" will be returning to New York City for the first time in 4 years. The annual star-studded concert with performances by Bon Jovi, Queen Latifah, John Legend, Joss Stone, Rob Thomas among others will take place at the famed Beacon Theatre on April 11th. The concert will cap off the "VH1 Save The Music Week" from April 4th through April 11th, and will be broadcast on VH1 on Sunday, April 17th at 9:00 PM (ET/PT). NYC Big Events President Maureen J. Reidy, Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein and a student band from PS 207, PS 222 and IS 278 attended the announcement at PS 57 in Harlem.

"Music education is an important part of growing up - it teaches discipline, creativity, and an appreciation for the arts," said Mayor Bloomberg. "That's why, for the first time, our Administration has established a comprehensive citywide arts curriculum in kindergarten through 12th grade.

One of our biggest partners in music education has been VH1. Through its Save The Music Foundation, the network has donated almost $3.5 million worth of instruments to our public schools, and today, I'm happy to announce that VH1 is making a donation of more than $1 million worth of new musical instruments that will launch 41 new music programs in the New York City public schools during 2005."

"VH1 Save The Music Foundation is truly excited to partner with the City of New York to creatively highlight the importance of music education and celebrate the positive benefits that it can bring to children, public schools and New York," said Christina Norman, President, VH1 and Chairman of the Board, VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "We're honored to bring the show back to New York City, the birthplace of VH1 Save The Music. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has brought music education to more than a half a million children, but the need to restore music education programs still exists. The concert ­ and the entire VH1 Save The Music Week -- will generate awareness about that need nationwide."

VH1 and NYC Big Events, Inc. first met back in November 2004 to discuss bringing the VH1 Save the Music Benefit Concert back to New York City and to evaluate ways to increase awareness for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and the event. The last time the annual concert was in New York was back in 2001. The idea for "Save the Music Week" was born and a decision was made to bring the event back to its roots to where it all started at the Beacon Theatre. When major events, such as this benefit concert, are staged in NYC, they not only generate a positive economic impact, but they also provide a unique opportunity to showcase and promote all that is great about New York City.

"We are so thrilled that VH1 is bringing its most important televised event back to the world's greatest stage, New York City," said Maureen J. Reidy, President of NYC Big Events, Inc. "We very much look forward to collaborating with Christina Norman and her team on the 'Save the Music Week' celebrations, which are certain to provide a fun and memorable experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike."

Today's donation of more than $1 million worth of new musical instruments will launch 41 new music programs in the New York City public schools during 2005. This year's musical instruments were delivered to the grant recipient schools by Soundtree, Manny's Music, Sam Ash Music and Rayburn Musical Instruments. Each year the benefit concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation raises funds for the non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in America's public schools, and to raising awareness of the positive impact that music participation has on students. Studies show that students involved in music programs are better at languages and score higher on standardized math and reading tests. Since VH1 Save the Music was created in 1997, nearly $30 million worth of musical instruments has been donated to 1,200 public schools in 80 cities, improving the lives of more than 500,000 children.

"An education in the arts is crucial to the development of our City's school children," said New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein. "Engaging students' interests and promoting self-expression are vital to developing our students to their full potential. We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of VH1 Save The Music and local partners such as Time Warner Cable in ensuring that the children in New York City community receive all of the benefits that an arts education provides."

"Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey was the first to partner with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation and pilot this campaign in New York City, and we've been amazed with its results. We're proud that VH1 Save the Music is now a successful national campaign today as well." stated Barbara Kelly, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Time Warner Cable of New York and New Jersey. "We will continue to support VH1 Save the Music to ensure that music programs flourish in our public schools. We are committed to providing our resources to give students as many advantages as possible for future success."