November 19, 2009

URGENT Manilow.TV Message

Several days ago we started to receive emails from friends who were concerned that a ManilowTV subscriber in Europe had started selling illegal bootleg DVD copies of the Manilow TV broadcasts. Like all of us, they were surprised that someone who pretended to be a fan was really out to rip off Barry and all the other musicians, artists, songwriters, casts, and crews who are involved in the production of these programs. Like all of us, they were offended that someone who had previously agreed not to be a bootlegger, would again try to rip off everyone while pretending to just be a good fan. Right.

This person has again been notified by the legal team and has again promised not to engage in illegal activities. This time, however, we have also notified the authorities in the host country and have blocked all Manilow.TV access for subscribers in the host country and for those associated with the bootlegger. Hopefully this will stop the bootlegger and allow Manilow.TV to continue.

It’s interesting to note that quite a few European countries have bootlegging laws much stronger than the US. Bootleggers routinely face fines, prison sentences and lifetime denial of internet access for infractions that many in the US would consider minor. Hopefully, our actions and the risk of further action by local governmental authorities will encourage this person to finally stop before we are forced to shut down Manilow.TV.

To all of you who took the high road and shared both your concern and your disgust….thank you.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

TOYS FOR TOTS JOINS FORCES WITH BARRY MANILOW AT GIFT OF LOVE CONCERT SERIES FOR LOCAL CHARITIES IN PALM SPRINGS


Palm Springs, CA (November 18, 2009)—The U.S. Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots program is joining pop culture icon and music legend Barry Manilow, and the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, for “A Gift of Love…,” a five-night holiday concert series at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, CA. The concert series, beginning on December 4th, 2009 and continuing on December 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th, which will honor 25 local charities in Palm Springs, California, the singer’s hometown. Toys for Tots will be on hand each night so that attendees will be able to make a toy donation to a child in need at the McCallum Theatre on their way in to see Manilow perform.

In this way the audience can further share in the sense of love and charity the season brings from beginning to end. Manilow will perform his hit songs in addition to special holiday songs featured on his new Christmas album, “In the Swing of Christmas,” released October 13th, 2009 and previous holiday releases, “Because It’s Christmas” and “A Christmas Gift of Love.”

“We’re calling this concert “A Gift of Love,” and it’s great to have another way for the audience to show their love for those less fortunate,” said Manilow. “I think we would all agree that every day we are able to give back to those in need is a very good day.”

First Sergeant, Brian J. O’Toole says “Barry Manilow exemplifies the spirit of charity not only at Christmas, but each of the other 364 days of the year. We are glad that we can join him for his charitable concert series in Palm Springs and bring even more joy to the youngest and so deserving among us.”

Premium tickets are exclusively available now at giving concert-attendees special time with Manilow and additional donations to one of the beneficiary charities. Premium tickets priced at $750 offer a post-reception and photo-op with Manilow as well as an additional $500 donation to a designated beneficiary charity. Premium tickets priced at $1,000 offer a pre-concert champagne reception with Manilow and autographed program, as well as an additional $750 donation to a designated beneficiary charity. All other tickets for “A Gift of Love…” with Barry Manilow are available at www.mccallumtheatre.com, with prices ranging from $85 to $250. Earlier this year Manilow donated $500,000 in musical instruments to schools in the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area.

In addition to the holiday concert series and recently released Christmas album, Manilow is busier than ever, performing his first ever solo concert at the Hollywood Bowl on October 24th, 2009. Barry Manilow’s latest holiday DVD, “Barry Manilow Happy Holiday!,” is available in stores today. The legendary entertainer is recording his album, “The Greatest Love Songs of All Time,” which will be released in January 2010 in time for Valentine’s Day.

With worldwide record sales exceeding 75 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Manilow has worked on over 40 albums over the course of his career as a singer, songwriter, arranger and producer.

About Marine Toys for Tots
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to provide fundraising and other necessary support for their annual Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 62nd year, Toys for Tots provides hope and happiness to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a shiny new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Our gifts offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts we provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and recreational interests of these children. In 2008, Marines distributed gifts to 7.6 million children in over 650 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public and is supported by corporate sponsorships. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org .

“A Gift of Love..” Beneficiary Charities:
The Palm Springs-based charities benefiting from Barry Manilow’s upcoming “A Gift of Love…” holiday concert include: ACT for MS – Palm Desert, Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation, Animal Samaritans, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS of the Desert), Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley, Desert AIDS Project, Desert Arc, Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, Desert Paws, FIND Food Bank, Inc., Gilda’s Club Desert Cities California, Guide Dogs of the Desert, Healthy Family Foundation: The Ophelia Project, Joslyn Senior Center, Mourning Star Center, Olive Crest, One Heartland, Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped, Shelter From The Storm, Stroke Recovery Center, Temple Isaiah Fund, The Living Desert, United Cerebral Palsy – Inland Empire, and Variety Club of the Desert. For information on which night the aforementioned charities will be honored, please visit http://www.starz.bz/agiftoflove/.

About The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope:
The Manilow Fund for Health & Hope is a nonprofit organization that was created by Barry Manilow to support local, grassroots organizations that promote education, health and care. The fund donates to organizations that focus on cancer, AIDS, children’s issues, victims of abuse, the homeless, animal causes, and music education.

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