PR: News 4 You: CultureFest 2007

Contacts: Kimberly Spell, NYC & Company, 212-484-1270, kspell@nycvisit.comErnesto Freire, NYC & Company, 212-484-1295, efreire@nycvisit.com

NYC & COMPANY AND WNBC'S NEWS 4 YOU PREVIEW CULTUREFEST NYC 2007

�City Businesses Prepare to Welcome Visitors and Couples with Special Offers and Promotions�

New York, NY (October 8, 2007)�WNBC's Perri Peltz and Chris Heywood of NYC & Company, New York City's official marketing and tourism organization, treated viewers to a preview of CultureFest NYC 2007 on last Friday's NYC Visit segment on WNBC's News 4 You."We are excited to have CultureFest return for its sixth year," said Heywood. "This is the only opportunity to preview the offerings for the upcoming year's cultural season in one place, at one time. Many of the City's finest institutions will be showcasing throughout the weekend�best of all it's free."The NYC Visit segment featured three of the performances scheduled to take place, including Taiko Masala, the Swingset Mamas and Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars."New York City is the cultural capital of the world and CultureFest is a great way to get acquainted with what the City has to offer," said WNBC anchor Perri Peltz. "With two stages and various exhibits, there's something there for all ages and interests."The event is sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by Merrill Lynch, and more than 125 of New York City's finest cultural organizations will take part in this year's event. Located in Battery Park, the two-day festival is free to the public and offers over 30 performances.On Saturday, October 13, Taiko Masala will kick off CultureFest with a noon showcase of taiko drumming and acrobatic accompaniment. The group, presented by The New York Botanical Garden, will mix both ancient and modern sounds from Japan.On the Kids' Stage, the Swingset Mamas will perform their signature light-hearted, educational songs for all ages. Beginning at 2pm on Sunday, parents and children can join the Mamas and listen to songs like "Buckle Up" and the "Sunscreen Dance."Also on Sunday, Frank London's Klezmer Brass All-Stars will take the Main Stage with their traditional Jewish carnival music. The band, whose latest CD was named Rolling Stone's #1 non-English CD for 2006, will be this year's closing act.For more information on this week's segment and CultureFest NYC 2007, go to nycvisit.com.

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About NYC & Company:

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.