Emmis Announces International Expansion of HOT 97 Summer Jam

INDIANAPOLIS, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Emmis Communications (NASDAQ: EMMS) today announced that the world's largest Hip Hop concert, HOT 97 Summer Jam on June 5, 2016 at MetLife Stadium, will expand internationally with the launch of HOT 97 Summer Jam Tokyo in July 2016. 

Emmis has signed a multi-year license agreement with Avex Live Creative, Japan's premiere entertainment production & management company, a division of Avex Group Holdings.  As part of this arrangement for Summer Jam Tokyo, Avex will also utilize Trevanna Entertainment, the production team behind Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium.

Now in its 23rd year, HOT 97 Summer Jam is a day-long, two-stage celebration of Hip Hop attracting more than 55,000 fans and the genre's top names. Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and more have previously performed. The annual festival is famous for their surprise, unannounced musical guests. 

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

"HOT 97 Summer Jam Tokyo reinforces the global awareness and significance of the HOT 97 brand and the groundbreaking DJs who play such an important role in breaking and cultivating hip hop's top past, present and without question future performers," said Patrick Walsh, President, Emmis Communications. "HOT 97 has a passionate following in Japan and hip hop is experiencing enormous growth in popularity among Japanese millennials. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver an authentic HOT 97 Summer Jam experience to the growing legion of Japanese hip hop fans and share the experience with our American listeners as we promote the groundbreaking event to our audience in New York and all over the United States.  Our goal is to add another significant event to a country so rich in history and culture."   

"I feel honored that we are able to bring HOT 97 Summer Jam, one of the world's most reputable Hip Hop events, to Japan," comments Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of ALC.  "The demand for internal action has been increasing in Japan, and as we approach the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, we expect to gain even more attention from the world.  With the waves of globalization approaching from many directions and the demands for new experiences continuously increasing, the fact that HOT 97 Summer Jam, which represents New York's Hip Hop culture like nothing else, is coming to Tokyo demonstrates how extremely treasured music festivals are and just how worldly Hip Hop is.  This partnership will bring a taste of New York right into the center of Japanese art & music."  

Summer Jam Tokyo will take place Friday, July 29, 2016 at Zepp Tokyo.  The line-up, which will include some of the hottest names in Hip Hop throughout the world including the biggest Hip Hop acts in Japan, will be announced at a later date.  For the most recent updates, including on-sale information, head to www.hot97summerjamtokyo.jp or follow Summer Jam: Tokyo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HOT97SummerJamTokyo

SOURCE Emmis Communications

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