Juanes Partners With Hard Rock International For Philanthropic Artist Spotlight Merchandise

Joining The Likes Of Rihanna, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson & More As The First All-Spanish Language Music Artist In The Series, These Limited-Edition Items Will Support The Work of Juanes' Fundacion Mi Sangre

To Celebrate The Campaign Launch, Juanes Also Donates Special Personal Performance Items For Display In Hard Rock's World Famous Memorabilia Collection

News provided by

Hard Rock International

Sep 23, 2014, 11:30 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin rock superstar Juanes and Hard Rock International today announced the launch of the limited-edition Juanes Artist Spotlight Merchandise, benefiting the singer's Fundacion Mi Sangre. The exclusive line, a partnership between the multiple Grammy® and Latin Grammy®-winning superstar and the global entertainment brand, includes a collectible pin and men's and women's t-shirts – all featuring an original design by Juanes.

"Hard Rock's Artist Spotlight program gives me the perfect platform to continue to spread Fundacion Mi Sangre's message of peace," said Juanes. "Hard Rock's Juanes Artist Spotlight merchandise will raise international awareness and funds for my own Mi Sangre Foundation, which protects children's rights, promotes peace and social change, and reinforces responsibility for one's community."

Fifteen percent of the retail price from sales of Hard Rock's Juanes Artist Spotlight T-shirts and collectible pin benefits the singer's Fundacion Mi Sangre. As a recognized peace ambassador and global activist, Juanes founded the Mi Sangre Foundation in 2006 to raise funds and awareness against the use of anti-personnel mines – both in Colombia and across the world – and to help care for the injured by providing prosthetics, wheelchairs and rehabilitation to those in need. In addition to working toward the termination of dangerous mines, the Mi Sangre Foundation provides education, from preschool to vocational training, as a means of deterring children and youth from violence.

Hard Rock's Juanes Artist Spotlight merchandise is available online at www.hardrock.com and at various Hard Rock Cafe, Hotel and Casino locations beginning in September 2014.

Juanes Artist Spotlight Women's T-Shirt features a pink and light blue illustration of Juanes playing the guitar with his name and the Hard Rock logo on the left side of the shirt. A city-specific Hard Rock logo is also printed on the center back neck. The short sleeve, navy t-shirt is made of 100% cotton and is available in women sizes (S-XL). ($ 26 USD).
Juanes Artist Spotlight Men's T-Shirt features a green and blue illustration of Juanes playing the guitar with his name and the Hard Rock logo on the left side of the shirt. A city-specific Hard Rock logo is also printed on the center back neck. This short sleeve, black t-shirt is made of 100% cotton and is available exclusively online in men's sizes (S-XXL). ($ 26 USD).
Juanes Artist Spotlight Pin features a signed acoustic guitar with a city-specific Hard Rock logo on the neck of the guitar. ($ 12 USD).

To celebrate the partnership, Juanes made a special appearance at Hard Rock Cafe New York on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, to unveil the limited-edition designs and to donate personal performance items to the brand's world-famous memorabilia collection. Among the new items added to Hard Rock's one-of-a-kind collection are the red and black checkered jacket worn by Juanes during a performance with Carlos Santana; the brown jacket, black t-shirt and black boots worn during Juanes' appearance on MTV's "Unplugged;" and a black jacket worn during a meeting with former United States President Bill Clinton.

"As both a global icon and peace advocate, we are honored to partner with Juanes and help raise awareness and funds in support of Fundacion Mi Sangre's mission," said Keely Wade, Philanthropy & Marketing Manager for Hard Rock International. "Juanes' tireless philanthropic work for nonviolent conflict resolution is an initiative that we are proud to be associated with, and we look forward to continuing our support for the foundation's efforts in Colombia and around the world."

Hard Rock's Artist Spotlight Lineup
Since its founding in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. The Artist Spotlight program features the work of noted artists and performers and contributes to global and humanitarian causes worldwide. Juanes will join Rihanna, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Spice Girls and Shakira, all who have designed limited-edition Artist Spotlight merchandise.

For additional information, please visit www.hardrock.com.

About Juanes
With seven solo albums to his credit and multi-platinum sales of over 16 million copies, Juanes is the world's leading all-Spanish language rock artist - both a 2-time GRAMMY and 19-time LATIN GRAMMY winner with nine #1 singles on Billboard's Latin Singles charts. Hailed as "the first truly international rock star to emerge from Latin America" (AP), Juanes is also frequently recognized as one of the Spanish-speaking world's leading social media voices with an online following of over 17 million fans. The Colombian superstar's dedication as a global activist also extends far beyond his passionate lyrics and is seen in his wide ranging charitable work for his own Mi Sangre Foundation and as a co-founder of the "Paz sin Fronteras" (Peace Without Borders) organization. Working with famed rock producer Steve Lillywhite, Juanes' latest album "Loco De Amor" was released in the Spring of 2014 and debuted at #1 on Billboard's "Latin Pop Albums" chart and topped iTunes sales in over a dozen countries. 'Loco De Amor' was recently hailed as "One of the Five Best Albums of 2014 so far" by PEOPLE Magazine, saying it "is one of the best records out now in any tongue… Juanes has never sounded better."

About Fundacion Mi Sangre
Founded in Colombia by international superstar Juanes, Fundacion Mi Sangre, is a non-profit organization which promotes youth empowerment and positive social change, using music and art as the tools for creating visible, lasting social transformation. Mi Sangre's participatory methodology strengthens the leadership skills of children, teenagers and youth and allows them to become active agents of change in their community. Since 2006, over 67,000 lives have been affected by the foundation's programs. For more information please visit: www.fundacionmisangre.org/en.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 190 venues in 58 countries, including 144 cafes, 21 hotels and 10 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Seoul, San Juan and Marseille. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Los Cabos, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.