America’s Cup Arts and Entertainment Committee confirmed

by America's Cup Media on 28 Mar 2013 The next Louis Vuitton Cup, America’s Cup Challenger Series (July-August 2013), leading to the America’s Cup Finals (September 2013), will be held for the first time in San Francisco Bay, a natural sailing arena, in AC72 wing sail catamarans.

The America’s Cup is tapping arts and entertainment leaders in the San Francisco Bay Area to steer the community programming offered as part of the event’s shoreside activities.

The America’s Cup Arts and Entertainment Committee was confirmed today by Stephen Barclay, CEO of the America’s Cup.

Chaired by Mickey Hart, longtime drummer for San Francisco’s legendary Grateful Dead and the Mickey Hart Band, the Committee will ensure the stage at the America’s Cup Park reflects the spirit of San Francisco.

In addition to Hart, Committee members include: legendary Oakland rap star MC Hammer; San Francisco Symphony general manager, John Kieser; Bill Graham Memorial Foundation board member Shelley Lazar; SFJAZZ Board member Nion McEvoy; Matt Prieshoff, Chief Operating Officer, Live Nation, Northern California; San Francisco Opera’s Associate General Director Matthew Shilvock; and the San Francisco Symphony Music Director, Michael Tilson Thomas. Leading ocean scientist Dr. Sylvia Earle sits on the board to advise on an ocean benefit concert.

'We are honored to have such a range of arts and musical interests represented on our Arts and Entertainment Committee,' Barclay said. 'Music and the arts are part of the fabric of the Bay area and with the guidance of this group, we hope to reflect the cultural diversity of San Francisco on the America’s Cup stage over the summer.'

'The San Francisco Symphony supports the goal of the committee to offer programming that reflects the diversity and excellence of San Francisco,' said the Symphony’s Kieser.

Hart, who approached the America’s Cup almost two years ago with creative concepts to transform the rhythm of the racing boats into music, previously scored the soundtrack for Walter Cronkite’s documentary of the 1987 America’s Cup when the United States won over Australia. Hart has also sailed with current America’s Cup defender ORACLE TEAM USA.

'The sails, the boat, the current, the wind, the integration of the sailors. These guys are rhythm masters,' Hart said after his sail. 'They are dancing with the wind and the current. It’s fascinating.'

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer sees the Bay as the perfect stage for the America’s Cup competition, complemented by arts programming on shore at the America’s Cup Pavilion.

'The racing and our beautiful Bay also provides the ideal backdrop for the America’s Cup Concert Series and other cultural events on shore. We can showcase San Francisco’s vibrant music and arts community to the world this summer.'

Hart will soon unveil his latest musical contribution to the America’s Cup.

The America’s Cup and Live Nation are proud to present the America’s Cup Concert Series at the America’s Cup Pavilion, located on Piers 27/29. The America’s Cup Pavilion will host multiple events in the summer of 2013 in San Francisco’s first outdoor, waterfront concert venue.

Artists confirmed to date include: Imagine Dragons, May 31; Sting, June 2; Steve Miller Band/Doobie Brothers, June 21; Train, The Script and Gavin DeGraw, August 11; Heart with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, August 28; and Jason Mraz, September 1. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.americascup.com/en/concert-series. In addition, there will be community programming opportunities at the America’s Cup Pavilion.