Simon malls will be transformed into a sizzling hot entertainment venue this summer as Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer arm of Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) launches Simon DTour Live! (R) Presented by ABC Family, a free, live concert and lifestyle event at 20 Simon malls across the country that connects teens with some of their favorite pop stars as well as retail and consumer brands.
The event, now in its fifth year, gives teens firsthand access to today's rising pop stars and an opportunity to experience some of the hottest current consumer and retail brands through interactive games, giveaways and prizes. Additionally, Simon DTour Live! has become a popular showcase for up-and- coming artists. For example, Ashlee Simpson, Ryan Cabrera, Cheyenne Kimball and Paula DeAnda were headliners on the Simon DTour Live! stage as their careers blossomed.
Artists on this year's tour include the Plain White T's, a power pop band with the Billboard Hot 100 hit, "Hey There Delilah;" Lloyd, a rising R&B artist with a certified gold album; and Brooke Hogan, a rising pop star with the Billboard Hot 100 hit "About Us" and star from the television show "Hogan Knows Best." Other emerging pop stars signed to Simon DTour Live! include Jordan Pruitt, Permanent Me and Corbin Bleu.
"Simon DTour Live! is the premier event that connects teens with their favorite bands and brands," said Cathi Weiner, senior vice president, business development, for Simon Brand Ventures. "The tour reaches teens where they live - online and in our malls. Our malls are a prime location for the seamless union of teens, shopping and entertainment. Intermix online consumer outreach, such as blogs, video streaming and free downloads, and you have a formula for success."
The tour launches in mid-July in the New York City market and wraps up in early September in the Los Angeles area after visiting a total of 20 Simon malls throughout the country.
In addition to the main stage performances, Simon DTour Live! Presented by ABC Family also will offer teens the chance to win hourly prizes and an opportunity to check out the latest in technology, fashion and pop culture from consumer brands
