Grace Jones to Perform at 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary entertainer Grace Jones will perform for guests at the 18th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party.  The gala event, which will take place March 7, 2010, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, has brought some of the most iconic musicians to the stage over the years, but none as theatrical as the incomparable Grace Jones.

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"Grace Jones is not only an amazing performer, but a dear friend and a fellow activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Sir Elton John.  "Without a doubt, Grace will put on a show for our guests that will have them talking for years to come.  It is an absolute honor to have Grace as part of this evening that means so much to the Foundation."

Ms. Jones' first album, Portfolio, released in 1977, resulted in a string of dance-club hits that transformed the international club scene.  Her following albums "Fame" and "Muse" generated considerable success in the market and solidified her as a major recording artist.  Jones later adapted to the emerging New Wave music to create a different style for herself. This resulted in the acclaimed albums "Warm Leatherette", "Nightclubbing" and "Living My Life."

Equally known for her roles in the fashion, art and film communities, Jones has established a presence that has stood the test of time.  Born in Jamaica and raised in Syracuse, New York, she began her career as a successful high-fashion model. Starring roles followed in such films as the James Bond blockbuster "A View to a Kill", "Conan the Destroyer" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the vampire thriller "Vamp."  Jones took the art world by storm when she became the muse to famed artists Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, resulting in an iconic series of portraits by Warhol and Haring's famous series of body paintings. With her dramatic visual makeover created in partnership with Jean-Paul Goode, Jones starred in the concert special "A One Man Show" and created a persona that has intrigued fans and established her as an international entertainment icon.

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ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION: The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by founder and chairman Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised nearly $175 million for worthy HIV/AIDS programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. EJAF-US's current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs in the Southern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents.

CHOPARD:  There are few jewelers in the world whose designs are immediately recognizable.  At the forefront of that list is Chopard.  For 150 years, the "World of Chopard" has embraced elegance, originality and individuality. Renowned internationally for its award-winning "Happy Diamonds" creations, the Chopard collection also includes an array of designs that adorn celebrities around the world.  Meticulously crafted in Geneva, Switzerland since 1860, Chopard has distinguished itself worldwide for luxurious jewels and impeccably crafted high-precision timepieces that embody imaginative design and sophistication. To mark Chopard's 10 years of support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele has designed a new watch collection in collaboration with Sir Elton John himself.  A testament to their friendship, the watch collection reflects the artist's extravagant personality as well as his tremendous generosity. A percentage of sales from these watches benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  For further information, phone 1.800.CHOPARD or explore Chopard on line at www.chopard.com.

JO and RAFFY MANOUKIAN:  Jo and Raffy Manoukian are honored to be one of the sponsors of the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party.  They have been personal friends of Sir Elton John since the early 1990s and are actively involved with the Foundation in the capacity of both Trustees and Board Members.  The Elton John AIDS Foundation forms only one part of Jo and Raffy's philanthropy. Their charitable efforts span the globe with special emphasis on health, education, human rights, music, sports and media ventures.

NEURO DRINKS: Neuro is a groundbreaking brand of great-tasting functional beverages that provides nutraceutical blends formulated to promote health and well-being.  Neuro Drinks contain natural, exotic tropical flavors and essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals to enhance and support a demanding round-the-clock lifestyle. The line features seven blends: NeuroGasm, NeuroSonic, NeuroBliss, NeuroSport, NeuroTrim, NeuroSleep and NeuroAqua, all individually crafted to provide beneficial elements that help you stay well. Drink smart. Drink Neuro.

AMERICAN AIRLINES: American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 3,400 daily flights.  American Airlines is the official airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

SOURCE Elton John AIDS Foundation