Bobby Z and the American Heart Association present the 2nd Annual Benefit 2 Celebrate Life! concert on March 9 at First Ave. in Minneapolis

featuring Maya Rudolph, Questlove and more…

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Robert Rivkin, better known as Bobby Z the former drummer for Prince & The Revolution, and his organization, My Purple Heart, will again partner with the American Heart Association to host the "2^nd Annual Benefit 2 Celebrate Life! Bobby Z & Friends" on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 8 p.m. at First Avenue in Minneapolis, to raise heart-health awareness on the second anniversary of Bobby's near-fatal heart attack.                

This unique event will star "Princess" featuring Maya Rudolph (of SNL fame) and Gretchen Lieberum, followed by a celebrity-filled concert including Questlove (of The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), Andre Cymone, Dez Dickerson, Dr. Fink, Alexander O'Neal, Stokley (of Mint Condition) and more surprise celebrity guest artists.

"The American Heart Association appreciates Bobby's generosity and the spotlight that his voice and passion continue to bring to heart disease—the country's No. 1 killer," said Kim Friend, executive director of the American Heart Association's Twin Cities office.

Bobby Z, best known as a drummer for Prince & The Revolution—which was featured in the GRAMMY and Oscar-winning film Purple Rain—was in critical condition in after three blocked arteries caused a heart attack in February 2011. Doctors were able to open his blockages with three stents which has allowed Z to make a full recovery.

"I am so thrilled to give back and hope that my story will help raise awareness," Z said. "This will be an intimate and fun show with music and stories."  

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Z's "My Purple Heart" organization and the American Heart Association for continued heart-health education.

General Admission is $65 and VIP Admission is $150. VIP Admission includes entry into the VIP Party starting at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, a commemorative photo, and a chance to meet and mingle with Bobby Z and some of the performers. Doors open at 6 p.m. for VIP and 7 p.m. for General Admission. Concert begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 25, 2013 through First Avenue at www.first-avenue.com.

For more information visit www.heart.org/BenefitConcert or www.mypurpleheart.org.

SOURCE American Heart Association