
The first 'Rags to Riches' live (R2RLive.com) music event hosted during the South By Southwest Music Festival has added top performer and hip-hop producer Sean "Diddy" Combs as a host for the 7-hour musical experience. Cinsay and the Recording Artists Guild (RAG) are producing the world's first live streaming social media music event with commerce built into the player. The event will feature A-list celebrities and top musical performances for the March 16th big event.
Musical talent just signed to the event include Eminem produced pop-hip-hop singer, Skylar Grey whose new album is set for release this year. Also on the playlist is the new alternative rock, smash-hit, Kitten. Other top bands and talent include the rock band, Neo Geo, jazz and blues hit, Larry Gee, and pop sensation, Forever The Sickest Kids (FTSK).
The event will be hosted live at R2RLive.com and will utilize Cinsay's patented Smart Store technology with expected live attendance of 900 guests and hundreds of thousands of online music fans that will be able to watch live performances, purchase band's merchandise and donate to charities throughout the day as well as share the video all over the world.
Additional artists are being added to the eclectic and multi-talented lineup. Genres will include Hip Hop, Jazz, Blues, and alternative rock during the non-stop broadcast. Also at the venue, guests will have access to Cinsay's Smart Store bar where they can purchase event branded items, band's music and exclusive merchandise. Fans will even be able to order personalized items with their own pictures and fan messages. Online viewers will also be able to shop and order from hundreds of featured designs on apparel, iPhone covers, posters, glassware and hoodies. During the day, visitors can also register for their own video commerce Smart Store and join the Recording Artists Guild. Special guests at the venue will have access to a VIP lounge, entertainment and bar.
The concert will benefit local Austin Meals on Wheels and More as well as the Fender Music Foundation with each having their own video Smart Store for branded merchandise and the ability for viewers to donate to each cause.
"We're expecting a huge turnout for this first ever event", said Christian Briggs, founder and CEO of Cinsay. "Coldplay alone had over 20 million views for one of their concerts, and we'll have over twelve top-level artists performing over a seven-hour period. This is going to be a great event", Briggs concluded.