McDonald's Spices Up the Already Hot Celebrity Line-Up at the Essence Music Festival With Idris Elba and Michael Baisden

  WHAT:     Like McDonald's, the Essence Music Festival, is a
            multigenerational destination of choice for families.  As such,
            McDonald's is proud to continue its sponsorship of the Essence
            Music Festival.  In celebration of the African American woman,
            McDonald's is bringing Idris Elba and Michael Baisden to the
            Essence Music Festival as a special treat for those who visit
            the McDonald's booth.

            (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060626/CGM048 )

            Although known for his acting abilities, Elba will be spinning
            tracks during his "Ladies Only Show", while Baisden will hold a
            book signing session and host his "Michael Baisden Live" show.
            Other booth activities include Laurie Ann Gibson demonstrating
            the latest dance moves while encouraging fun physical activity,
            performances by Algebra as well as NeoSoul recording artist
            Raheem DeVaughn and Essence's Angela Burt-Murray and Mikki
            Taylor commentate a special fashion show unveiling the latest
            looks.

  WHO:      Idris Elba is more commonly known for his acclaimed performance
            as "Stringer Bell" on the HBO hit drama series The Wire and his
            leading character role on the HBO special Sometimes in April.
            Other film credits include The Gospel and Tyler Perry's Daddy's
            Little Girl.

            Michael Baisden does it all. As a best-selling author,
            motivational speaker, former television talk show host and now
            host of one of America's most popular nationally syndicated
            radio programs, Baisden keeps it real mixing relationship talk
            with the best of old school and today's R&B music.

            Laurie Ann Gibson is one of the most sought after choreographers
            in the entertainment industry, routinely doing choreography for
            the biggest music superstars, including Diddy, Alicia Keys and
            Usher.  Her credentials also include features in the film Honey
            and MTV's Making the Band 3.

            Raheem DeVaughn is a true NeoSoul veteran of live performances.
            His recurrent appearances in the DC area gave him celebrity
            status amongst the local soul community as he made his national
            debut with his new album, The Love Experience, in 2005.

            Algebra is an up-and-coming NeoSoul artist whose melodic,
            enchanting vocals are only trumped by the fact that she
            seamlessly orchestrates her own phenomenally talented band,
            creating one beautifully harmonic blend of music.


  WHERE:    Essence Music Festival
            Reliant Park (McDonald's Booth)
            One Reliant Park
            Houston, Texas
            July 1 - 3, 2006
            10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.


  FOR MORE INFORMATION:
  Shannelle Armstrong, McDonald's
  312-401-2834 (mobile)
  shannelle.armstrong@us.mcd.com

  Laura Kenton, Burrell Communications
  312-497-8537 (mobile)
  lkenton@burrell.com

PRNewswire -- June 26

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060626/CGM048
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: McDonald's