Voice of America Washington, DC 20237 Tel: (202) 619-2538 Fax: (202) 619-1241 E-mail: pubaff@ibb.gov

Washington, D.C., December 29 -- Voice of America will ring in the Millennium by broadcasting segments of a live, 24-hour musical extravaganza from The Grand Palace in Branson, Missouri.  VOA listeners around the world will hear portions of the "Around the World Millennium Celebration" stage show at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM EST on New Year’s Eve.

The event will be headlined by The Osmonds and the Jay Osmond Band and will include more than 100 of Branson’s most talented singers, dancers, and musicians.  The entertainment and celebration begin at 8:00 AM CST, December 31, and will run continuously until 8 AM, January 1, 2000.  The theme of “celebration” is to recognize countries in each time zone as they enter the new millennium with a special on-stage tribute of music and dance.

During the three segments broadcast by VOA, the entertainers on stage at The Grand Palace will interact with VOA radio personalities for both the Branson and VOA audiences.  VOA Music Director, Judy Massa, said the "Around the World Millennium Celebration" in Branson will provide the kind of programming representational of the heartland of America.

Voice of America affiliate stations in 50 countries will receive the Branson broadcast via satellite.  In addition, the 2 PM segment will also be sent via shortwave radio to the entire VOA listening audience during the "Border Crossings" program.  "Border Crossings," hosted by Judy Massa, Mondays through Fridays from 2 PM to 3 PM EST, is a music request and call-in show featuring all styles of music from all parts of the world.

The entire 24-hour Millennium Celebration will be taped for possible use on Voice of America programs in the coming weeks.

Voice of America reaches an estimated 91 million listeners each week who tune in to programs in 53 languages via shortwave and medium wave (AM) broadcasts and on local AM and FM affiliate stations and the internet.

Contact: Joe O'Connell
Phone: 202-619-2538
E-mail: pubaff@voa.gov