Starwood thrills Preferred Guests with intimate musical performances

Starwood Preferred Guest, the award-winning loyalty program from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, in partnership with Trevanna Entertainment, a live music consultancy, brought the 2015 SPG Hear The Music, See The World global world tour to its W Beijing - Chang'an hotel on July 4, featuring rock musician Chang Csun-Yuk.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Hear the Music, See the World to SPG members in Beijing with this exclusive acoustic performance," said Irene Lin, vice-president, Distribution, Loyalty and Partnership Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. "Given its incredible popularity in the past few years, this innovative global music series resonates with our members because of its unparalleled access to world-renowned artists at some of our most spectacular properties - a reflection that SPG members are as passionate about music as they are about travel and our hotels."

For the fourth consecutive year, the world tour, part of SPG Moments, allows members to experience intimate music performances at W Hotels around the globe. The slate of talent includes a mix of genres, including rock, electronic, hip-hop and pop.

In addition to taking in Chang's soulful performance in Beijing, SPG members were invited to mix and mingle in true W style with an exclusive pre-show cocktail reception. DJ beats, canaps and SPG cocktails provided an unforgettable night. Members also had the chance to meet Chang in person.

"I'm really excited to be here and participate in this SPG Moments Beijing stop," said Feng Guo, an SPG platinum member. "SPG brought a once-in-a-lifetime exciting moment to us. I have never been this close to my music idol and really enjoyed the intimate experience."

Chang (also known as A-Yue), who is from the Amis, one of Taiwan's indigenous tribes, began his dynamic career as a songwriter, singer and guitarist in the early 1990s. Over the years, his style has evolved through several genres, from raw, in-your-face songs and hip-hop-style rapping to experimental electronica and folksy acoustic tunes. He is best known for his 1998 hit Ai Wo Bie Zou and was part of the hugely popular Superband from 2008 to 2010.

"It's a great honor for me to sing at the Hear The Music, See The World music series this year," Chang said. "W Beijing - Chang'an is an incredible venue and I am very excited to perform there for fans who truly love music. This is the authentic meaning of music."

Hear the Music, See the World 2015 comprises performances from June through November, at five hotels representing different Starwood brands, and are available exclusively to SPG loyalty members. US singer Nate Ruess kicked things off at Aloft/Element Miami Doral on June 26, followed by Chang at W Beijing - Chang'an on July 4. English jazz-rock singer Jamie Cullum will appear at The St. Regis Mexico City on Oct 8, and English indie band Bastille at The Westin Palace, Madrid on Oct 30. The tour will be capped off with a performance by multi-award winning US singer/songwriter John Legend at Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown on Nov 5. For more information or to redeem Starpoints for tickets, visit spg.com/moments.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 07/11/2015 page10)