It was recently announced that for the first time Amnesty International’s world-renowned Secret Policeman’s Ball will be hosted in the United States. The event – a star-studded, legendary night of comedy and music – will take place on March 4, 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

This historic event is a spectacular evening of original comedy, multiplatinum, award-winning musical performers and collaborations, never-before-seen sketches, stand-up and guest appearances, all written around and in support of free speech. An audience of more than 6,000 people will gather at Radio City Music Hall to experience a special night filled with original performances from some of the world’s most popular entertainers including: Coldplay, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Mumford & Sons, Russell Brand, Reggie Watts and many more.

“I used to think humor was a luxury, but at the last election Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert taught me it was a necessity,” said John Cleese. “The Secret Policeman’s Ball was  - and is  - a coming together of the very best comedy talent of any generation to celebrate their art, remind audiences how important free speech is, and highlight just how much vital work Amnesty International does to protect it. I implore you to support it.”

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

Beginning in 1976, the Secret Policeman’s Ball pioneered cause-focused benefit concerts that bring together star-power and world leaders to raise awareness about critically important global issues. The Secret Policeman’s Ball has featured legendary artists and entertainers who both share world-renowned talent and a dedication to changing the world.

“Secret Policeman’s Ball has a long and hilariously off-color history of using comic genius to fight for free speech and human rights around the world,” said Lily Sobhani, Executive Producer of the Secret Policeman’s Ball. “We are thrilled that the leading lights of comedy and music are coming together to bring the Secret Policeman’s Ball to the United States for the first time.”

“Entertainers have used political cartoons, protest songs and straight-out skewering of politicians and leaders to challenge virtually every government’s failure to uphold fundamental rights,” said Suzanne Nossel, Amnesty International USA’s new Executive Director. “We are thrilled that some of the most creative political humorists of our time will perform when Amnesty International hosts the first Secret Policeman’s Ball in the United States. And on March 4, those of us who can make fun of our government and walk away in safety will dedicate the program to those who cannot.”

Amnesty International is thrilled to present the Secret Policeman’s Ball, being produced by Amnesty International; world leading producer of global events Control Room; and leading independent creative agency, Mother.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/coldplay

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Coldplay’s fifth studio album, “Mylo Xyloto,” is the group’s third album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart.  Coldplay’s previous two albums, “Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends” in 2008 and “X&Y” in 2005, both debuted at No.1. Their single, “Princess Of China,” which features Rihanna also made a debut this week at No. 20 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The album’s sales were significantly less compared to the previous two albums which debuted on the chart with 721,000 and 737,000 albums sold. According to Nielsen SoundScan, “Mylo Xyloto” is the third biggest debut this year, selling 447,000 physical and digital copies.

Only Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne have managed to sell more in one week this year. Gaga’s “Born this Way” sold 1.1 million albums, and Lil Wayne’s “Tha Carter IV” sold 964,000. Kelly Clarkson’s new album, “Stronger,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 200 and sold 163,000 copies.

This is the American Idol winner’s fifth studio effort as she stands as the most successful artist to come out of the popular show. The Canadian singer, Michael Buble, finds success in his holiday album, “Christmas,” which sold 141,000 copies and debuted at No. 3 behind Coldplay and Kelly Clarkson.

Rihanna had a big week, too, as her new single, “We Found Love” in which she collaborated with the Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Rihanna takes the crown from Adele’s “Someone Like You” who held the No. 1 spot for four weeks in a row.

This marks the Barbadian’s eleventh No. 1 ranking on the chart since her career began in 2005. She now ties with Whitney Houston, but surpassed Stevie Wonder and Janet Jackson, both of whom had 10 No. 1 hits. Her sixth album titled “Talk That Talk” is due to be released later this month, just a year after the release of her successful fifth album “Loud.”

Justin Bieber’s holiday album, “Mistletoe,” is set to debut at No. 1 next week, though the single of the same name dropped in rank from 11 to 73 in just one week on the Billboard Hot 100. In the meantime, a young woman by the name of Mariah Yeater hit the Canadian singer with a paternity suit claiming they had a sexual encounter after a concert last year in Los Angeles.

A California court will have a hearing next month, but Island Def Jam records have publicly denied the accusation and stated they will do everything they can to protect the young singer.

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

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