LOU REED - REED TO OPEN NEW YORK MUSIC VENUE

Veteran rocker LOU REED will be the first act to play the new HighLine Ballroom venue in New York City. The WALK ON THE WILD SIDE star will take the stage at the new 700-capacity club in the city's Meatpacking district on 30 April (07). Named after a disused elevated railway that runs along the west side of Manhattan, the HighLine Ballroom will donate 25 cents from every ticket sold to Friends Of The High Line, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of the High Line elevated rail structure. Singers AMY WINEHOUSE, MOS DEF, SPANK ROCK and TALIB KWELI are also confirmed for shows at the new venue.