R&B Star Akon Set To Perform Special Concert Following Boston Celtics vs. New Jersey Nets Game as Part of Verizon Wireless Concert Series

One Ticket Grants Admission to Both Exciting Celtics NBA Action and Exclusive Concert

Boston, (November 9, 2006) - The Boston Celtics today announced chart-topping R&B artist Akon will perform a special concert immediately following the Boston Celtics vs. New Jersey Nets game on Wednesday, November 29 at the TD Banknorth Garden. This performance is the first of three post-game concerts presented this season by Verizon Wireless.

The talented and popular artist will showcase his unique song styling after Paul Pierce, Wally Szczerbiak and the Celtics take on Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and the Nets. Celtics fans attending the contest are invited to stay and listen to one of music's hottest acts perform at this exclusive post game show.

Tickets are available now and start at just $10 in the Brooks Pharmacy Family Section. Purchase tickets here on celtics.com, call 1-800-4NBA-T.I.X. or visit the Garden Box Office. One ticket grants admission to both exciting Celtics NBA action and the special concert performance.

"We are pleased to offer our fans the exciting combination of Boston Celtics basketball vs. a high-quality opponent and a special post-game concert performed by one of the country's hottest artists, Akon," said Shawn Sullivan, Sr. Vice President, Ticket Sales, Marketing & Service for the Boston Celtics.

This special concert event supports the highly anticipated November 14th release of Akon's sophomore album, "Konvicted." His first single off "Konvicted," titled "Smack That" features hip hop star Eminem and recently reached the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song also broke a Billboard record in October, rising from No. 95 to No. 7 in one week, the largest surge in Billboard's 48-year history. "Konvicted" will have a tough act to follow as Akon's 2003 debut album "Trouble," which mixed Akon's raps and West African-styled vocals with East Coast and Southern-styled beats, reached multi-platinum status.

Aliaune Thiam, a.k.a. Akon, grew up in Senegal before moving to New Jersey with his family, including his father, accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam. Growing up in New Jersey, Akon first discovered hip hop and the several musicians who have influenced his music and helped shape his style, including Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan.

The Celtics/Akon event is presented by Verizon Wireless and sponsored by JAM'N 94.5.