Sting to Perform Following XP Gala

Just a few short blocks from the Marriot Marquis Theater, Bryant Park -- the heart of midtown Manhattan -- will be home to a free concert featuring world renowned musician Sting. The park will open to visitors at 11 a.m. on the October 25, and tickets can be obtained at retail locations throughout New York City for the hour long 1 p.m. show. As per Sting's request, Microsoft is donating software to two schools affected by the September 11th attacks.

For all of those unable to attend, a Web cast can be viewed exclusively via MSN. Although free, tickets for the live event are mandatory.

Sting offered remarks on the event saying, "I am especially pleased to do this in the city most affected, and in solidarity with all New Yorkers. I am grateful to Microsoft for giving me the opportunity."

"We're honored to be doing the Windows XP launch in New York and couldn't be happier that Sting has accepted our invitation to perform," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect at Microsoft. "This concert gives us a chance to recognize the courage and resiliency of New York as we launch a new age in personal computing with Windows XP."

The concert event allows Sting to complete work on his upcoming album, "All This Time" which was set to be recorded on 9/11.