The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) will have rapper/actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges perform at the opening night of its 14^th edition on Wednesday, April 15, at the Beacon Theatre, presented by AT&T.  The concert will follow the world premiere of the documentary Live From New York!, which explores 40 years of American politics, tragedy and popular culture through the comedic lens of SNL, directed by Bao Nguyen and produced by JL Pomeroy and Tom Broecker. Tickets for the TFF 2015 Opening Night Gala are on sale at https://tribecafilm.com/livefromnewyork. The Tribeca Film Festival runs April 15 to April 26.

“This year’s Tribeca Film Festival is a true celebration of the convergence of music and film and Ludacris is an artist who embodies that cultural collaboration,” said Paula Weinstein, EVP, Tribeca Enterprises. “As both a TFF and SNL alum, he is the perfect entertainer to help us open the Festival and celebrate a beloved institution.”

“Appearing on “Saturday Night Live”– both as a host and a musical guest –were some of the most thrilling moments of my career,” said Ludacris.  “I’m excited to be a part of this premiere and the Tribeca Film Festival Opening Night. As a storyteller through music and acting, it is especially meaningful for me to participate in an event that is centered on spotlighting great stories.”

Ludacris, a multitalented recording artist and acclaimed actor, has sold more than 15 million albums domestically, thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.” All of these records were accompanied by ingenious videos that demonstrated Bridges’ far-reaching imagination, and his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what rap videos should look and feel like.

He recently released his 8^th studio album, Ludaversal and starred in Furious 7, the seventh installment in the global box-office hit franchise. His other feature film credits include Universal Pictures’ Fast & Furious 6; Fast Five;  2 Fast 2 Furious; Garry Marshall’s ensemble comedy New Year’s Eve; and Ivan Reitman’s romantic comedy, No Strings Attached, opposite Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman, and he has given acclaimed performances in film, (Crash, Hustle & Flow), and television, (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit).

Visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival for more information about TFF’s 2015 programs and the full line-up of films.

Connect with Tribeca: To keep up with Tribeca, visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival. Like the Tribeca Film Festival Facebook page at facebook.com/TribecaFilm. Follow on Twitter @TribecaFilmFest and on Instagram @tribeca and join the conversation by using the hashtag #TribecaTogether or #TFF2015.

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