The Lexus-sponsored Alicia Keys tour wrapped up last night in New York, and Advertising Age has an article describing the company's presence at the concerts:

In exchange for the paid sponsorship, Lexus installed lounges at each concert, exclusive VIP areas heavy with appetizers and a bar, and randomly selected a section of the auditorium to get Lexus-branded chair pads and "concierge service," including free popcorn and soda. Lexus also gave free parking and VIP passes to any attendee arriving in one of its cars.

Concert-goers who spent time in the Lexus lounge could register for a seat upgrade by providing some personal information. Organizers chose a handful of the folks with the worst seats in the house and gave them spots in the front row.

Webisodes with concert footage will become available June 30 on LuxuryAwaits.com, a website highlighting the marketer's alliance with the singer.

It's an interesting angle, this preferential treatment, and Lexus has used it in a number of different applications, from the owner lounges at car shows to parking at baseball games. On one hand, it's a good way to connect with their current customers, but I wonder how non-Lexus owners would feel about the exclusivity?