Britney Spears Sued in $10 Million Trademark Infringement Action in Connection with Her "In The Zone" CD and Related Concert Activities

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 10, 2004 -- Lite Breeze Inc., a San Diego company, has sued Britney Spears, along with three other defendants, in United States District Court for the Southern District of California for 10 million dollars.  Lite Breeze alleges that Britney Spears has infringed its United States Trademark, IN THE ZONE, in connection with her most recent CD, "In The Zone". See Lite Breeze Inc. v. Spears, Clear Channel Entertainment Television Holdings, Inc., Signatures Network, Inc. and Zomba Recording Corp., dba Jive Records, Case No. 04-CV-0326 DMS (JFS) (S.D. Cal. Feb. 17, 2004).

The lawsuit was filed in February, 2004; however Ms. Spears did not accept service of the legal papers until May, 2004.  Although Lite Breeze has been in communication with Britney. Spears' attorney since February, Ms. Spears refused to give her attorney the authority to accept service of the legal papers.  Ms. Spears avoided numerous attempts to serve her the legal papers over the past several months.  Finally, Britney Spears agreed to accept service of the papers if Lite Breeze agreed to postpone the taking of her deposition for six months.  Ms. Spears and the other defendants must file their answers to the allegations by June 14, 2004.

Since receiving a cease and desist letter from Lite Breeze requesting that Britney Spears and the other defendants stop using its IN THE ZONE trademark, the Spears camp has allegedly pulled from sale all t-shirts using the IN THE ZONE trademark.  Additionally, Lite Breeze suspects that the name of Ms. Spears' current worldwide concert tour was changed from "Britney Spears In The Zone 2004 Tour" to "The Onyx Hotel Tour" after the defendants discovered Lite Breeze’s trademark.

Lite Breeze, Inc. is a San Diego based corporation specializing in athletic clothing and sporting team uniforms throughout the United States under its brand name IN THE ZONE.  Additionally, Lite Breeze promotes musical and live sporting event entertainment using its IN THE ZONE trademark.  Lite Breeze alleges that Ms. Spears’ unauthorized use of its trademark is causing confusion in the marketplace and has harmed its trademark.

Rodd Garner, President of Lite Breeze, said "We have spent over 12 years building name recognition and brand loyalty with the IN THE ZONE and THE ZONE trademark.  IN THE ZONE is as wholesome and All-American as hotdogs and apple pie.  We are associated with sporting and musical events throughout the country.  By releasing her CD entitled "In The Zone" and its promotional tour, now entitled "The Oynx Hotel Tour", Ms. Spears has taken Lite Breeze's brand and equated it with what Rolling Stone Magazine has stated 'offers strip-club, 1-900 sex, accommodating and hollow.'"  See Jon Pareles, Rolling Stone, Dec. 11, 2003.

Mr. Garner stated that the public is likely to be confused about the origin of goods associated with the IN THE ZONE trademark.  Either the public will believe that Lite Breeze has licensed Britney Spears' use of the trademark or the public will believe the opposite - that Ms. Spears owns the rights to IN THE ZONE and that Lite Breeze has received a license from Britney Spears.  Either option is unacceptable to Mr. Garner who has made clear that the image presented by Ms. Spears in connection with her unauthorized use of trademark is aimed at the same demographic as IN THE ZONE's customers and her use of the mark does not represent the values, morals and ethics of IN THE ZONE and Lite Breeze.

Britney Spears' unauthorized use of the trademark is in direct contradiction to her 2002 public service announcements warning people against music piracy and theft of intellectual property.  In those announcements, Ms. Spears stated that downloading music from the Internet is the same as going into a CD store and stealing the CD.  See Spears Warns Against Piracy, BBC, Sept. 26, 2002.  

In the lawsuit, Britney Spears is accused of stealing the intellectual property, i.e. the trademark, of Lite Breeze.  If Lite Breeze is successful in its lawsuit, Britney Spears and the other defendants could be ordered to turn over all profits earned for Spears' In The Zone CD, the related tour and merchandising, and all damages to Lite Breeze.  

Additionally, the defendants may be required to pay three times any judgment awarded if the Court determines that Ms. Spears' use of the IN THE ZONE trademark was willful.  When Lite Breeze filed the lawsuit, it estimated that damages would be $10 million.  Since that time, one of the defendants in the lawsuit, Signatures Network, has publicly stated that the first leg of Britney Spears most recent concert tour has sales figures of more the $30 million.  Britney Spears is beginning the second leg of her U.S. concert tour on June 22, 2004 in Hartford, Connecticut. Accordingly, the damages sought in the lawsuit may be much higher than Lite Breeze originally estimated.

Britney Spears CDs from Amazon.com

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Jessica Simpson

Tarrant Apparel Group Signs License Agreement With Jessica Simpson for new clothing line.

Jessica Simpson Puts Her Best Face Forward on Her Summer Concert Tour, Thanks to Sponsor Proactiv(R) Solution Platinum-Selling Songstress Will Also Share Her Own Proactiv Solution Success Story in New Television Program

PALM DESERT, Calif., June 10, 2004 /PRNewswire/ -- Best-selling skin care system Proactiv Solution today announced its presenting sponsorship of one of today's hottest pop stars, Jessica Simpson, on her summer "Reality Tour." Sure to be one of this summer's top tickets, the 41-date nationwide concert tour is scheduled to kick off June 4 in New Orleans and conclude in Paso Robles, Calif. on August 1.

Proactiv Solution recently completed its debut concert sponsorship with Alicia Key's participation in the "Ladies First" tour and is looking to build on that success with Simpson's summer tour sponsorship. As with the Keys sponsorship, the brand will receive significant exposure from concert attendees and will broaden brand awareness to a whole new audience, with an expected 600,000 concertgoers catching the pop star on her cross-country trek.

An interview with Simpson by Proactiv Solution user Vanessa Williams that will highlight Simpsons' personal experience with acne and Proactiv Solution. Spokesperson Williams will visit with Simpson during the tour for a behind-the-scene look at her skincare regime.

Simpson was originally introduced to Proactiv Solution while on tour nearly three years ago, and since then has trusted the brand for her skin care needs, both at home and while on the road. In fact, she credits the benefits of Proactiv Solution for helping raise her own confidence level.

"As a celebrity, fans expect to see something perfect in person, and when they come face-to-face with you -- without airbrushing -- and you have acne problems it's embarrassing," says Simpson. "Since I have started using Proactiv my skin has been glowing and I finally do have the skin you see in magazines, with no touch-ups required."

"Not only is Jessica Simpson embarking on one of the most highly anticipated concert tours of the summer, she also uses Proactiv Solution both at home and on tour," said Karen Barner, senior vice president of marketing for Proactiv Solution. "Sponsoring Jessica's tour was a natural fit for the brand. Jessica's willingness to be so open about her positive experience with Proactiv Solution makes it easy for our customers to relate to her, and we are excited to align ourselves with her summer tour."

Honored in 2001 for Allure's Editors Choice Award and in 2003 for Allure's Best of Beauty Award - Editors Choice for Best Acne Product, Proactiv Solution remains a respected acne treatment in the beauty industry and beyond. Additionally, the infomercials have been recognized by the Electronic Retailing Association's ERA Awards for the past five years. In 2003, the Direct Marketing Association Insert Media Council has also honored Guthy-Renker(R) for its contribution to this medium. Proactiv Solution is distributed by Guthy-Renker and can be purchased by calling (800) 950-4695 or online at www.proactiv.com.

About Guthy-Renker

Established in 1988, Guthy-Renker is one of the world's largest television response-driven companies with annual sales near $1 billion. It is known as the leading producer of high-quality infomercials and products designed for direct response television sales, with offices in Palm Desert, CA; Santa Monica, CA; London; Beijing; Tokyo; New Zealand; and Sydney, Australia. Guthy-Renker has a superior track record of customer satisfaction for 15 years.

Originally launched as a television direct marketer by Co-CEOs Bill Guthy and Greg Renker, the independently owned, vertically integrated company has since broadened its focus into every area of electronic retailing, making quality products available to U.S. and international consumers through broadcast television, cable and satellite, as well as telemarketing, direct mail, retail channels and Internet.

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June 2004 MOLSON, STEP UP PRESENTS AND JAMEY JASTA (HATEBREED /MTV2 HEADBANGERS BALL HOST), IN COOPERATION WITH CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS (the world's leading promoter of everything from world-class rock 'n' roll acts to monster truck shows) PRESENTS…  ON JULY 17 & 18, UPSTATE NEW YORK’S BIGGEST AND HEAVIEST EVENT EVER OF HARDCORE AND METAL MAYHEM: 103.5/103.9’ S THE EDGE FEST!

ON SATURDAY JULY 17, 2004 AND SUNDAY JULY 18 AT GLENS FALLS CIVIC CENTER HOSTS  THE FIRST ANNUAL AGGRESSIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL. THIS MONSTROUS EVENT WILL FEATURE SLAYER, SLIPKNOT,  HATEBREED, GOD FORBID, SOULFLY, AGNOSTIC FRONT, CANDIRIA, CONVERGE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SHADOWS FALL, SICK OF IT ALL, TERROR, AS I LAY DYING, WITH HONOR, LOVE IS RED & MORE!

CO- Promoter Jamey Jasta – Hatebreed/MTV2 Headbangers Ball Host, released this mission statement today; "The Aggressive Music Festival combines all sub-genres of extreme metal and hardcore while bringing it to you in an arena like no other Metal Fest has. With everything from, vendors, food and some of the most insane bands on the planet we hope to offer people the concert event of a lifetime." 

The EDGE FEST features many of the bands on this summers biggest metal tours, but  also promises to be a more intimate gathering than those held nationally in larger arenas.

This two-day music festival is blazing a new trail for both the venue and the genre of music. Located in the beautiful town of Glens Falls, The Glens Falls Civic Center is a state of the art premier venue for sports and entertainment; that will also serve food and drink to concert goers on premises.  Heavy music fans will not be disappointed, GFCC Operations Manager, Ron Russell informs us that the arena can deliver up to 900 amps of 245 volts of three-phase power to energize virtually any performance imaginable which is a great way for metal fans to enjoy heavy music.

Only a three hour drive from New York City the capacity is 6,000 and since this is a hot bill the promoters expect a quick sell out.  Co- Promoter Etoll says, “The event will be the first heavy-metal festival in the U.S. ever to be held ‘inside’ an arena. Most of the events of this genre are held in amphitheaters, small convention halls and large clubs”.

ALL AGES WILL BE ADMITTED! Beer will be available at the center's concession stands and wrist bands will differentiate those too young to drink from those of drinking age. Seating arrangements are: 1700 general admission (standing on the floor), 4300 reserved seats. No re-entry and there is a smoking area outside. The easy to get to Glens Falls Civic Center is straight up the thruway to 87 North, just get off exit 18.

Tickets are $35 per day in advance, or $60 for both shows, with higher prices day of show at the gate. The performances begin at 5:45 on Saturday, and noon on Sunday. The first 500 tickets sold over the Edge Internet Web site -- -- will allow purchasers to gain access to a limited prelude show at 3 p.m.  on Saturday July 17 to see three other head-banging acts including Full-Blown Chaos, A Thousand Falling Skies and The Autumn Offering.

Tickets are already on sale and going fast. There have been a few locals against the show happening in Glen Falls and have voiced their negative opinions to the local press.  Promoter Ted Etoll explains, “Don't believe everything you hear on the news, you only get one side of the story -1000%, the show is happening. One big mouth does not stop the economy of a whole community. We have a signed contract and will be back next year too.”

More Jessica SImpson and Nick Lachey

The Rochester International Jazz Festival Ends on a High Note! Attendance Soars to almost 55,000

Rochester, NY --June 13, 2004—The Rochester International Jazz Festival concluded its nine-day run with a night of spectacular music and celebration. Attendance exceeded last year’s, making it the most popular jazz series in the festival’s three-year history and one of the fastest growing music events in the nation! Almost 55,000 attended the June 4-12 event, up from 40,000 in 2003. It was held in nine venues in downtown Rochester, New York.

“It has been just fantastic,” said John Nugent, Festival Producer and Artistic Director. “I’ve been stopped over and over by patrons who are absolutely amazed at the quality of the artists. People recognize it has become a truly world-class event.” In addition to the strong artist lineup, Nugent said, patrons have praised this year’s festival innovations.

Innovations Contribute to Success

They include closing Gibbs Street on both festival weekends, free jazz on the outdoor Verizon Wireless Jazz Street Stage on weekends, the 10,000 square-foot Big Tent at East Main and Gibbs Streets, and a jump to 99 club performances from 40 shows a year ago.

Other factors contributing to this year’s success, he added, were an increase in the number of corporate sponsors and the festival’s huge base of volunteer support. “Corporations in Rochester who want to market nationally and internationally are seeing this festival as an opportunity, since we attract patrons from around the world.  And our volunteer numbers swelled from about 100 in 2003 to more than 250 this year.”

Nugent added, “The Rochester International Jazz Festival is now one of the fastest growing music festivals anywhere. With enhanced community support it has the potential to become one of the leading jazz festivals in the world.”

The festival’s eclectic artist lineup attracted a similarly diverse audience. Festival goers came from more than 20 states and at least 15 countries to hear more than 70 international, national and Rochester-based groups, including headliners Oscar Peterson, David Sanborn, Marian McPartland, Jean Luc-Ponty, Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola, Yolanda Adams, Bobby McFerrin and Jack DeJohnette.

Night after night, fans spilled into the streets - moving among the potpourri of performances and packing the State Street Bar and Grill for open jam sessions. Fans also scooped up official festival gear and artists’ CDs and vinyl records at the Jazz Fest Store, 10 Gibbs St.

“I am always thrilled to see people interested in the more esoteric and rising stars,” noted Nugent. “That’s what makes a jazz festival truly successful and exciting - when people feel a sense of exploration. It is a delight to produce a festival where people discover and enjoy music they’ve never before experienced.”

The festival took a year to organize and involved managing hundreds of critical operational details from selecting and scheduling artists, to choosing venues, to synchronizing the many facets of logistics for the more than 500 musicians performing at this year’s festival.

Except for the Wallace Roney Quartet, which couldn’t appear because of an unfortunate car accident, every artist arrived as planned, said Nugent.  “We have a great staff and terrific volunteers who work together seamlessly. The venues are terrific. I want to personally thank the management and staff of the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Theatre, Max of Eastman Place, Montage Grille, Milestones, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the Little Theatre, and Tapas Restaurant for their dedication and hard work in making everything work smoothly for the musicians and the fans.”

“We were honored again this year to feature exceptional musicians from the Eastman School of Music faculty and student body,” said Nugent. “Eastman is a national treasure, and I hope that this festival has helped bring some much deserved added recognition to this prestigious institution. We are pleased that this year we were able to offer four jazz performance scholarships at the Eastman School’s Jazz Department. The scholarship fund will grow along with the festival."

Sponsors are Contributors to Festival Success – Now and in the Future

“We are fortunate to have our many sponsors and grateful they see that a major international event like the Rochester International Jazz Festival can make this city a leading entertainment destination, positively impact local business and the economy, and enhance the quality of living for area residents. We must have more sponsors like these great companies to grow and sustain the festival so Rochester continues to be a magnet for music lovers from around the world.”

The 2004 festival is presented by The Democrat and Chronicle and the following official sponsors: NY State Senator Jim Alesi, County of Monroe, City of Rochester, Time Warner Cable, Heluva Good Quality Foods, Crowley Foods, Greater Rochester Visitors Association, Eastman School of Music,  Hennessy, Grand Marnier, Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resorts, AirTran,  Preferred Care, Warsteiner Beer, Chrysler, Constellation Brands, Strong Health, AARP, Uneeda Birkenstock, Verizon Wireless, Harris Interactive, Eagle Motor Sports, House of Guitars, CustomeriCity, JazzTimes Magazine, Hamilton AV, and Max of Eastman Place.

Stockholm Jazz Festival, July 17-24, Is Next on Producer Nugent's Schedule.

Nugent, who now moves to his next major festival, the Stockholm Jazz Festival in Sweden on July 17-24, said plans for next year’s festival in Rochester will be announced in late fall.  Visit www.rochesterjazz.com for photos of this year’s festival.

International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum Supports Della Reese Diabetes Awareness Campaign

DETROIT, MI (PRWEB) February 22, 2004 -- The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum is teaming up with Touched By An Angel actress and singer Della Reese, a 2001 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, to promote diabetes awareness.

Reese serves as the national spokesperson for an educational awareness campaign called "Della Reese: Stronger Than Diabetes". From her hometown of Detroit, where the Hall of Fame is also located, she conducted a series of televised interviews with stations in major U.S. markets to discuss the campaign and her personal experience with type 2 diabetes. Hall of Fame founder David Gough, who was present during the broadcasts, was inspired to act.

"My own father was a diabetes patient, and I know from that experience how devastating the disease can be," said Gough. "A number of other Hall of Fame inductees, including Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, were affected by complications of diabetes."

"I strongly support the work Ms. Reese is doing to help people learn about managing the disease, because it will help save lives," said Gough. "We're helping in the education effort by making diabetes information available for visitors to the Hall of Fame Web site."

"I am so grateful that the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum has joined with me to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes," said Della Reese. "Since being diagnosed, I have learned that I have the power to make meaningful changes in my life by committing to following a healthy routine with my eating habits, exercise plan and medication for type 2 diabetes. I encourage others to be stronger than diabetes."

Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, the "Della Reese: Stronger Than Diabetes" campaign is designed to help people learn to live with type 2 diabetes. A free booklet and CD are available by calling 1-866-463-6342 or by visiting www.delladiabetes.com.

Founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization by DoRohn Entertainment's president and gospel artist David Gough, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves and celebrates the work of the world's legendary and influential gospel music artists and entertainers. Among nearly 100 previous Hall of Fame inductees are the Dixie Hummingbirds, Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey, Shirley Caesar, Mississippi Mass Choir and Vickie Winans. The induction and awards celebration for this year's top nominees will be held in Detroit on Saturday, October 23, 2004.

The museum, open for tours by appointment, is housed in the studios of DoRohn Entertainment. Its collections include recordings, documents, photographs and memorabilia. Archivists and music experts are also available to assist students and researchers. Plans are now underway to build a new facility for the Hall of Fame and Museum in Detroit.

International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum
18301 West McNichols Rd.
Detroit, Michigan 48219
Phone: 313-592-0017
Fax: 313-592-8762
www.igmhf.org

67 Million Reasons The Public Can't Trust The Music Industry

DALLAS,TX (PRWEB) February 27, 2004 - DonateMyMusicCheck.com
launched today to enable donations for CD Price Fixing Settlement check recipients. The lawsuits against top music distributors and retailers have taken 4 years to resolve and involved dozens of states. A record $67 million is being paid to over 4 million consumers in the Settlement. Individual checks of $13.86 started being sent out February 20th.

"A single check doesn't represent much. Ironically you can't even buy a new music CD for $13.86," said Marc Freedman, owner of the web site. "The recording industry wants you to let that money disappear in your checking account like a cheap rebate. That way it's easy to forget where it came from.

"Don't let them get away with it and trivialize their wrongdoings. This is mammoth fraud by any measure with tens of millions of dollars and millions of consumers involved. What's most worrisome is that this price fixing is just one incident in a pattern of abusive behavior by the music industry. The leading recording companies conspire to keep CD prices high, sue their fans and technology companies, cheat artists, and lie to the public.

"People have the opportunity now to use the very money that the music industry is paying them to fight back so it doesn't happen again. There is power in unity. Those individual checks become meaningful when combined. Invest your check through a donation to DonateMyMusicCheck.com and make a statement that this illegal behavior is not acceptable and that you are acting to protect your consumer rights."

DonateMyMusicCheck.com gives 100% of all donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The EFF is a non-profit watchdog that defends consumer rights, including privacy, anonymity, fair copyrights, and P2P file sharing technology, such as that from TrustyFiles, Kazaa, Morpheus, eDonkey, Bit Torrent, Gnutella, and others.

The web site at http://www.DonateMyMusicCheck.com provides a range of online donation options through the PayPal billing service. Consumers can send as little as $13.86, the amount of the settlement check, to $100 or more, at which level they become a Donate My Music Check Friend and EFF Pioneer, and receive an EFF t-shirt and cap.

DIARIAA

DonateMyMusicCheck.com links to the DiaRIAA web site at http://diariaa.com/shame-fame.htm for a public log of the recording industry's court convictions, lies, bought legislation, and consumer and artist abuse. DiaRIAA at http://diariaa.com/ showcases top digital music, movie, and P2P file sharing industry news, articles, and commentary.

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NYRock.com's Bi-Weekly NY-Area Gig-Listing Service... Note: NY Rock Gig Listings is a FREE DO-IT-YOURSELF service. All events listed below have been posted by the artists or promoters themselves. To include your band, event, club or dj services -- or for more info on any of the following shows -- see: http://nyrock.com/classifieds/gigs.cfm

SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS
NEWPORT JAZZ® FESTIVAL 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Note revised date, time and location:
Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 8 p.m. at the Celebrity Theatre , Phoenix, Arizona

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.2/22/04 ) - The Scottsdale Center for the Arts will present the Newport Jazz® Festival 50th Anniversary Tour on Wednesday, March 10 at 8 p.m. The performance will take place in the Celebrity Theatre, 440 North 32nd Street in Phoenix. Tickets are $34 and can be purchased by calling the Celebrity Theatre box office at 602-267-1600 ext.1, or by going online to www.celebritytheatre.com.

The world of jazz changed forever in July of 1954, when the first outdoor music festival was devoted to jazz - the Newport Jazz Festival. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the festival, the tour is featuring jazz greats such as Terence Blanchard, Cedar Walton, Lew Tabackin, Ken Peplowski, Lea DeLaria, Howard Alden, Peter Washington and Karriem Riggins.

Terence Blanchard (trumpet): Jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard is one of the leading musicians of his generation, and has received Grammy® and Emmy Award nominations for his work. Besides performing with his own quintet, Blanchard has a busy film and television scoring career, including extensive work with Spike Lee. Blanchard was voted Artist of the Year in "Downbeat's" 2000 poll.

Cedar Walton (piano): Pianist and composer Cedar Walton is one of enduring jazz greats who continues to influence a whole new generation of young musicians. Over the decades, Walton has performed with the famous Art Farmer/Benny Golson Jazztet, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Abbey Lincoln and co-led the Timeless All Stars with Bobby Hutcherson, Curtis Fuller, Harold Land, Buster Williams and Billy Higgins.

Lew Tabackin (tenor saxophone, flute): Master of the tenor saxophone and the flute, six-time Grammy-nominee Lew Tabackin is one of the most respected jazz artists today. He is acclaimed as a soloist, with his own groups, and as featured soloist with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, which he co-created in the 1970s.

Ken Peplowski (clarinet): Peplowski has been called "a clarinetist with a Benny Goodman tone and a Buddy DeFranco style." He began his career in the early '80s with the Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman bands. In addition to his prolific recording career - he has 16 solo albums with Concord Jazz Records - Peplowski is universally regarded as an extremely entertaining performer.

Lea DeLaria (vocals): The New York Times calls DeLaria "every inch a star," and reporters from Variety to the Los Angeles Times compare DeLaria to the young Ethel Merman. Her role as Hildy in "On the Town" brought her national acclaim and an Obie Award. DeLaria's recent jazz CD, "Play It Cool," won critical acclaim and marked her auspicious debut as a jazz artist.

Howard Alden (guitar): Grammy-nominated Concord jazz recording artist Alden has a wide-ranging style and prolific catalogue of recordings that make him one of the most critically acclaimed jazz guitarists today; he is known by critics as "...one of the very finest young guitarists working today." Critically acclaimed recordings include those with George van Epps, Ken Peplowski, Benny Carter, Herb Ellis and Joe Pass.

Karriem Riggins (drums): At age 19, Riggins joined the band of the legendary Grammy award-winning singer Betty Carter, and later went on to play with the Roy Hargrove quintet and the Ray Brown trio. Riggins has also worked with Bobby Hutcherson and Milt Jackson; pianists Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, and Mulgrew Miller; and guitarist Kenny Burrell.

Peter Washington (bass): Washington was hailed as "...the best bassist to come to New York in the last 10 years..." by jazz critic Gary Giddins of the Village Voice. He has recorded and performed with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Bobby Hutcherson, Donald Byrd, Kenny Burrell, Lew Tabackin and many more. Washington performs regularly with the Tommy Flanagan Trio and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band.

The Scottsdale Center for the Arts presents more than 1,000 events and education programs each year, including performances in dance, world music, jazz, classical music and theater. Performances take place in the 838-seat Virginia G. Piper Theater and the 137-seat Stage 2 Theater in the Scottsdale Center for the Arts building, and the 326-seat Theater 4301 in the Galleria Corporate Centre. The Scottsdale Cultural Council, a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) management organization, administers the arts and cultural affairs of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, and manages the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Scottsdale Public Art Program. The programs of the Scottsdale Cultural Council are made possible, in part, by grants received from the Arizona Commission on the Arts through appropriations from the Arizona State Legislature and our Members and Donors.

Musical Notes Index

THE PROCLAIMERS ARE BACK WITH "BORN INNOCENT"

Brand New CD Set for February 17 U.S. Release Date

"I like Johnny Cash singing 'A Boy Named Sue'/but I hate my love for you, I hate my love for you/You're worse than drink, you're worse than crack/For you they should bring hanging back/And I should be the one to string you up."
(From The Proclaimers' "Hate My Love")

THE PROCLAIMERS - the alt/folk/rock duo of Scottish identical twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid, who have sold more than six-million records, scored a Top 3 single with "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," and contributed songs to motion picture soundtracks as diverse as "Benny and Joon," "Shrek," "Bottle Rocket," "The Commitments," and "Dumb and Dumber" - are about to unleash their fifth album, "Born Innocent," on February 17 by way of their own label, Persevere.  Produced by Scottish producer/musician/cult hero Edwyn Collins and released in the U.K. this past Fall, "Born Innocent" has already received glowing press - In a FIVE STAR review, Mojo wrote, "[The Proclaimers] are bold, independent, and they don't do cliche...their wit and depth leaves most current songwriters sucking dust."

Recorded and mixed in Collins' London studio in April and May of 2003, "Born Innocent" is defiant, vibrant, and witty.  The thirteen songs blend vivid, raw folk-punk with a soulful, retro feel.  Tackling topics from terrorism to kinky sex, love to growing old, the boisterous numbers fit perfectly alongside the more introspective gems.  "Blood On Your Hands" is a powerful song that attacks the masterminds behind young suicide bombers and all others who send young men and women out to kill and be killed; "He's Just Like Me" is a thought-provoking rant dealing with how boys grow up to be just like their fathers; "You Meant It Then" clings to an old love letter amid the wreckage of a broken love affair; "There's No Doubt" faces the ageing process with bristling honesty; "Dear Deidre" is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to a "Dear Abby"-type column in a U.K. daily newspaper, and tells the story of a man who persuades his wife to spice up their sex life by inviting another women into their bed - but then she runs off with the other woman.  In addition, The Proclaimers have recorded a cover of the Vogue's classic '60s song, "Five O'Clock World" featuring the Reids yodeling in harmony (and heard regularly on ABC-TV's "The Drew Carey Show").  And, of course, the venomous kiss-off track, "Hate My Love."

There has been a huge resurgence of interest in The Proclaimers over the past couple of years that followed a seven-year hiatus between albums.  During that time, the Reid brothers put their music on hold when their father became critically ill, passing away in 1997.  Family commitments took top priority over career. Since the 2001 release of their album "Persevere," The Proclaimers have been busy selling out concert venues around the globe, and supported Barenaked Ladies on an arena tour of the U.S.  They have also appeared at major festivals and sporting events throughout the U.K. and in Australia which included a headline gig for a rowdy group of 100,000 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and at the kick off of the UEFA Champions League Soccer Final where they were seen by a television audience of more than one billion viewers.

In support of "Born Innocent," The Proclaimers plan to tour North America this Spring.  Dates will be announced shortly.

Musical Notes Index

AMENs DEATH BEFORE MUSICK TO BE RELEASED ON MAY 18

Debut Release for Daron Malakians
eatURmusic/Columbia Records Imprint

Front-man Chaos Maxes Out Personal Credit Cards to Record Demos

Named #1 Band in the World by the UKs Metal Hammer, hardcore punk rockers AMEN will see their brand-new album, Death Before Musick, released in the U.S. May 18 on eatUR music/Columbia Records.  Death Before Musick is AMENs third album overall, and its first for System of a Down guitarist Daron Malakians new label.

In true AMEN fashion, Death Before Musick was made with no compromise, strictly on front-man Casey Chaos own terms.  The CD as produced by Chaos, executive produced by Malakian, mixed by Mike Frasier (AC/DC, The Blood Brothers) and Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Jesus Lizard), and recorded between mid-2002 and late 2003 in various Los Angeles recording studios, garages, and private homes.  As with previous AMEN releases, Chaos wrote all of the songs and played all of the instruments with the exception of the drums.  Chaos also fronted the costs of the sessions by maxing out his personal credit cards and pulling favors from friends who had access to studios, laying down tracks whenever he could.

Death Before Musick chronicles the past eighteen months of the bands history, without a doubt its most difficult period, especially for Chaos.  During this time, AMEN lost its record deal, band members jumped ship, personal relationships floundered, and Chaos was living off a meager income from his days as a professional skateboarder.  I wanted to document what was happening and the only way I knew how was through my music, said Chaos.  Seventy-three tracks were recorded, and fifteen made the cut, including titles such as Please Kill Me, The Summer of Guns, Money Infection, EXTERMINATE!, and the CDs first single, Californias Bleeding.  Many of the remaining songs will be B-sides and bonus tracks on select international releases.

Malakian and Chaos became friends when System of a Down and AMEN were playing the Big Day Out Festival in Australia in 2002.  They discovered that they shared similar interests in Black Metal, Iggy Pop, and punk rock; eventually, Chaos gave Malakian the new AMEN demos to hear.  I thought the demos were some of the most important songs Id heard in the last ten years, said Malakian who feels that Casey is the Iggy Pop of my generation, and made AMEN his first label signing.  AMEN has had a string of bad luck, Malakian continues, which I think is the only reason they havent gotten as big as they should be.  I think that this new album is loaded with gems, and I think people will really love it.

AMEN was formed in Los Angeles in 1994, and its history has been a melding of over-the-top positive reaction from press and fans, and a lot of bad breaks.  The bands self-titled debut was released on Roadrunner in 1999; they then signed with Virgin Records in 2000 and released the critically-acclaimed We Have Come For Your Parents (voted one of the Best Albums of the Year by Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Metal Hammer, NME, and many other UK publications) before Virgin imploded and AMEN was jettisoned.  The bands live shows have always set them apart from other artists, and in 2003, AMEN was voted Number One Live Band in the World by Metal Hammer.  The band is visceral, unpredictable and brutal, and Chaos has the broken bones, torn ligaments, and cartilage damage to prove it.

Member by member, Chaos has rebuilt AMEN.  As Jason Pettigrew, Editor-in-chief of Alternative Press commented after attending a recent AMEN concert, Caseys new gang raises the cumulative total of onstage menace significantly.  AMEN has returned to deliver the energy and danger that the punk scene has had on backorder.

Two thousand and two was the worst year of my life, Chaos said, but it started making sense when these guys (Rich Jones, guitar; Matt Montgomery, guitar; Scott S. Sorry, bass; Luke Johnson, drums) came into the picture.  This is what AMEN should have been like in the beginning.

AMEN has proven that with or without the support of a record company, they like a virus will survive.  After 18 months of turmoil that would have broken many lesser bands, AMEN is returning with more danger, rage, and volatility than ever before.

Musical Notes Index

DESTINY ROW RECORDS BREAKS THEIR FIRST #1 SINGLE WITH KELLY LANG

(Nashville) 1/2004- Eight months into their debut as a label, Destiny Row Records has scored the first #1 record for their imprint with Kellyís Langís single, "Down On My Knees" currently topping at #1 the ìPower Source Top 20î radio survey, according to Power Source Magazineís January issue.

The single was pulled for release in the Christian market from Kellyís forthcoming debut album for Destiny Row, "It's About Time," set for April release. Another single, pulled from the upcoming project for mainstream country release- "Goodbye Darlin'" is currently getting strong break-out radio airplay in a number of national markets. The video for "Goodbye Darlin'" has also recently brought major attention to the artist as it was chosen to stream at CMTís flagship website, CMT.com.

Kelly Lang is a familiar name and face with music buyers who have embraced her new single outings on Destiny Row. Her national television appearances on Star Search, Nashville Now, and a number of other major programs have built a large fan baseóas strongly witnessed by the success of her debut singles for the label.

The artist herself is elated over the news that she has a chart topper on her hands. "Down On My Knees" actually started life as a song I wrote for George Jonesí gospel project, noted Kelly. "It arrived just too late for the final cut of songs George and his producer picked, so it was a major disappointment to me at that point in time. Now to have that same song become a #1 for me in the Christian country market is a pretty awesome turn around! Iím thrilled and grateful to radio and the listeners."

Ron Cantrell, label President is also grateful for the early run of success Destiny Row has encountered as a new label in an uncertain market. "We have a vision for presenting fresh new music that will reach the current marketplace of radio listeners and music buyers- a segment of people that for too long have had limitations placed upon their choices. Kelly Lang's success with "Down On Your Knees" really underscores that Destiny Row as a label is on the right track."

Musical Notes Index

LEE GREENWOOD: HE'S "MMM-MMM GOOD" AS A CAMPBELL KID

"God Bless The USA" Singer Helps In The Fight Against Childhood Hunger

(Nashville) 1/2004-- Lee Greenwood is one of the most famous American faces joining the Campbell Soup Company in 2004 for the all-out fight against childhood hunger.

In celebration of their 100th birthday, Campbellís Soups has selected 100 famous Americans to be honored as Campbell Kids' with a donation of $10,000 for each celebrity being donated to the Salvation Armyís fight against childhood hunger. The total of $1 million donated by Campbell will aid the 13 million children in America who are hungry or at hunger risk. The corporation has noted that one out of four Americans in soup lines in 2003 was a child.

Greenwood is one of only two country music artists honored in becoming a ìCampbellís Kidîóthe other is Tim McGraw. The other ninety-eight famous ìkidsî include major athletes, business leaders, television, Broadway and movie personalities.

Noted John Faulkner, Director of Brand Communications for Campbell's: "In 2004 weíll be celebrating the 100th birthday of our Campbell Kids, and we could think of no better way to celebrate their birthday than our association with our celebrity ìkidsî and the Salvation Army in making a difference in childhood hunger relief."

Lee termed the honor, "Amazing! I think the concept Campbell's has come with as a corporate sponsor is one that we as American can be proud of!"

As part of his induction as a Campbell Kid, Lee shared his own favorite memory from the soup bowl. Noted the singer: "In 1959 and '60 I was the drum major for our high school band. One very cold day in February we had an early practice. The football field was covered with frost and after several hours of marching back and forth, my toes were frozen! I can still smell the aroma of Campbellís soup as I sat on the sidelines and opened the thermos my grandmother had sent with me that day. Wow! Talk about gratitude! Talk about good soup! It warmed me that day- as the honor of being associated with Campbellís in this good work for kids warms me today!"

And oh yes- does Lee Greenwood have a favorite soup for his bowl? Campbellís Chicken Noodle should anyone ask!

For further information on Campbellís Soups and the ì100 Campbell Kidsî of 2004 resource: www.campbellskids.com

Musical Notes Index

Outkast, Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado to Perform at the 2004 NBA All-Star Game

Aguilera to Sing the U.S. National Anthem, Furtado to Sing the Canadian
Anthem and Outkast to Perform -

NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 2004 /PRNewswire/ -- Outkast, hip-hop superstars nominated
this year for six Grammy awards, will perform during the All-Star player
introductions featuring five-time Grammy Award nominee Christina Aguilera
singing the U.S. national anthem and Canada native Nelly Furtado singing the
Canadian anthem prior to the 2004 NBA All-Star Game at STAPLES Center in Los
Angeles on Sunday, February 15.

The 2004 NBA All-Star Game will be televised by TNT beginning at 8:00 p.m.
(ET) in the U.S. to more than 800 million households in 212 countries.

Outkast will perform their hit songs "The Way You Move" and "Hey Ya" as
part of the night's player introductions. Selling over 14 million albums
worldwide during their nine-year career, the Grammy Award-winning group has
released their sixth and most recent album, SPEAKERBOXXX / THE LOVE BELOW, an
unprecedented dual CD containing their own individual musical statements,
which has stayed atop of the Billboard album charts since its release last
fall.

Multiple Grammy Award-winner Christina Aguilera boasts one of the most
powerful and distinctive voices of all time. Aguilera's latest album
STRIPPED, which she co-wrote and co-produced, has already sold over
7.5 million worldwide while her self-titled debut album sold over 12 million
copies worldwide.

As a three-time Grammy Award-nominee for her multi-platinum debut album
WHOA, NELLY!, Furtado has become one of pop music's premiere artists. Her
current album, FOLKLORE, was released in November 2003 and has already been
certified Gold in the U.S. and Platinum in Canada.

The 53rd NBA All-Star Game will feature the top players from the Eastern
and Western conferences going head to head. It is the culmination of a week
of activities that will showcase the greatest athletes in the world playing
basketball at the highest level on an international stage, and will display
the league's deep commitment to its community.

Musical Notes Index

AGENCY GREAT BUDDY LEE INDUCTED INTO AMUSEMENT BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

(Nashville) 1/2004 -- The late Buddy Lee is the latest industry giant to join the rarified ranks of the Amusement Business Hall Of Fame. The Hall Of Fame was established by the Billboard publication, Amusement Business, during their centennial year of publishing to honor outstanding individuals who have made an undeniable and indelible impact on the live entertainment and amusement industry.

In making the announcement of Buddy Leeís induction in late December, the Nashville agency pioneer joined the ranks of a select list of names such as, Walt Disney, Col. Tom Parker, Irvin Feld, Phineas T. Barnum, The Ringling Brothers, William Morris, and William Frederick ìBuffalo Billî Cody to name of a few of the industry greats who have achieved the level of achievement that the Amusement Business Hall Of Fame award reflects.

Born in the Bronx New York in 1932, Buddy Lee began his career at age 18 as a wrestler under the name that would bring him lifetime fame. While working within the wrestling industry, he met and married his wife Rita in 1967. They together raised their four childrenóJoey, Donna, Gina, and Tony Lee.

In 1962, Buddy met Audrey Williamsówidow of the legendary Hank Williams Sr.óand the rest of the story is written in the annals of Nashville music industry history. They formed a booking agency, Aud-Lee Attractions, with the then 12 year old Hank Williams Jr. as their flagship client. Making a name for himself as a forward thinking promoter with a vision for the growth of country music, Buddy bought the company in full under Audreyís death in 1974 and continued under the banner of Buddy Lee Attractions.

Under his leadership, Buddy Lee Attractions grew to become the largest country music agency in the nation, working with the biggest name talent in bringing them to the largest venue and festival and fair stages in the nation. BLA prided itself rightfully in having the strongest fair division of any Nashville based agency.

With a roster that has included virtually every major name in country music, as well as pop, rock, and specialty genres, Buddy Lee Attractions has maintained its reputation and continued to grow as a groundbreaking endeavor built on the original vision and energy of its founder. The agency today continues under the direction of President Tony Conway, with the Leeís family involvement ever present. Buddyís sons, Joey and Tony Lee, and daughter, Donna are all active within the day to day corporate structure of the agency, as is their mother, Rita.

Buddy Lee worked until the day he died on February 13, 1998. He left a legacy rich in accomplishments, integrity and professionalism as well as a host of industry friends and associates that today applaud his well-deserved induction into the Amusement Business Hall of Fame.

Musical Notes Index

HEY HONKY TONKERS! IT'S TAILGATE TIME!

Rhett Akins, Chad Brock, Daryle Singletary, & David Kersh Saddle Up For 2004 Tour Dates

(Nashville) -- The tour thatís often been called ìthe best country music concert for the money" is back! ìThe Honky Tonk Tailgate Partyî is rolling into its fourth successful year on the roadóthis time with a combination of two foundersóRhett Akins and Daryle Singletaryówith returning "Tailgate" tour mate Chad Brock, and first timer David Kersh.

The "Honky Tonk Tailgate Party Tour" first launched in February 2001 as the collective idea of originating members Rhett Akins, Daryle Singletary, and Jeff Carson. Posting a great first year, "HTTP" returned to the road in 2002 with Wade Hayes replacing Jeff Carson. In 2003, the buzz continued and excitement built as Jeff Carson returned and Chad Brock joined the foursome. Now in 2004, Akins, Singletary, Brock, and David Kersh will saddle up to ride the range of concert dates, fairs, festivals, casinos rodeos, and ìopen air arenasî that are already filling their upcoming schedule.

Noted Joey Lee of Buddy Lee Attractions: ìThe ëHonky Tonk Tailgate Partyí has consistently been a fan favorite. We will again do 90 to 100 shows. Obviously, weíve got a winner again this year with this package."

If thereís a secret to the long term success of this package itís one word: FUN! And lots of it! The country music and great fellowship keeps pumping for two solid hours of hits by four of the best artists in the industry. In the wee hours of the morning as four individual cowboy hats are finally hanging on their pegs in the tour bus, itís a good bet their owners have managed to stage a full blown "party" of country music in front of a packed audience that night!

The guys themselves have individual ideas of whatís down the road for them on the "Tailgate Party" for '04:

Rhett Akins: "They donít call us the "Honky Tonk Tailgate Party" for nothiní! Our sole reason for playing is to turn every venue into one big honky tonk! This is our fourth year straight on the road, so we have obviously made some people happy along the way!"

Chad Brock: "Working with these guys beats digginí ditches any day! We have as much fun onstage as the audience has."

Daryle Singletary: ìIím just back out to have a good time! The tour is a great opportunity for the fans to see 2 hours of nonstop country music- it's a party!"

David Kersh: "Iím so excited about this tour and getting to play music with this particular group of guys! It's a "win-win situation for us and the fans."

With football season just about to wrap, the "Honky Tonk Tailgate Party" offers one more good reason for country music fans to keep their tailgates down in a locked position! And oh yes- fasten those seatbelts.

Musical Notes Index

Celebrities Promote Use of Designated Drivers in Super Bowl Commercial

New Anheuser-Busch Ad to Debut During Super Bowl

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're a sports fan or you
watch the Super Bowl telecast for the entertainment during the halftime show,
the commercials shown during the game are part of the fun. This year, country
music great Tim McGraw and three-time world champion L.A. Laker Rick Fox will
share the screen in an ad for Anheuser-Busch promoting the use of designated
drivers. The commercial is set to kick-off Sunday, February 1, during the
television broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVIII.

The 30-second ad -- which marks the debut of the company's new alcohol
awareness tagline "Responsibility Matters" -- shows a pair of valets admiring
the special treatment the two celebrities get as they drive up to a posh
nightclub. But the one who gets the most attention is an ordinary guy serving
as the designated driver.

"I'm glad to be a part of this new campaign," said McGraw. "I appreciate
all of the company's efforts to raise awareness of the importance of making
responsible decisions and choosing a designated driver."

In previous years, Anheuser-Busch has delivered responsibility messages
during the Super Bowl telecast, as well. Previous ads have featured hockey
great Wayne Gretzky, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., boxer Oscar De La Hoya
and the band *NSYNC. These ads have promoted the use of designated drivers or
the importance of parents talking to their children about drinking.

"The Super Bowl broadcast is one of the most highly watched television
events of the year. The fact that the designated driver message is part of
Anheuser-Busch's advertising during the game highlights how important the
company feels this issue is," said John Kaestner, Anheuser-Busch vice
president of Consumer Affairs. "Most people already choose to use designated
drivers as part of planning a night out. We want to remind adults of the
importance of using a designated driver and encourage more people to do so."

A recent survey sponsored by Anheuser-Busch showed 122 million Americans
have either been a designated driver or have been driven home by one.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, since 1982, drunk-driving
fatalities have fallen by 37 percent. The ad was created by DDB Chicago.

Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers have invested more than
$465 million in alcohol awareness and education efforts to help fight underage
drinking and drunk driving and to promote personal responsibility. For more
information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit
http://www.beeresponsible.com .

Musical Notes Index

Bobby Alt, drummer for the punk-rock band S.T.U.N., will take the starring
role in "What's Your Number," the new video for Cypress Hill to be shot this
week in Los Angeles. The video will be directed by Dean Karr (Dave
Matthews, Queens of the Stone Age, Marilyn Manson), and Alt will play Riley,
a cool and cocky punk who makes the scene at a small, trendy club attended
by hustlers and players, beautiful women, and Cypress Hill making the music.
Intrigue, sex, and decadence ensues. The "What's Your Number" track is
described by Cypress Hill as a tribute to The Clash, and is built around a
sample from their classic 1979 song, "Guns of Brixton." "It's an honor to
work with Dean," said Alt, "and Cypress Hill continues to be just amazing,
with 'What's Your Number' being a perfect example of that."

Once the video shoot wraps, Alt and his S.T.U.N. bandmates (Christiane J,
vocals; Neil Spies, guitar; Nick S., bass) will board a plane for Japan to
play the two-day Japanese SonicMania festival (January 31/Tokyo, February
1/Osaka), sharing the stages with artists including Rancid, Korn,
Evanescence, and Thrice. These dates will mark the band's first-ever
concerts outside of North America.

Two thousand and three was one wildly-successful year for S.T.U.N. whose
politically and socially-themed lyrics encouraged fans to question
everything and think for themselves. Rolling Stone and MTV named S.T.U.N.
one of the "10 Artists 2 Watch," their debut CD, "Evolution of Energy"
(Geffen) received rave critical acclaim, and they landed a series of
enviable tours including Van's Warped Tour, The Used, Taproot, the Vines,
Marilyn Manson, Jane's Addiction, Chevelle, and Vendetta Red. Not bad for a
band's debut year.

After the Japanese dates, S.T.U.N. will return to Los Angeles to begin
writing and rehearsing songs for their next album. "Some of the songs on
'Evolution of Energy' are four years old," said songwriter Spies, "so we're
looking forward to letting people know what's on our minds now."

Musical Notes Index

JOHN BERRY'S "WILL YOU MARRY ME" USED IN PROPOSAL

John Berry  new single,  "Will You Marry Me" on his new classic love songs CD I Give My Heart, has just been released to radio, and it is already being used in wedding proposals!

Scot Whittington, of Destin, FL, was driving to work one morning and heard "Will you marry me" on his local radio station. He then called John  fan club and told them his plans for proposing to his girlfriend, Jennifer Hall of Crestview, FL. I Give My Heart had yet to be released, but the fan club agreed to ship an advance of the CD that day.

Shortly after receiving the CD, Jennifer and her kids from a previous marriage met Scot at a restaurant in Destin. On the drive home, Scot asked Jennifer  older daughter, Chassidy, for her blessing. She helped him decorate the house with candles before Jennifer and her son Hunter got home. Once they got home he gave Chassidy a teddy bear, Hunter a toy four-wheeler, and Jennifer 100 red roses. He then played the John Berry CD and gave Jennifer a new pair of shoes. He told her that just like the shoes, he will also walk with her through good times and bad, tough times and sad. Just as he finished putting the new shoes on her feet, "Will You Marry Me" began playing. While still on his knees from putting her shoes on, he reached under the couch, got the ring, and asked her to marry him. She said "yes", and they are planning on having a wedding on the beach in Destin the first weekend of May. I Give My Heart will be played at the wedding.

I Give My Heart, on Clear Sky Records, is available on www.johnberry.net or by calling his fan club at 615-297-7002. Beginning in February, John plans to hit 24 cities for what promises to be an amazing tour in support of the new CD and single, appropriately named the Love Tour.

Musical Notes Index

Musical Phenomenon Josh Groban to Honor NASA Columbia Crew with Performance of 'You Raise Me Up' at Super Bowl XXXVIII

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2004 PRNewswire/ -- International star Josh Groban will honor the NASA Columbia crew with a performance of his new hit "You Raise Me Up" from his multi-platinum CD "CLOSER" at Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004 it was announced today by the NFL.

Groban, who will be accompanied by an 80 person local choir will perform as part of the pre-game show prior to Houston's own Beyonce Knowles, who will be singing the National Anthem before the start of Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Sunday, February 1, 2004 2004 marks the first anniversary of the Columbia. Family members of the Columbia Crew are expected to attend the game as guests of Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

Crew members from the next Space Shuttle STS-114 will join Groban on the field as part of the NFL's salute to NASA.

Super Bowl XXXVIII will be televised by CBS to an expected 130 million viewers in the United States and a potential worldwide audience of 800 million viewers. The Super Bowl is annually the nation's highest-rated TV program and the most-watched single-day sporting event. Game time is 6 p.m. EST/5 p.m. CST/3 p.m. PST.

Executive Producer Bob Best of Best Productions in Tampa, Fla. will work his 20th pre-game show for the NFL. Michael T. Fiur will produce the show.

Groban, the 22-year-old vocal phenomenon, is scheduled to begin his first ever national concert tour which sold out within minutes. His self-titled debut album sold over five million copies and his hit single "To Where You Are" was a source of comfort for the entire country following September 11th.

His current CD "Closer" which includes three original songs penned by Groban, has already sold well over two million albums and has remained in the Top 10 since it's release this past November. Recorded over seven months in 2003, the CD reveals brilliant new facets of a young man The New York Times crowned "The New Boy Wonder of The Voice."

With scores of televised appearances, most notably his wildly popular 2003 PBS Great Performances special, which itself became a number one selling DVD, the legion of Groban fans has continued to grow in record numbers. His appearance at the closing ceremonies of the Salt Lake City Olympics was seen by over a billion people, many of whom were instantly converted into rabid "Grobanites" as the artist's global fan following has affectionately dubbed themselves. Recently Groban appeared on Broadway as part of an Actor's Fund benefit of Chess.

It was on the Ally McBeal show where many people first discovered Groban. On the 2001 season finale, Groban brought Ally to his high school prom where he broke into song and wowed the student population as well as millions of television viewers. Groban's first break came when he filled in for Andrea Bocelli at the 1999 Grammy rehearsals when he sang "The Prayer" with Celine Dion.

Musical Notes Index

LORRIE MORGAN NEW ALBUM & JANUARY TELEVISION

(Nashville 1/15/04) Lorrie Morgan is putting a beautiful and high profile face forward in January on a major round of television, set just in time to help launch her newest album, release "Show Me How" (Image Entertainment) which hits stores January 20, 2004.

"Show Me How" recently called by Billboard, ìthe best album Lorrie Morgan has unleashed to date," offers up the much anticipated studio reunion with mega-hit producer Richard Landis. His previous production successes with the artist have included two of her most successful single hits "Something In Red" and "Watch Me."

Says Lorrie about her latest musical collection: "I wanted it to be a parallel to my life. I didnít want to record anything that I couldn't relate too, that I haven't lived or havenít experienced. What we found were very mature sounding, livable, seasoned songs. Everything fits on 'Show Me How'."

On Friday, January 23rd, the ABC-TV Networkís prime time, "20/20" will focus their profile lens on Lorrie Morgan for a fascinating indepth look at the blonde who exploded like a bombshell in country music in the late ë80ís at the same time the tragic untimely death of her young husband, singer Keith Whitley, was making her national tabloid headlines. In the course of carving a major career in Nashville, Lorrie has once again hit the headlines recently with the much publicized marital bump she has encountered with current husband, country singer Sammy Kershaw. Morgan will face the "20/20" cameras for an intimate look at her life today behind the headlines.

Much like her musical idol, Tammy Wynette, Lorrie Morganís lifeófrom growing up the daughter of Grand Ole Opry star George Morgan, to becoming a member of the Opry herself in 1985, to marital woes and broken dreams, to gold and platinum records and adoring fans's as the "20/20 profile will explore- the fabric great country music is woven of. She's experienced in the roles of daughter of a legend, single mother, widow, divorcee, woman scorned, and above all ìsurvivor."

Lorrie, recently in Los Angeles for major media on the new album, will also be seen making the television rounds with immediate upcoming visibilities on CMT News, the week of Feb 9th on $100,000 Pyramid, and several other national programs with air dates to be advised.

Ahead for the support of the new "Show Me How," project, 2004 promises to be one of the busiest concert seasons yet in Lorrie Morganís ever forward moving career.

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