EIN Presswire: Music Live Feed Press Releases

A Cincinnati First: New Radio Show Puts Listeners in Control of Rewind 94.9's Playlist

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:22:00 +0000

Rewind 94.9 (WREW-FM) is using Listener Driven Radio's LDR.Takeover platform to give control of the radio station to Tri-State listeners every weeknight!

Beginning tonight, You Play It! presented by Skyline Chili on Rewind 94.9 lets listeners pick every single song played every Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. You Play It! combines Facebook, Twitter, the web, and live radio for a totally listener-driven experience.

The process is simple. Listeners go to the station's website at www.Rewind949.com and pick the songs they want to hear. All listeners then vote on the list of songs selected... the one that gets the most positive votes plays next!

You Play It! is hosted by ten-year Cincinnati radio veteran Karen Van Zant and delivers real-time, live, night-time radio to Cincinnati. You Play It! features an absurdly wide variety of music from the 1960s to today.

"There are literally no rules on this show. Rewind listeners may play Van Morrison, then Maroon 5, followed by Michael Jackson," said Van Zant. "It's whatever our listeners demand! We could, in fact, have listeners pick four Bon Jovi songs back-to-back! Is that a Bon Jovi Four Way?"

Listener Driven Radio (http://www.listenerdrivenradio.com) is the driving force behind the software that makes all of this possible. LDR is the industry leader in digital innovation for radio -- now with affiliates in nine of the top ten US markets using its LDR.1 and/or LDR.Takeover interactive platforms.

Listener Driven Radio is a global leader in interactive audio software. Its LDR.1 and LDR.Takeover platforms are on the air at nearly 100 radio stations, networks, and broadcast groups in the USA, Canada, and Europe, reaching over 30 million listeners monthly. LDR software empowers listeners to become real-time collaborators in on-air programming, automatically adjusting content based on audience input. The LDR platforms offer ratings and revenue growth opportunities, turning broadcasts into crowdcasts and offering valuable digital marketing opportunities. More information is available on LDR at http://www.listenerdrivenradio.com

Contact:
Chrissy Sutphin
LUCK Media & Marketing, Inc.
(818) 232-4175

Pandora CFO to Present at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet Conference

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:05:00 +0000

Pandora CFO to Present at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet Conference

Event to be Audio Webcast live on the Pandora Investor Relations website

PR Newswire

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Pandora (NYSE: P), the leader in internet radio, today announced that the company's Chief Financial Officer will present at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet Conference on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in San Francisco, CA.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110615/SF20192LOGO)

Mr. Cakebread will present at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet Conference at 10:20AM (PST) / 1:20PM (EST).

Live audio webcast of the presentation will be available on Pandora's Investor Relations website at http://investor.pandora.com.

ABOUT PANDORA

Pandora gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through connected devices. (OK, we've added comedy as well so we're also up for playing some jokes you'll love.) Personalized stations launch instantly with the input of a single "seed" - a favorite artist, song or genre. The Music Genome Project®, a deeply detailed hand-built musical taxonomy, powers the personalization of Pandora® internet radio by using musicological "DNA" and constant listener feedback to craft personalized stations from a growing collection of hundreds of thousands of recordings. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. turn on Pandora to hear music they love. www.pandora.com

SOURCE Pandora

GRAMMY® Nominees Chris Brown, deadmau5, Foo Fighters, David Guetta, and Lil Wayne to Perform Together as Part of a Special Segment Spotlighting Dance/Electronica Music for the First Time Ever on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:23:59 +0000

GRAMMY® Nominees Chris Brown, deadmau5, Foo Fighters, David Guetta, and Lil Wayne to Perform Together as Part of a Special Segment Spotlighting Dance/Electronica Music for the First Time Ever on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

PR Newswire

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Current GRAMMY® nominees Chris Brown, deadmau5, Foo Fighters, David Guetta, and Lil Wayne will join for a special performance highlighting dance/electronica music for the first time ever on the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111116/LA07792LOGO)

The performance will take place in a special outdoor tent adjacent to STAPLES Center on the Nokia Plaza at L.A. LIVE. Consulting and participating on this special segment is renowned hospitality company The Light Group's HAZE Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Four-time GRAMMY winner Lil Wayne has five nominations: Best Rap Performance for "Look At Me Now" (with Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes); two nods in Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "I'm On One" (with DJ Khaled, Drake and Rick Ross) and "Motivation" (with Kelly Rowland); Best Rap Song for "Look At Me Now"; and Best Rap Album for Tha Carter IV.

deadmau5 has three nominations: Best Dance Recording for "Raise Your Weapon" (with Greta Svabo Bech), Best Dance/Electronica Album for 4X4=12, and Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for Foo Fighters' "Rope" (deadmau5 Mix).

Two-time GRAMMY winner Guetta is up for two awards: Best Dance Recording for "Sunshine" (with Avicii), and Best Dance/Electronica Album for Nothing But The Beat.

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood; Chris Brown; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, deadmau5, Guetta, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Marc Anthony, Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ryan Seacrest, Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, and Ringo Starr. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy®. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

SOURCE The Recording Academy

Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Worldwide Publishing Agreement With GRAMMY® Award-Winning Songwriter/Producer Nathan Chapman

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:16:07 +0000

Universal Music Publishing Group Signs Worldwide Publishing Agreement With GRAMMY® Award-Winning Songwriter/Producer Nathan Chapman

PR Newswire

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced the signing of Nathan Chapman to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement.

Two-time Grammy award-winning songwriter/producer Nathan Chapman is widely known for his production work with Taylor Swift. Chapman credits his love of songwriting and songwriters as the key ingredient that drives his production and songwriting, resulting in over 30 major label cuts.

"We are incredibly excited to have such a special songwriting talent as Nathan join our Universal Music Publishing family," said Evan Lamberg, President, Universal Music Publishing Group, North America, "With Kent Earls now leading UMPG Nashville and great creative executives such as Ron Stuve signing Nathan, we look forward to partnering with him in all of his creative and songwriter endeavors."

"We are honored and excited Nathan has entrusted this UMPG team to further his already illustrious career," said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Universal Music Publishing Group, Nashville. "Nathan's musical knowledge, immense talent and impressive work ethic make him a tremendous asset not only for Nashville but all of Universal Music Publishing."

Chapman produced three, multi-platinum albums with Taylor Swift – her self-titled debut, Fearless, and Speak Now. Chapman holds two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year along with CMA and ACM Album of the Year awards (Fearless). Fearless also spent several weeks at No.1 on the Billboard 200 and Country Albums charts. Chapman has been working with Swift since her debut single "Tim McGraw," which hit Top 10 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and has continued to produce her chart-topping songs such as "Our Song," "White Horse," "You Belong With Me," "Mean," "Back To December" and "Love Story," to name a few.

Chapman also produced The Band Perry's single, "All Your Life," which is currently No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Chapman is producing two songs on the upcoming Lionel Richie album, Tuskegee, dropping on March 27th which features Shania Twain on "Endless Love" and Jennifer Nettles on "Hello." Chapman also recently worked with Lauren Alaina on her first single "Like My Mother Does." Other artists he has worked with include, Colbie Caillat, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, and Jewel.

Nathan Chapman joins UMPG Nashville's prolific staff of current songwriters, who deliver hits for today's country music elite - Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to name a few. Artists of all genres seek to work with this versatile staff. The UMPG Nashville catalog spans the entire chasm of the musical landscape: the 1940's Folk/Blues of the Delmore Brothers; the 1950's and 1960's classics of Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly; through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s with Don Williams, Waylon Jennings, The Judds, Alabama and George Strait. It also includes country classics from Webb Pierce, Brenda Lee, Mel Tillis, Garth Brooks, Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill and Shania Twain. UMPG Nashville owns and administers many prominent catalogs including Bob McDill, Rivers Rutherford, Gary Burr, Pat Alger, Kent Robbins, Dickey Lee, Kostas, Troy Verges, Luke Laird, Marijohn Wilkin, John D. Loudermilk, Stephanie Bentley, David Lee, Craig Wiseman, Keith Urban and more.

About Universal Music Publishing Group

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is the industry's leading global music publishing operation and is part of Universal Music Group. UMPG represents music in every genre from some of the world's hottest songwriters and catalogs including ABBA, Adele, Alex Da Kid, Lily Allen, Beach Boys, Beastie Boys, Leonard Bernstein, Justin Bieber, Bjork, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Desmond Child, Ciara, The Clash, Coldplay, Elvis Costello, The Cure, Daughtry, Ester Dean, Danny Elfman, Eminem, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Jackie Evancho, Juanes, Florence + The Machine, Kirk Franklin, Sean Garrett, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, Joy Division, R. Kelly, The Killers, BB King, Ari Levine of The Smeezingtons, Linkin Park, Webb Pierce, Henry Mancini, Maroon 5, Mumford + Sons, Prince, Pucinni, Otis Redding, Darius Rucker, Owl City, Sex Pistols, Gustavo Santaolalla, Paul Simon, Britney Spears, Tricky Stewart, 3 Doors Down, Mel Tillis, Justin Timberlake, T-Pain, U2, Keith Urban, Diane Warren, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Bill Withers, among many others. UMPG is also a global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian and Classical Music. For more information please visit http://www.umusicpub.com.

SOURCE Universal Music Publishing Group

ReDigi Wins Major Court Victory in Fight for Consumer Digital Rights

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Capitol Records was denied a request for a preliminary injunction in attempt to shut down ReDigi, the online marketplace for pre-owned digital media. ReDigi is fighting to ensure ownership rights to lawful digital purchases remain intact.

CAMBRIDGE, MA, February 07, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- ReDigi (www.ReDigi.com), the online marketplace for pre-owned digital music and revolutionary cloud service technology that verifies the legitimacy of a digital music file before it can be uploaded for storage, won a major victory in a court hearing Monday when Capitol Records was denied a request for a preliminary injunction in an attempt to shut down ReDigi. This is an exciting step forward for ReDigi's and the purchasing public's fight to keep consumers' intrinsic and lawful ownership rights to their digital property intact at a time when Capitol Records is fighting desperately to confiscate these rights.

In Capitol's filing, the label challenged the legal principles at the foundation of the entire cloud computing industry, worth an estimated 41 billion dollars per year, of which ReDigi is a pioneer and emerging leader. Capitol's disregard for the process of ReDigi's advanced technology, which clearly works within the parameters of the law, has drawn the ire of both consumers and industry leaders such as Google, which petitioned the courts for permission to file its own brief in the case.

"This is a fascinating issue," stated District Judge, Richard J. Sullivan, who turned down Capitol's request for a preliminary injunction. "It raises a lot of technological and statutory issues."

In our increasingly digital world, ReDigi is breaking down the barriers that have kept consumers from enjoying their intrinsic and lawful ownership rights to their digital purchases. Through its Marketplace, ReDigi transposes the familiar process of selling a used CD or LP onto the digital world, enabling consumers to exercise their ownership rights lawfully, observing and preserving the legitimate rights of the artists and labels in their copyrighted music.

ReDigi's Founder and CEO John Ossenmacher said of the decision, "We are grateful for the judge's decision in our favor. Our technology is helping consumers unlock billions of dollars of previously unrealized wealth in their digital media collections. We hope today's ruling will help to expedite the trial so that we can get back to our business and providing consumers with access this incredible technology. And we hope Capitol can get back to their business and find a way to catch up to the times instead of trying to stop the innovation process, denying rights to their paying customers along the way."

"Technology has done a great job of virtualizing physical goods, such as removing the clutter of records and CDs in our living rooms. Technology can now make the virtual goods feel like physical," explains Prof. Larry Rudolph, ReDigi's CTO. "Our advanced technology can distinguish legally acquired online music files from those ripped from a CD or file shared, but more significantly, our use of cloud computing and other modern computer techniques makes transfer of ownership compatible with copyright regulations. ReDigi is the pioneer of the 'cloud as the digital goods marketplace' -- the marketplace of the future -- where people go to buy and sell and where sophisticated technology ensures safety, legality, and convenience."

To review ReDigi's response to Capitol's request for a preliminary injunction which were reviewed by the Judge who ruled today in ReDigi's favor, visit:

http://recordingindustryvspeople.blogspot.com/2012/01/redigi-files-op ... pitol.html

ReDigiTM is the online marketplace for pre-owned digital music and the only Cloud service that verifies whether each music file uploaded for storage was legally acquired from an eligible source. ReDigi's patent pending methods are revolutionary. In addition to the highly sophisticated Verification Engine, the Atomic Cloud transfer system enables the transfer of a digital music file between buyer and seller without copying or file sharing. In addition to these technological breakthroughs, ReDigi supports artists directly through a unique platform that, for the first time in the secondhand music market, grants generous payments from each track sold (and resold) directly to the artist who created it.

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Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Record-Breaking Hit with a Lavish Production, on THIRTEEN's Great Performances in March on PBS

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:26:55 +0000

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Record-Breaking Hit with a Lavish Production, on THIRTEEN's Great Performances in March on PBS

PR Newswire

Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess star in a spectacular presentation from the ornate London concert venue with a host of special guest stars at the conclusion

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, a fully-staged, lavish 25th anniversary mounting of Andrew Lloyd Webber's long-running Broadway and West End extravaganza, comes to Great Performances in March (check local listings) on PBS. (In New York, THIRTEEN will air the program on Sunday, March 4 at 7 p.m.)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/MM83011LOGO)

To mark the musical's Silver Anniversary, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh presented "The Phantom of the Opera" in the sumptuous Victorian splendor of London's Royal Albert Hall. International audiences were invited to join the celebration when the evening was transmitted live to cinemas worldwide. This dazzling restaging of the original production recreates the jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects of the original, set to Lloyd Webber's haunting score.

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall stars Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom and Sierra Boggess as Christine. Both had triumphed in the London premiere of "Love Never Dies," Lloyd Webber's sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera," both earning prestigious Olivier Award nominations for their roles.

Karimloo and Boggess are joined by Barry James as Monsieur Firmin, Gareth Snook as Monsieur Andre, Liz Robertson as Madame Giry and Wynne Evans as Piangi, together with a cast and orchestra of more than 200 including special guest appearances by the original Phantom and Christine, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Illustrious past Phantoms Peter Joback, John Owen-Jones, Anthony Warlow, and Colm Wilkinson join forces for a powerful "Music of the Night," all introduced by a beaming Lloyd Webber. Besides that hit tune, the show contains such favorites as "All I Ask of You," "Think of Me," "Prima Donna," "Masquerade" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again."

Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" first opened in 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre in London and is based on the French novel Le Fantome de l'Opera by Gaston Leroux. Set against the glamor and spectacle of the Paris Opera House, Leroux told of a horribly disfigured Phantom, once a promising musician, who now terrorizes the opera company. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the Phantom is drawn to the beautiful ingenue Christine Daae and begins coaching her secretly, as a tragic romance unfolds between the unlikely pair.

Worldwide, "The Phantom of the Opera" has grossed over $5.6 billion. It has been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries and played to more than 130 million people. The show has won more than 50 major theatre awards, including seven Tony® and three Olivier® Awards in the West End. It is currently showing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas and Kyoto. In 2006, it became Broadway's longest running show ever.

Cast:

Ramin Karimloo ...	The Phantom
Sierra Boggess ...	Christine
Hadley Fraser ...	Raoul
Wendy Ferguson ...	Carlotta Guidicelli
Barry James ...	Monsieur Firmin
Gareth Snook ...	Monsieur Andre
Liz Robertson ...	Madame Giry
Wynne Evans ...	Ubaldo Piangi
Sergei Polunin ...	Slave Master - Hannibal / Shepherd - Il Muto
Daisy Maywood ...	Meg Giry
Nick Holder ...	Joseph Buquet
Earl Carpenter ...	Auctioneer
Philip Griffiths ...	Monsieur Reyer
Simon Green ...	Monsieur Lefevre
Stephen Davis ...	Don Attilio ("Il Muto")
Garoar Cortes ...	Passarino ("Don Juan Triumphant")
Heather Jackson ...	Madame Firmin
Ellen Jackson ...	Wardrobe Mistress
Rosemary Ashe ...	Confidante ("Il Muto")

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall was directed by Laurence Connor with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, based on the original London Production Directed by Hal Prince with Musical Staging and Choreography by Gillian Lynne. The Royal Albert Hall was transformed with a spectacular and unique design by Matt Kinley inspired by Maria Bjornson's original design. Lighting was by Patrick Woodroffe and Andrew Bridge and Sound by Mick Potter. The production was produced by Cameron Mackintosh.

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall was directed for television by Nick Morris.

The fully-staged production will be released on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand by Universal Studios Home Entertainment on February 7.

THIRTEEN's Great Performances is a production of THIRTEEN for WNET, one of America's most prolific and respected public media providers. For nearly 50 years, WNET has been producing and broadcasting national and local arts programming to the New York community.

For Great Performances, Bill O'Donnell is series producer; David Horn is executive producer.

Great Performances is funded by Vivian Milstein, The Starr Foundation, the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Joseph A. Wilson, public television viewers, and PBS.

Visit Great Performances Online at www.pbs.org/gperf for additional information about this and other programs.

About WNET

New York's WNET is America's flagship public media outlet, bringing quality arts, education and public affairs programming to over 5 million viewers each week. The parent company of public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET produces such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, Need to Know, Charlie Rose, Tavis Smiley and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Noah Comprende and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJ Today and the new online newsmagazine MetroFocus.

SOURCE THIRTEEN/WNET New York

Eagerly Anticipated Bag of Rhythm By House of Marley Now On Sale

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Eagerly Anticipated Bag of Rhythm By House of Marley Now On Sale

Honoring the Legacy of Bob Marley, MARLEY Bag of Rhythm Brings Music on the Go

PR Newswire

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, Mich., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The House of Marley, a collection of premium quality, earth-friendly personal audio products, today announced the availability of its eagerly anticipated Bag of Rhythm portable speaker system. The MARLEY Bag of Rhythm is available for purchase now at www.HouseofMarley.com for a MSRP of $349.99 and will soon be available at select retailers.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/NY49088 )

This portable speaker system provides the way to bring the Marley spirit, way of thinking and music wherever you go. The MARLEY Bag of Rhythm is made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, sustainably sourced Birch wood with a bag made from cotton. Equipped with an iPod and iPhone docking and charging station, Bag of Rhythm features twin 1" tweeters, twin 4.5" high-definition woofers and a powerful amplifier that delivers amazing output with crisp detail and deep, powerful bass to play the music loud and proud. An aux-in port connects hundreds of devices (cable included). The Bag of Rhythm uses a universal 100/240 BAC power adaptor; it is also compatible with a 12V car plug and can also be powered by D batteries for portability.

MARLEY products come with the Marley "Signature" Sound, incorporating more than 30 years of audio expertise into the design of the acoustics of their audio products. It is the goal of House of Marley to produce audio products with smooth, powerful bass, mids with stunning presence, and an energized high-end that brings songs to life. Each product undergoes custom tuning for its particular size, shape and material.

The House of Marley, besides expanding on its MARLEY audio line, will stay true to its lifestyle roots by introducing watches, bags and other accessories in 2012.

The House of Marley donates five percent of annual profits to 1Love.org, the global movement sparked by the Marley family that provides funding to charities and causes focused on youth, planet and peace. In addition to the Bag of Rhythm, MARLEY headphones are currently available in markets worldwide including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, South America, The Middle East and the Caribbean with planned expansion into the rest of Europe in 2012.

About The House of Marley:

Working together for a better world, The House of Marley was created from the belief in Bob Marley's vision of "One Love," offering a range of earth-friendly, innovative audio electronics and lifestyle products that adhere to the Marley family core values: equality, unity, authenticity, sustainability and charity. The House of Marley donates five percent (5%) of its annual profits to 1Love.org. The epicenter of a global movement, 1Love.org is dedicated to spreading Bob Marley's message of unity and peace by lifting up a new generation of "young gongs" to strike the hammer for charities, causes and ideas that can change the world.

Learn more at www.houseofmarley.com, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheHouseofMarley, and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/houseofmarley.

Visit the Marley Family's primary website at www.BobMarley.com and join the Official Bob Marley Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BobMarley. Learn more about other Marley Family ventures by visiting Marley Beverage Company at www.MarleyBeverages.com, Marley Coffee at www.MarleyCoffee.com, and 1Love.org at www.1love.org.

NOTE TO MEDIA: A comprehensive digital press kit for The House of Marley, including detailed 2012 product catalog and high-resolution images, is available at http://www.thehouseofmarley.com/press

SOURCE House of Marley

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Once Again Hosted the Super Bowl Championship Team

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Once Again Hosted the Super Bowl Championship Team

NYC Giants attended the all-star event hosted by Rev. Run, featuring Fantasia, the NFL Players Choir, top gospel artists and many more

PR Newswire

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2008, when the New York Giants played in Super Bowl XLII against the New England Patriots, many players, along with team officials, attended the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) and won the Big Game two days later. Five years later in 2012, during their fifth appearance in the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration hosted many members of the New York Giants organization; including Jerry Reese (General Manager), Charles Way (Director of Player Development), Isaiah Stanback (Wide Receiver), Selvish Capers (Offensive Tackle), William Beatty (Offensive Tackle), and David Tyree (Wide Receiver, Retired), known for his so called "helmet catch" in the 2008 game. And, the Giants won, again. The evening of faith-inspired music and moving performances is perhaps an added source of inspiration to the team once they take the field to compete for the championship.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101104/CL94711LOGO )

The Giants joined thousands of fans at the 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration on Friday, February 3, at a sold-out Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University. The NFL sanctioned event was hosted by Rev. Run, patriarch of the hit MTV series "Runs House," with gospel icon CeCe Winans who returned as co-host. Team Chaplains Ken Johnson (Colts), Don Davis (Patriots) and George McGovern (Giants) opened the event with a prayer that set the energy for the evening. Guests enjoyed glorious performances by gospel legends Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker; this year's "Players Choice" artist, Wess Morgan; four-time GMA Female Artist of the Year Natalie Grant; and Verizon's How Sweet the Sound 2011 Overall Winning Choir, Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir. The audience was treated to a special performance by Fantasia and her mother, Diane Barrino, who delivered an emotional rendition of "He's Done Enough" that brought the crowd to its feet and tears to their eyes. Fantasia also sang "Total Praise."

In addition to the all-star line-up, the NFL Players Choir, which celebrated its five-year anniversary, closed out the show with a powerful performance of "It's Time" directed by Grammy Award-winner Myron Butler. The Choir has become one of the most anticipated performances during Super Bowl weekend, as they also performed at the Taste of the NFL. Acclaimed players also shared moving testimonies and introduced artists. This year's gridiron talent included Brian Dawkins (Broncos), Matt Forte (Bears), Leonard Weaver (Eagles), Bryan Scott (Bills), Tommie Harris (Chargers), Tim Brown (Raiders Retired), Dextor Clinkscale (Dallas Retired) and many more. The audience also enjoyed faith inspired video vignettes by several current and former NFL players including Ray Lewis and Ray Rice (Ravens); Hines Ward and LaMarr Woodley (Steelers); Derrick Brooks (retired Buccaneers); and former NFL Coach Tony Dungy to name a few.

Since its inception, SBGC has drawn crowds in the thousands and has demonstrated growth each year, selling out venues in major Super Bowl markets. The event also serves as a fundraiser, donating a portion of its proceeds and tickets to local charities. This year's charitable partner was Gary Brackett's IMPACT Foundation.

The 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration was sponsored by American Family Insurance, the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company; Verizon Wireless, the official wireless service of the NFL; FelCor Lodging Trust; Herff Jones; Comcast; and IPL.

Produced by Central City Productions, Inc., the event was taped before a live audience and is airing as a one-hour program on more than 180 network affiliates nationwide between February 4 and March 4, 2012.

For additional information on the 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, TV listings and event footage, visit www.superbowlgospel.com.

CONTACT:

Sandra Tarver
+1-404-654-3112
sandrat@superbowlgospel.com

SOURCE Super Bowl Gospel Celebration

TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances DVD to be Released by Sony Music Entertainment on March 6

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:23 +0000

TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances DVD to be Released by Sony Music Entertainment on March 6

DVD is Companion to Bennett's #1 and Grammy Nominated CD DUETS II

Tony Bennett To Perform with Carrie Underwood on the Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Music Entertainment will release TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances on DVD on March 6th which is a stunning companion to the singer's celebrated DUETS II CD (on RPM/Columbia Records), which has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. DUETS II made music history when it debuted at the top of the Billboard Album charts, making Bennett the oldest vocal artist ever to achieve the number one spot. TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances reveals the behind the scenes process of the recording highlighted by beautifully filmed full-length videos of the song performances. The critically acclaimed album was released in September 2011 in honor of Bennett's 85th birthday and features the singer's greatest hits, performed by Bennett and today's biggest stars, including John Mayer, Michael Buble, k.d. lang, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, Faith Hill, Alejandro Sanz, and Carrie Underwood, and more. The DVD features special bonus content including video birthday wishes and a gallery of personally inscribed and signed sheet music from the duet guests.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/NY49108 )

TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances can be pre-ordered now exclusively through Amazon.com. Bennett will be appearing on the Jimmy Kimmel Show on February 9 and The Talk on February 10 (featuring a duet performance with k.d. lang of "Blue Velvet" from the DUETS II CD).

Recently nominated for three Grammys, including Best Traditional Pop Vocal, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s), the critically acclaimed album DUETS II received kudos from all quarters. The Wall Street Journal noted that the singer was "...constantly reaffirming his position as pop music's greatest living patriarch."

The Recording Academy just announced that Bennett will perform with Carrie Underwood on the Grammy Awards on Feb. 12. Carrie Underwood joined Tony on his #1 CD, DUETS II, for a recording of the 1920's popular standard "It Had To Be You." Bennett's first Grammy win came in 1962 for his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," which marks its 50th anniversary this year for its recording and release. Bennett holds the longest span of Grammy nominations in the history of the awards. Tony Bennett will also be performing at the MusiCares tribute dinner honoring Paul McCartney on February 10.

DUETS II took over six months to record with each track recorded face-to-face with his singing partners in studios around the world, from LA to Nashville to London. Among the many highlights is Amy Winehouse's last recorded track ('Body and Soul'), which was produced in London's famous Abbey Road Studios in March. Other tracks were recorded in New York in late July: the Richard Rodgers-Lorenz Hart classic, "The Lady Is A Tramp" with Lady Gaga, and the Alan and Marilyn Bergman classic, "How Do You Keep The Music Playing," with Aretha Franklin, and "Stranger in Paradise" with Andrea Bocelli, recorded at the singer's Italian home. The DVD is highlighted by insights on the process from the performers, making for an up-close look at one of 2011's most celebrated recordings. The sessions were filmed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe ("Chicago," "Memoirs of a Geisha," "Collateral"), providing a personal, behind-the-scenes look at Bennett's latest collaborations and his artistic approach with each song.

TONY BENNETT DUETS II: The Great Performances DVD features the following video listing:

"The Lady is a Tramp" (Lady Gaga)
"One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) (John Mayer)
"Body and Soul" (Amy Whitehouse)
"Don't Get Around Much Anymore" (Michael Buble)
"Blue Velvet" (k.d. lang)
"How Do You Keep the Music Playing" (Aretha Franklin)
"The Girl I Love" (Sheryl Crow)
"On the Sunny Side of the Street" (Willie Nelson)
"Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) (Queen Latifah)
"Speak Low" (Norah Jones)
"This Is All I Ask" (Josh Groban)
"Watch What Happens" (Natalie Cole)
"Stranger in Paradise" (Andrea Bocelli)
"The Way You Look Tonight" (Faith Hill)
"Yesterday I Heard the Rain" (Alejandro Sanz)
"It Had to Be You" (Carrie Underwood)

About Tony Bennett:

Entering his seventh decade as a recording artist with over 100 albums and 15 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bennett has earned his legendary status many times over. He remains the Columbia recording artist with the greatest longevity at the label. His 2007 prime-time special, "Tony Bennett: An American Classic," won seven Emmy Awards and was directed by Academy Award winner Rob Marshall. He has performed for 10 US Presidents, from Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr, Clinton, Bush Jr. and Obama. He also worked with and marched alongside Martin Luther King in his 1965 civil rights march and was honored with the Martin Luther King's Salute to Greatness Award. In addition to performing, he is a visual artist as well, with three of his original paintings featured in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian, including his portraits of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. His humanitarian efforts are renowned and the United Nations honored him with their Humanitarian Award in 2007. He has published three books – his autobiography, "The Good Life," and two books of his paintings, "Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen," and "Tony Bennett In the Studio: A Life of Art and Music." Bennett founded, in association with the Department of Education in New York City, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts – a public arts high school in his hometown of Astoria, Queens. With his wife Susan, he established Exploring the Arts, a charitable organization which supports arts education in NYC public high schools. Exploring the Arts supports 14 public high schools throughout New York City.

www.tonybennett.com
www.benedettoarts.com
www.exploringthearts.org

SOURCE RPM/Columbia Records

Johnny Reid Chooses ole for Worldwide Publishing Administration; Early Creative Collaboration Nets Hit Single

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:48:58 +0000

ole has signed a worldwide administration deal with Canadian country star/songwriter Johnny Reid, a three-time recipient of the Canadian Country Music Association's (CCMA) Male Artist of the Year award (2008, 2009, 2011) and winner, for the past four consecutive years, of the CCMA's Top-Selling Canadian Album award.

"Fire It Up," the first single and the title-track from Reid's upcoming self-produced album (March 13), which is now holding down the number 16 position on the Billboard Canadian Country Airplay chart, was co-written with fellow ole songwriters, Alan Frew and Marty Dodson.

"ole is proud that an artist/songwriter of Johnny's stature has chosen us as his new home," says ole CEO Robert Ott. "We look forward to supporting Johnny as he continues to add to his impressive list of successes."

Johnny Reid comments, "It's no secret that ole is one of the most successful publishing companies in the world and I'm very excited to be part of it. I look forward to a successful and lucrative partnership with Robert and his entire team."

Other notable copyrights under the deal include "Out of the Blue," "A Woman Like You," "Dance With Me," "Old Flame," "Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World" and "Let's Go Higher" from his platinum/multi-platinum albums Kicking Stones, Dance With Me and A Place Called Love.

"Fire It Up" was released on January 10 to Canadian radio and iTunes and lived up to its incendiary title, debuting at number 36 on the Country chart as it became the number one most added song at Country radio. It went straight to number 65 on the Top 200 iTunes chart and, the week of January 18, was the top-selling single on the Top Country Chart.

Fire It Up is the follow-up album to Reid's triple platinum, Juno Award-winning opus A Place Called Love, which in 2010 debuted at number one and spent four weeks at the top of the SoundScan Top 200 Album chart.

While having his initial success as a recording artist play out through the late '90s and early millennium, Reid came to prominence as a songwriter when hit country group Emerson Drive took his song "You Still Own Me" into the upper-echelon of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in the U.S. in 2007. Last year, Reid introduced himself to that U.S. audience with his PBS special, Johnny Reid Live: Heart and Soul.

On January 9, Reid participated in a livestream web chat with his worldwide fan-base - known as the Tartan Army - from ole's offices in Nashville following which the new single was streamed live prior to its official release. Reid's 28-date, cross-Canada Fire It Up (Let Love Live Again) 2012 tour, with opening artist Carolyn Dawn Johnson, kicks off on April 10 at the Save On Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, B.C. The full list of tour dates is available at www.johnnyreid.com.

ole
Kathryn Gatto
416 619.3730
kathryn_gatto@olemm.com

Interscope Recording Artist Zander Bleck Readies New Album as Two Songs Are Released Today

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:43:48 +0000

Interscope Recording Artist Zander Bleck Readies New Album as Two Songs Are Released Today

"Temptation" And The Fox NCAA Promo Featured "Bring It On" Available Digitally February 7th

PR Newswire

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Interscope recording artist Zander Bleck is putting the finishing touches on his debut set, Monument, which will be released later this year. For a sneak peek at what this rocker has to offer two songs, "Temptation" and "Bring It On," will be available for sale digitally today, February 7th.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/LA49073)

"Temptation" was written by Zander and Holly Knight (who penned hits for Heart, Tina Turner and Pat Benatar) and was the song that got the attention of producer RedOne (Lady Gaga, Usher). "Temptation" is the first single off Monument, which was recorded in various studios around the globe in 2010, and the early part of 2011.

A subsequent studio session with famed producer Mutt Lange produced the track "Bring It On" which is currently featured in Fox Television's regional and national promos for the PAC 12 NCAA conference games.

A self-taught vocalist, Zander grew up in Hunterdon County, NJ, where at the age of nine he fell in love with rock and roll while watching a video of The Who perform at Woodstock. Upon graduating high school, Zander moved to New York City and started his first rock band, Monument. He began to write songs and was able to get Monument gigs all over the city. Zander branched out on his own and used his connections to line up songwriting sessions that led to him signing a deal with Interscope Records.

www.ZanderBleck.com
http://twitter.com/ZanderBleck
http://www.facebook.com/ZanderBleck
http://www.youtube.com/ZanderBleck
http://www.myspace.com/ZanderBleck

SOURCE Interscope Records

Godfathers of Grunge Announce New Collection of Original Songs Titled Malfunkshun: Millennium

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:14:12 +0000

Godfathers of Grunge Announce New Collection of Original Songs Titled Malfunkshun: Millennium

PR Newswire

SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Malfunkshun, a Seattle band often cited as one of the "founding fathers" of the grunge music scene that exploded in the 90's, has released their newest single "Rains of May" off their original collection of songs titled, "Malfunkshun: Millennium."

Malfunkshun, collaborating with a variety of past, present and guest vocalists, will be releasing a compilation of songs which is their first collection since the album "RETURN TO OLYMPUS," released in 1995. Malfunkshun, rich in history, is led by original founder and legendary guitarist Kevin Wood who formed the band in 1980 with his late brother Andrew Wood. Quite notably Andrew Wood also fronted the band Mother Love Bone (other members of MLB went on to form the band Pearl Jam). The collection includes unfinished work from the Wood brothers, including unpublished lyrics of Andrew Wood and music of Kevin Wood.

In its latest incarnation Malfunkshun also includes Jeff Loftis on vocals, Louis McIntosh on bass and Mike Stone on drums. "Rains of May" is Malfunkshun's first new release with Loftis on vocals, although the band has been creating, recording and performing for the past decade. "Rains of May" is the first of several singles slated for release off "Malfunkshun: Millennium," and discussions of a collector's piece on vinyl are in the works. "I am really excited to release 'Malfunkshun: Millennium,' it's some of our best work," says Wood, who co-wrote "Rains of May" with Loftis. "'Rains of May' is a heavy groove; a wall of guitars' track with a sense of rock and roll angst. It's reminiscent of Seattle in the 90's, with a 21st century take on where the band is today," according to Loftis.

Wood says, "The new single is primal, tribal, epic and right in your face. It's a rock song 'I' want to hear." Wood shreds on guitar and won't let fans down. "We think 'Malfunkshun: Millennium' will appeal to the existing fan base while drawing in a new audience," says manager, Jaye English, of Spoondog Entertainment Group.

Malfunkshun is working on a 2012 tour with dates planned across the country. Contact Spoondog Entertainment Group, LLC (info@SpoondogEntertainment.com) for booking and information.

Listen to Malfunkshun's newest single "Rains of May" also available on iTunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yurptkHD_8

Contact Spoondog Entertainment Group, LLC for more information, bookings and inquiries. Spoondog Entertainment Group, LLC specializes in artist management, representation, bookings and concert photography.

Jaye English
616.805.9032

info@SpoondogEntertainment.com
http://spoondogentertainment.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SpoondogEntertainment
http://twitter.com/SpoondogEnt

SOURCE Spoondog Entertainment Group, LLC

New African American Romance Series from Debut Author Sparkles with First Novel, North Star and iPod Touch Contest

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:03:00 +0000

New African American Romance Series from Debut Author Sparkles with First Novel, North Star and iPod Touch Contest

North Star is a captivating romantic tale that takes readers on an unforgettable journey that embraces family bonds, pop culture, Twitter, and community service in Toms River, New Jersey

PR Newswire

EDISON, N.J., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Soul Mate Publishing (SMP) announced the acquisition of a new contemporary African-American romance series from debut author Angeline M. Bishop.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/PH46685-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/PH46685-b )

Deborah Gilbert, Senior Editor of Soul Mate Publishing, secured world rights of the Sheridan series which follows the romantic relationships of the Sheridan siblings after the loss of their mother. North Star takes inspirational themes of family bonds and community involvement and gives readers a passionate romance.

North Star, the first title, published in November 2011, will be followed by South Beach, Wild West, and Big East. This February, the North Star iPod Touch contest will promote the great artists on the North Star Soundtrack and Apple's all-new iTune U app, which gives educators and students everything they need on their iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch to teach and take courses. Romance readers should visit www.angelinembishop.com for more contest details.

Inspired by the volunteers of a local community center and her ten year work experience at Rutgers University, Angeline created North Star leads Caresse Aldana and Graham Sheridan. She desires to transport romance readers from their stressful lives with sensual love stories that feature captivating characters with strong family values.

Deborah Gilbert of SMP says: "We're delighted with the success of North Star and proud to announce this new series as Angeline prepares for her first visit to Romance Slam Jam conference in Little Rock, Arkansas this spring. She's a fantastic storyteller and we are very excited to continue our relationship with her."

NORTH STAR is available for ebook purchase online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Soul Mate Publishing.

About the Author
Angeline was born in Washington, D. C., but lived most of her life in New Jersey and considers the 'Garden State' her home. Her childhood passion for writing led to a degree in English Literature and a membership in Romance Writers of America.

She is the 2011 recipient of the Southern Burlington County NAACP's Rising Star award and a current board member of Write of Passage, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports under-served artists in the Baltimore, MD, area. She provides aspiring novelists with writing resources to help them strengthen their craft.

For more information or interviews please visit the author at www.angelinembishop.com or email amb.novels@yahoo.com. Follow @ambishop1 on Twitter for the latest news.

CONTACT: Angeline Bishop, PH:1-848-459-4505

SOURCE Angeline M. Bishop

GRAMMY® Nominees Chris Brown, Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood Added to the Lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

GRAMMY® Nominees Chris Brown, Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood Added to the Lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards®

ALICIA KEYS AND BONNIE RAITT TO REMEMBER ETTA JAMES

Marc Anthony, Lady Antebellum and Ryan Seacrest To Present at the Music Industry's Premier Event

Music's Biggest Night® — Hosted by Rapper/Actor LL COOL J — Airs Live on CBS Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

PR Newswire

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Current GRAMMY^® nominee Chris Brown; nominees Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood, who will perform together; and 14-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys and nine-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt, who will remember Etta James, have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards^® (www.grammy.com). Two-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY^® winner Marc Anthony, six-time GRAMMY winners and current nominees Lady Antebellum, and television and radio host/producer Ryan Seacrest will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night^® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy^®'s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111116/LA07792LOGO)

Brown has three nominations: Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E., and Best Rap Performance (with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) and Best Rap Song for "Look At Me Now."

Fourteen-time GRAMMY Winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bennett has two nods: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Body And Soul" (with Amy Winehouse), and Best Traditional Pop Album for Duets II (with Various Artists).

Five-time GRAMMY winner Underwood is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for "Mama's Song."

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, and Ringo Starr. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy^®. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

SOURCE The Recording Academy

Flingo Secures $7 Million in Series A Funding From August Capital

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Positions Flingo to Take Social TV to Higher Levels of Availability and Engagement

Flingo, the largest publisher of Smart TV apps, today announced that it raised $7 million in Series A funding from August Capital. Flingo's Smart TV software seamlessly integrates streaming video, dynamic advertising and broadcast TV and is currently available on 7.8 million screens, in 118 countries worldwide. August Capital's David Marquardt, the sole venture investor and 30 year board member of Microsoft, and Howard Hartenbaum, a founding investor in Skype, will join Flingo's board of directors.

The funding will be used to expand Flingo's device footprint as well as its automatic content recognition (ACR) infrastructure, which identifies thousands of broadcast network programs around the world in real-time. Once identified, Flingo's SyncApps technology can immediately bring contextually relevant content directly to the viewer's TV, laptop, tablet or smart phone. Flingo recently announced that its Social TV framework enables one-click sharing to Twitter and Facebook from broadcast TV. The new framework will soon be available on A+E Networks' HISTORY and A&E channels. This means that you are never more than one-click from sharing with your friends what you're watching, and no longer have to search for hashtags, or the official Twitter account or Facebook page while watching TV. In addition to social features, broadcasters can make their programming more interactive using the SyncApps platform.

"Flingo has the potential to build a very large business enabling new experiences around broadcast television," said David Marquardt, co-founder of August Capital. "The company already has gained strong traction with the top names in TV programming, consumer electronics, and digital media. We're excited to be a part of the team."

Flingo enables an ecosystem where media companies, artists and brand sponsors converge on consumer hardware platforms to give viewers a more engaging and personal TV experience. Flingo is available on smart TVs and devices from leading manufacturers including Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sanyo, Insignia, Western Digital, and Netgear.

"Our new investors share our vision that Smart TVs represent a unique way to improve the TV viewing experience and an opportunity to unlock new sources of growth in the $60 billion TV advertising business. August Capital's involvement brings experience, relationships and resources to us, and we are honored to have David and Howard involved with our company," said Ashwin Navin, CEO and co-founder of Flingo.

About Flingo
Founded in 2008, Flingo delivers a more engaging TV experience through its portfolio of applications. Flingo publishes more Smart TV apps than any other company in the world and is a product and service of Free Stream Media Corp. Flingo is currently available on 7.8 million screens, in 118 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.flingo.tv.

About August Capital
Founded in 1995, August Capital has funded an extraordinary group of entrepreneurs who have built significant, long-term value across the full range of information technologies. These companies represent an aggregate market capitalization of well over $250 billion and generate in excess of $75 billion in annual revenue around the world. This success is a testament to the entrepreneurs themselves, as well as the fundamental technologies they have created. The partners at August Capital were the earliest investors in a number of ground breaking technology companies, including Microsoft, Intuit, Seagate, Sun, Skype, Compaq, Symantec, Sybase, Atheros, Grand Junction and many more. August Capital is located in Menlo Park, California. For more information, please visit: www.augustcap.com.

Press Contact
Brianna Swales
Vantage Communications for Flingo
+1 352.224.5086
bswales@pr-vantage.com