Taylor Swift, Billboard's Best-Selling Artist of 2008, Announces 'Fearless 2009' Headlining Tour

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Machine recording artist Taylor Swift, who topped Nielsen SoundScan's all-genre year-end music sales report as 2008's top-selling artist, announced today that she will tour as a headliner this year. Taylor will take her North American FEARLESS TOUR 2009 to 52 cities in 38 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the span of 6 months. In most markets, ticket prices will start at only $20 plus local fees.

"Headlining my own tour is a dream come true! This way I can play more music every night than I ever have before," says Taylor. "Having written my own songs, they are all stories in my head, and my goal for this tour is to bring those stories to life. My favorite thing when I go to a concert is having lots of changing things to look at, so I've been working really hard to make this show as multi-dimensional as possible. I want to be sure that everyone has the opportunity to come see my show, so we have affordable tickets available for every date we do this year."

One of the most-anticipated musical experiences of the year, Taylor Swift's FEARLESS 2009 show will feature an incredibly theatrical presentation of graphics, sets and visual elements designed by Taylor herself. During each show, Taylor will play five different guitars, as well as the piano. Multiple costume changes and a fairy-tale castle illuminated by more than a million lumens of light are just some of the highlights of the three-act show.

Prior to the tour launch in late April, Taylor will play three US headlining shows, in addition to several dates in the UK and Australia. Tickets to these shows have been in unparalleled demand, selling record numbers in record time, including the nearly 71,000 individual tickets for Taylor's March show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that sold out within 48 hours of going on sale to the public.

Taylor's good friend, American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, will join Taylor as a featured artist on all of the dates on the TAYLOR SWIFT FEARLESS TOUR 2009, and each show will also include another special guest, Gloriana.

When her self-titled, sophomore album debuted at number one on Billboard's Country Album Chart in the fall of 2008, Kellie Pickler became only the sixth country artist in history to have both their first and second albums debut at number one. From the sassy "Red High Heels" to the searing, soul-bearing honesty of "I Wonder," (both songs she co-wrote) Kellie Pickler is plowing the road on her own terms. Her current single, "Best Days Of Your Life," is a musical revenge song that she co-wrote with Taylor, who lends background vocals on the album as well.

Gloriana represents an exciting new and vibrant force in country music. The group -- Tom Gossin, Mike Gossin, Rachel Reinert and Cheyenne Kimball -- consists of four uniquely talented and enthusiastic young musicians joining forces to create a fresh, one-of-a-kind sound with soaring four-part harmonies and an electric stage presence that reflects the best of today's Nashville. Their first single, "Wild At Heart", is just arriving at Country radio to rave reviews, and their debut album is set for release later this year.

This week marks Taylor's eighth in the #1 position atop Billboard's all- genre Top 200 Albums sales chart, marking the longest run at #1 for a female artist (all genres) in thirteen years. Taylor's sophomore CD, Fearless, has sold more than 2.4 million copies since its release in November of last year. Her MySpace music streams recently crossed the 150 million mark.

Taylor's 50-city tour officially kicks off in April in Evansville, Indiana, and will go through the summer and fall. The first tickets available to the public will be for the May 22nd date at Los Angeles' STAPLES Center. Those tickets go on sale Feb. 6th at 10 a.m. PT through Ticketmaster. Venues and ticket sales information for other tour stops will be announced in the coming weeks. The Taylor Swift FEARLESS 2009 tour will include the following:

    DATE                                 CITY

    February 10                          San Antonio, TX
    March 1                              Plant City, FL
    March 20                             Houston, TX
    April 23                             Evansville, IN
    April 24                             Jonesboro, AR
    April 25                             St Louis, MO
    April 30                             Charleston, SC
    May 1                                Jacksonville, FL
    May 2                                Biloxi, MS
    May 14                               Spokane, WA
    May 15                               Seattle, WA
    May 16                               Portland ,OR
    May 17                               Yakima, WA
    May 21                               Phoenix, AZ
    May 22                               Los Angeles, CA
    May 23                               Las Vegas, NV
    May 24                               San Diego, CA
    May 26                               Salt Lake City, UT
    June 4                               Enterprise, AL
    June 11                              Baltimore, MD
    June 12                              Greensboro, NC
    June 24                              Oshkosh, WI
    June 25                              Caddott, WI
    July 8                               Calgary, Alberta
    July 10                              Craven, Saskatchewan
    July 11                              Winnipeg, Manitoba
    July 16                              Twin Lakes, WI
    July 17                              Columbus, OH
    July 18                              Charleston, WV
    July 23                              Cheyenne, WY
    July 24                              Rapid City, SD
    July 25                              Minot, ND
    August 7                             Detroit Lakes, MN
    August 9                             Omaha, NE
    August 27                            New York, NY
    August 28                            Uncasville, CT
    August 29                            University Park, PA
    August 30                            Louisville, KY
    September 4                          Greenville, SC
    September 5                          Charlotte, NC
    September 10                         Lafayette, LA
    September 11                         Bossier City, LA
    September 12                         Birmingham, AL
    September 25                         Dallas, TX
    September 26                         Little Rock, AR
    September 27                         Tulsa, OK
    October 1                            Cleveland, OH
    October 2                            Grand Rapids, MI
    October 3                            Pittsburgh, PA
    October 8                            Indianapolis, IN
    October 9                            Chicago, IL
    October 10                           Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Tour information will be continually updated on http://www.taylorswift.com and http://www.myspace.com/taylorswift .

In addition to her headline tour, this year Taylor will also play ten previously announced dates with Keith Urban.

To hear music from Taylor Swift, log on to: http://www.taylorswift.com or http://www.myspace.com/taylorswift .

For Fearless album art and downloadable photos of Taylor Swift, log on to http://www.bigmachinerecords.com and click the media tab.

    For more information, please contact:

    Paula Erickson                     Claudine Ottinger - Tour Publicist
    Erickson Public Relations          Erickson Public Relations
    615.665.5950                       843.971.9840
    paula@ericksonpr.com               claudine@ericksonpr.com

    For Kellie Pickler:                For Gloriana:

    Wes Vause                          Denise Carberry
    BNA Records                        PFA Media
    615.301.4373                       212/334-6116
    wes.vause@sonymusic.com            dcarberry@pfamedia.net

50 Years on, Buddy Holly Will Not Fade Away: February 3rd, 2009 Marks the Golden Anniversary as Loyal Fans, Family and Friends Prepare to Celebrate a Rock 'N' Roll Legend

'Buddy will never be forgotten. His music lives on every day.'

-Maria Elena Holly

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- February 3rd marks the 50th anniversary of "The Day The Music Died," when a plane crash took the lives of three, now legendary rock 'n' rollers -- Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper. In spite of Holly's brief yet astonishing professional career, he changed the sound of music. The result was some of the most innovative and influential rock 'n' roll ever recorded. To commemorate his contribution to music history, the vault of rare Buddy Holly tracks was opened for two multi-disc sets recently released.

The three-CD, 60-selection Memorial Collection (Geffen/Decca/UMe), presents thorough, digitally remastered and undubbed recordings with original duo partner Bob Montgomery and backing band and collaborators, The Crickets. "The release of these sets will be a magical moment for the fans who have been waiting for a long time to hear the beginnings of Buddy's career to the end with the apartment tapes, his last recordings! Holly-lujah!" said Maria Elena Holly.

The two-CD, 59-selection Down The Line - Rarities (Geffen/UMe), is filled with pre-fame home recordings, alternate takes, undubbed versions, and informal solo tapes. Original Cricket J.I. Allison fondly recalls laying down some of those famous recordings. "Many of the tunes were done just in Buddy's garage, but I remember doing a few of them like 'Bo Diddley' and 'Brown-Eyed Handsome Man' way out West at Petty's studio in Clovis, NM. The lineup was Buddy, myself on drums, Sonny Curtis on guitar and Don Guess on bass."

February 3, 1959, will forever be labeled "The Day the Music Died," but Buddy Holly was, is, and always will be a rock 'n' roll icon whose legacy lives on.

www.ilovethatsong.com

Legacy Recordings Celebrates the Eagerly-Awaited Reissue of 'Ten,' the Ground-Breaking Debut Album From Pearl Jam, With Four Special Edition Packages. Multi-Dimensional Campaign Includes Exclusives With Amazon.com & Verizon and the Release of a 'Ten'

Newly Remixed & Remastered Editions of "Ten" Available Tuesday, March 24

NEW YORK, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Legacy Recordings is celebrating its monumental re-issue of "Ten," the breakthrough debut album from Pearl Jam, with a multi-dimensional campaign designed to surprise and delight the band's long-time fans while awakening a whole new generation to one of rock's iconic all-time classic collections.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060130/LEGACYLOGO )

"The original release of 'Ten' in 1991 helped open the door on a new rock era while establishing Pearl Jam as one of the most potent and influential bands in the world," said John Ingrassia, President, Commercial Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment. "Legacy Recordings is pleased to be working with Amazon, Verizon, and MTV/Harmonix in providing innovative new venues for this superbly remastered edition of 'Ten,' a classic album that continues to give voice to the heart and soul of young America."

Legacy Editions

On Tuesday, March 24, Legacy will release four special edition packages of "Ten," each of them featuring two versions of the album: the remastered version of the original album PLUS an accompanying remixed version done by the band's long-time producer, Brendan O'Brien (Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Audioslave).

The new editions will include:

Legacy Edition (a 2-disc set in a mini-LP style slipcase featuring six bonus tracks: "Brother," "Just A Girl," "State of Love and Trust," "Breath and a Scream," "2,000 Mile Blues" and "Evil Little Goat");

Deluxe Edition (a 2-disc set plus the long-awaited first-ever release of Pearl Jam's mythic 1992 MTV Unplugged concert including never-before-seen bonus performance of "Oceans" with a 5.1 Surround Sound audio remix);

Vinyl Collection (two 12" LPs of the original "Ten" tracklisting remastered for vinyl including the new Brendan O'Brien remix);

Super Deluxe Edition (a 2-disc set plus DVD, 4 LPs including 1992's "Live at Magnuson Park" mixed by Brendan O'Brien, a cassette replica of the legendary "Momma-Son" demos of "Alive," "Once" and "Footsteps" and an Eddie Vedder-style composition notebook filled with replica personal notes, images and mementos from the collections of Eddie Vedder and Jeff Ament, a vellum envelope with replicated era specific ephemera from Pearl Jam's early work and a two-sided print commemorating the Drop in the Park concert).

Amazon.com

January 12, 2009 marked the launch of Amazon.com's official Pearl Jam artist store where fans who pre-order the Deluxe or Collector's Editions of "Ten" will receive a free, Amazon exclusive MP3 from the album: the song "Once," recorded live 10/6/91 at the Palladium in LA, mixed by Brendan O'Brien and previously unreleased in any form. Amazon will also feature other exclusive content from Pearl Jam and "Ten" on its online Pearl Jam store.

Verizon

On January 8, 2009, Verizon announced that V CAST Music with Rhapsody from Verizon Wireless would be the first digital music service to deliver the highly-anticipated re-master of Pearl Jam's "Ten," overseen by acclaimed producer Brendan O'Brien. "Ten Weeks of Ten" will bring a full-track song from the new, digitally re-mastered album to V CAST Music with Rhapsody each week beginning Jan 13. "Once" will be the first song from "Ten" available for download and purchase, followed in subsequent weeks by "Even Flow," "Alive" and the remainder of the album, including two additional tracks during the final week. Fans can check out the "What's New" and "Features" section of V CAST Music on their handsets each Tuesday to find out which exclusive Pearl Jam song is available that week.

Rock Band

On December 15, 2008, Harmonix, the world's premier music video game development company, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), confirmed that "Ten," the debut album that sold 12 million copies and introduced the world to Pearl Jam in 1991, would be offered for download in the Rock Band Music Store day-and-date with the re-issue of the album in stores on March 24, 2009.

In addition to the track "Alive" which is already available on the Rock Band 2 game disc, the Pearl Jam "Ten" download pack will include the additional 10 songs from the album: "Once," "Even Flow," "Why Go," "Black," "Jeremy," "Oceans," "Porch," "Garden," "Deep," and "Release."

About "Ten"

Pearl Jam first released "Ten" on August 27, 1991. The album reached #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, sold over 12 million copies and became one of the cultural touchstones of the 1990s. Songs such as "Alive," "Black," "Even Flow" and "Jeremy" became staples of rock radio, and still make frequent appearances on the band's ever-changing concert setlists. The album was produced by Rick Parasher. Pearl Jam's 1991 lineup was Jeff Ament (bass), Stone Gossard (guitar), Dave Krusen (drums), Mike McCready (guitar) and Eddie Vedder (vocals/guitar).

Madonna's 'Sticky & Sweet Tour' Goes Back on the Road Summer 2009

Special Guest Paul Oakenfold To Open All Shows.

MOST SUCCESSFUL CONCERT TOUR OF 2008 VISITS 22 MARKETS

BEGINNING JULY 4 IN LONDON

Tour To Thrill Audiences In 13 First Time Stops for Material Girl

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Madonna's phenomenally successful 'Sticky & Sweet Tour', already the #1 Biggest Grossing Tour in history for a solo artist, will embark on another series of shows beginning July 4th in London. (Schedule follows this release). Stops will include appearances in never before played markets such as Werchter Belgium, Marseille France, Hamburg Germany, Oslo Norway, Helsinki Finland, Tallinn Estonia, Ljubljana Slovenia as well as stops in Romania, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria it was confirmed today by Live Nation. Additional appearances by Madonna will include return visits after more than 15 years to Madrid, Gothenburg and Munich.

"This is a first for me. I've never extended a tour before. I'm excited to be going back on the road, visiting places I've never been and returning to places I love" commented Madonna about the new run of dates.

Raves around the globe for the tour include the London Times which remarked, "In the premiere league of song-and-dance spectaculars, the queen of pop remains unrivaled and undefeated." "The choreography, visuals and live talent were world class and mind-blowingly well executed, intelligent and witty," glowed The Independent (UK).

In 2008, the 'Sticky & Sweet Tour was seen by 2,350,285 fans in 58 cities. With record breaking ticket sales everywhere, including 650,000 tickets sold in her series of South American dates, 72,000 tickets at Zurich's Dubendorf Airfield - the largest audience ever assembled for a show in Switzerland, 75,000 tickets in London and four sell outs in New York'sMadison Square Garden (60,364 tickets).

"This new run of dates will further solidify Madonna's position as one of the top selling touring artists of all time," said Arthur Fogel, Live Nation's Chairman of Global Music and CEO of Global Touring/Artist Nation.

Special Guest for Sticky & Sweet 2009, Paul Oakenfold has long been one of the most important--if not the most important--name in modern club culture. He has remixed The Rolling Stones U2, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dog, Muse New Order, The Cure, Massive Attack and even Elvis Presley and produced The Happy Mondays. The two time Grammy nominee is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the biggest DJ in the world. His new artist album, 'Pop Killer' is due out later this year.

Madonna's multi-Grammy-nominated CD 'Hard Candy' debuted at Number One in over 37 countries.

For further Madonna news, visit www.madonna.com

                                     MADONNA
                        2009 'STICKY & SWEET TOUR' SCHEDULE

    4-July     London, United Kingdom       The 02 London   On sale Feb. 06
    7-July     Manchester, United Kingdom   MEN Arena       On sale Feb. 06
    11-July    Werchter, Belgium            Festivalpark    On sale Feb. 07
    14-July    Milan, Italy                 San Siro        On sale Feb. 06
    21-July    Barcelona, Spain             Olympic Stadium
    23-July    Madrid, Spain                Vicente Calderon
    28-July    Hamburg, Germany             Trab-Arena Hamburg Bahrenfeld
    30-July    Oslo, Norwary                Vallehovin      On sale Feb. 09
    04-Aug     Tallinn, Estonia             Tallinn Song Festival Ground
    06-Aug     Helsinki, Finland            West Harbour    On sale Feb. 09
    09-Aug     Gothenburg, Sweden           Ullevi          On sale Feb. 09
    11-Aug     Copenhagen, Denmark          Parken          On sale Feb. 09
    13-Aug     Prague, Czech Republic       Chodov Natural Amphitheatre
    15-Aug     Warsaw, Poland               Bemowo Airport
    18-Aug     Munich, Germany              Olympic Stadium
    20-Aug     Ljubljana, Slovenia          Hippodrome

            In 2009, Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour will also visit Marseille
              in addition to performances in Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia,
                                    Romania, and Serbia.

            For complete Tour and Ticket Information, Fan Club Memberships,
              VIP Packages, Merchandise and more visit:  WWW.MADONNA.COM

ABOUT LIVE NATION:

Live Nation's mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 16,000 concerts for 1,500 artists in 57 countries. The company sells over 45 million concert tickets a year and expects to drive over 60 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com in 2008. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry's first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at www.livenation.com/investors.

Nickelodeon Crushes on Teen 'Idol' David Archuleta in Pre-Valentine's Primetime Programming Event, 'Crush Night,' February 7

Singing Sensation Archuleta Makes Acting Debut on iCarly, Hosts the Love-Themed Lineup with Nick Star Miranda Cosgrove - and Debuts his Brand-New Single on TV

Two New Love-Songs Debut in The Naked Brothers Band Valentine's Special True Plays Cupid on True Jackson, VP

NEW YORK, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon's pre-Valentine's "Crush Night" is music to kids' ears when teen "Idol" David Archuleta takes on his newest challenge: The crush-worthy singing sensation makes his acting debut on the mega-hit iCarly, and helps kick off all-new episodes of back-to-back romance-themed primetime premieres, Saturday, February 7 (8-9:30 p.m. ET/PT). Archuleta, whose hit single "Crush" is topping the Billboard charts, teams up with iCarly headliner Miranda Cosgrove to celebrate teen romance as they host the night from the set of iCarly. Archuleta performs his current hit "Crush" (February 7) and his new single, "A Little Too Not Over You" -- debuting the new tune on TV within Nick's Crush Night encore, Sunday, February 15 -- in front of adoring fans, and the duo also unveils premieres of iCarly, True Jackson, VP and The Naked Brothers Band.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/NY64340 )

Kicking off the New Year right, iCarly and True Jackson, VP are the new number-one and number-two kids' programs, respectively, on all of television with K6-11 and T9-14, as Nickelodeon ended the month of January as the clear leader with kids and tweens. iCarly averaged 11.1/2.4 million K6-11 and 10.2/2.2 million T9-14. True Jackson, VP averaged 7.8/1.6 million K6-11 and 7.0/1.5 million T9-14.

Archuleta, 17, affirms his first acting gig was enjoyable and came with a couple of perks. "I was nervous and thought I'd be awful, but it felt really comfortable and came pretty easily since I was allowed to play myself. With 'iCarly' I got to hang out with kids my own age for a change, and that was a real bonus." An added plus was the network itself. "I'm a huge fan of Nickelodeon's, and two of my favorite shows growing up were Kenan & Kel and All That, so it was especially cool to make my acting debut on a Nick show."

Kicking off the night, at 8 p.m., fellow teen idols/budding pop stars Cosgrove -- whose single "About You Now" has charted on multiple Billboard charts including the Hot 100 Singles Chart and the Hot Digital Tracks -- and Archuleta converge with comedy on Nick's convergent hit series iCarly. Season-seven American Idol runner-up Archuleta plays himself in the episode titled "iRocked the Vote." Archuleta stars as a contestant on an "Idol"-esque show called "America Sings" who gets a huge spike in votes after being cheered on Carly's (Cosgrove) webcast. When runner-up Wade King tells a sob story about his sick mother, guilt-ridden Carly invites him on her web show, only to discover that he's an arrogant phony. Carly uses it as an amazing opportunity to welcome nice-guy superstar/heartthrob David Archuleta as a special guest.

As Crush Night continues, there are bumps in the road on the way to love, and Cupid takes turns hitting and missing his mark. At 8:30 p.m., in True Jackson, VP/"True the Matchmaker" True (Keke Palmer) tries to mend Max's broken heart by fixing him up with her school's librarian after he learns his ex-fiance is marrying someone else. Meanwhile, Amanda and Oscar bond over their secret love of a ridiculous soap opera.

Next up, on The Naked Brothers Band/"Valentine Dream Date," Nat (Nat Wolff) grudgingly agrees to appear on a dating game show as a celeb contestant vying for a Valentine's Day dream date with Victoria Justice (Zoey 101/Spectacular!). But when his absentee girlfriend Rosalina arrives in town for a surprise visit just as he's prepping for his date, he has some serious explaining to do. Meanwhile, Alex's (Alex Wolff) attempts to play Cupid backfire, when he helps Jesse reconcile with her long lost love, Abdul, who ends up taking her love for granted. Meanwhile, Nat and the band turn love into a melody when brand-new tunes "Jesse" and "No Night Is Perfect" debut.

Crush Night will encore on Sunday, February 15 as part of Nickelodeon's Spectacular Presidents' Weekend, as Archuleta and Cosgrove also answer crush-related questions submitted by the nick.com audience, and Archuleta performs his new single for the first time on TV. Nickelodeon's multi-platform efforts for Crush Night include a sneak peek of all three premieres and additional footage ("Extra Scoops") on TurboNick and Nick's wireless partners, beginning January 26, and the entire Crush Night programming event will be simulcast on Nick Mobile. In addition, TurboNick will offer a post-premiere instant replay. Post-premiere, the three new episodes will be available via iTunes.

Nickelodeon, now in its 30th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 98 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 14 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

Defeat Diabetes Foundation Announces R & B Singer Howard Hewett as National Spokesperson

Hewett Will Work on Awareness and Fundraising Activities

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF) has announced that Howard Hewett, R & B Artist, former lead singer of the group Shalamar, has signed on to work with DDF to help create awareness about the diabetes epidemic in the U.S.

"We are extremely honored that someone of Howard's talent and celebrity has committed his time and energy to helping further our work of creating awareness about and preventing diabetes," said Andrew P. Mandell - Mr. Diabetes(R), Executive Director of Defeat Diabetes Foundation.

"We're already working on events with him in Los Angeles for this summer and Tampa, Florida for next fall. We've just completed our epic 8 year outreach effort with the Wake Up and Walk(R) Tour, a 10,000 mile walk of the perimeter of U.S. to raise diabetes awareness, so having Howard's involvement in future activities is exciting and validates the work we've already done. His tremendous popularity will allow us to reach communities in need. I think Rolling Stone said it best, 'Howard Hewett is the premier vocalist in the Post-Marvin Gaye era of romantic pop. It is no wonder he's responsible for selling some ten million records; his voice is irresistible'," Mandell concluded.

Speaking candidly on his way to a performance, Hewett said, "My mother died from complications related to her own battle with diabetes. I think that it's important that no other families have to experience that kind of pain and loss." Hewett continued, "I'm particularly excited to work with this 'grass roots' organization because it focuses on helping people identify when they are at risk for getting diabetes and providing some practical ways to prevent it. I also know, with Defeat Diabetes Foundation, that my efforts will make a difference," he concluded.

Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF), is a 501(C)(3) non-profit. The Mission is the prevention, early identification and effective self management of diabetes. DDF has programs in all 50 states and provides medical supplies to developing nations. We offer critical information and education programs with a focus on Type 2 diabetes, nutrition and physical fitness. For More information visit www.DefeatDiabetes.org, or www.myspace.com/howardhewett

Hard Rock International and Jon Bon Jovi Partner to Bring 'Soul' to Signature Series

JON BON JOVI DESIGNS LIMITED-EDITION T-SHIRT FOR HARD ROCK'S SIGNATURE SERIES: EDITION XXVI

Proceeds Benefit The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation To Make A Difference 'One Soul At A Time'

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Jon Bon Jovi has partnered with Hard Rock International, who today announced that the iconic rocker, who leads the #1 touring act in the world, has lent an original Bon Jovi design to create the Signature Series: Edition XXVI - a limited-edition T-shirt and pin, which will benefit the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the lives of those in need "one Soul at a time."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090128/NY64146 )

Jon Bon Jovi is the most recent artist to become part of Hard Rock's Signature Series T-shirt program, which has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes worldwide.

"Over the years spent building homes and rebuilding communities with the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, I've seen that people want to contribute to something they believe in," said Jon Bon Jovi. "With Hard Rock as a worldwide partner, the Signature Series lets fans contribute to our future builds."

The Signature Series T-shirt: Edition XXVI features Jon Bon Jovi's signature and original art consisting of Rock and Roll imagery that fans will recognize as authentically Bon Jovi. Draped with a banner bearing the band's name, the heart pierced by a winged dagger was created by Bon Jovi and is set on a black T-shirt, available in men's and women's sizes. Hard Rock's limited-edition Jon Bon Jovi Signature Series is currently available online at www.hardrock.com/rockshop and at Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide.

Founded in 2006, the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need "one soul at a time." The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair with programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. As a result of his efforts, Jon Bon Jovi and his foundation were recently honored at the 2008 Billboard Touring Awards with the Humanitarian Award, which recognizes the philanthropic efforts of a touring professional.

"Jon Bon Jovi has been one of the world's most successful and popular artists for more than two decades, and we are proud to have such a celebrated artist and philanthropist become part of Hard Rock's renowned global Signature Series T-shirt program," said Hamish Dodds, President and CEO, Hard Rock International. "We are honored to be able to show our support for his Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation and help to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness."

Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world. In 1990, Hard Rock International developed the concept of partnering with world-renowned musicians and bands, who create and donate imaginative designs to be reproduced onto T-shirts to benefit the artist's charity-of-choice. To date, the Signature Series program has included Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Shakira, Green Day, Eric Clapton, Ozzy Osbourne and more, raising millions for a wide variety of organizations, such as WHY (World Hunger Year), Fundacion Pies Descalzos, Amnesty International and Crossroads Centre Antigua.

About The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation

The Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping the lives of those in need one soul at a time. Through the creation of programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness, the Foundation exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. Current funding priorities have been directed toward affordable housing in cities across the country. Through 2008, Jon Bon Jovi and the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation have provided funding to provide 140 units of affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Visit www.philadelphiasoulfoundation.org for more information.

About Hard Rock International

With 123 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes and nine Hotels/Casinos in 50 countries, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya and Bali. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Macau and Penang, both scheduled to open in 2009; Palm Springs, Atlanta and Panama, scheduled to open in t2010; Dubai, scheduled to open in 2011; and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2012. Hard Rock International, Inc. is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc.

To learn more about the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, please visit www.philadelphiasoulfoundation.org.

For further details regarding the Signature Series program, please visit www.hardrock.com.

For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

Universal Music Publishing Group Inks Global Deal With Dew Process Publishing

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Publishing Group - Australia has signed an exclusive, long-term, world-wide joint venture with Brisbane based independent music publisher Dew Process Publishing.

Under the deal, Universal Music Publishing Group will handle all catalogue administration. Both Dew Process and UMPG will work in tandem on songwriter development and synchronisation opportunities.

"Paul Piticco and his team have proven without doubt that they are a great A&R company and we look forward to working with Dew Process to develop their worldwide music publishing interests," commented Bob Aird, Managing Director, UMPG - Australia.

"For a fresh company like our publishing endeavour to have the support of Bob, Heath, and the whole Universal Music Publishing Group team is amazing. We believe Dew Process Publishing will emulate the A&R success of Dew Process Recordings and we feel lucky to be expanding our business," said Paul Piticco, CEO, Dew Process.

As a label, Dew Process boasts a successful and diverse domestic roster that includes Bernard Fanning, Sarah Blasko, Whitley, The Panics, The Grates, and The Living End as well as an impressive international roster that includes Shout Out Louds, TokyoPolice Club and Tilly & The Wall.

"Paul, Fergus, and the team at Dew Process have built an impressive music company in a short space of time. We look forward to building and developing an impressive roster of DP/UMPG writers over the coming years," said UMPG Australia Head of A&R/Creative, Heath Johns.

"It is with great delight that we are inking a deal with UMPG. The team here in Australia brings a wealth of creative experience and I look forward to collaborating with them to secure the best opportunities for our writers in the coming years," said Fergus Jenkins, A&R/Licensing Manager, Dew Process Publishing.

The first signings to the new deal are Victorian song-smith Whitley who released his debut album The Submarine earlier this year and new prospect Ernest Ellis whose debut single "Bad Blood" is currently making waves amongst music industry circles.

Universal Music Publishing Group- Australia boast a successful Australian roster of talent, including Wolfmother, Powderfinger, Jet, The Living End, The Grates, The Potbelleez, Alex Lloyd, Rogue Traders, and Bernard Fanning.

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 many of the world's top songwriters and catalogs including U2, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, R. Kelly, Coldplay, Nelly, Juan Gabriel, Ciara, Dave Grohl, Prince, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Britney Spears, Beastie Boys, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Paul Simon, Henry Mancini, Christina Aguilera and Linkin Park, among many others. UMPG is also a global leader in the areas of Production Music, Christian and Classical Music. For more information, visit: www.umusicpub.com.

John Legend to Headline Pregame Show at Super Bowl XLIII on NBC with Special Guest T-Pain

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Five-time Grammy Award winning recording artist and concert performer JOHN LEGEND will help kick off Super Bowl XLIII as part of the pregame festivities at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay on Sunday, February 1, the NFL and NBC announced today.

This marks Legend's second Super Bowl appearance. Legend performed as part of a Salute to Motown during the Super Bowl XL pregame show in Detroit. Grammy-nominated recording artist, T-Pain, will join him on stage for an electrifying version of "Green Light," Legend's current chart-topping single.

More than 148 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year's Super Bowl, the most-watched television program in history. The pregame show and Super Bowl XLIII will be broadcast worldwide to more than 230 countries and territories.

The pregame and halftime shows are an NFL NETWORK PRODUCTION and will be executive produced by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of WHITE CHERRY ENTERTAINMENT and by DON MISCHER PRODUCTIONS.

Kelly Clarkson: New Single My Life Would Suck Without You Catapults To #1 On The Hot 100

SINGLE BREAKS THE EXISTING RECORD FOR THE BIGGEST LEAP TO #1 IN THE CHART'S HISTORY

SONG ALSO LANDS AT #1 ON THE DIGITAL CHART WITH 279,605 SOLD THE FIRST WEEK

ALBUM RELEASE MOVED UP TO MARCH 10, 2009

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelly Clarkson's new single "My Life Would Suck Without You" catapults from the #97 position it held last week to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, breaking the record for the largest leap to #1 in the chart's 50 year history. The previous record was set by Britney Spears' "Womanizer" which went from #96 to #1 in a week's time. This marks Kelly's first Hot 100 #1 since 2002's "A Moment Like This," which went from #52 to #1.

In addition, the song holds the #1 spot on the Digital Chart with 279,605 sold in its first week. This is the 3rd biggest digital song debut for a female artist.

"My Life Would Suck Without You" is the first single off Clarkson's fourth album titled All I Ever Wanted (19 Recordings/RCA Records). The release of All I Ever Wanted has moved up to March 10th.

In her career to date, Clarkson has sold 16 million albums worldwide. She is the recipient of 2 Grammy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 2 MTV Awards and 11 Billboard Awards.

Jazz Legends and Tributes to Highlight 2009 Freihofer's Jazz Festival, June 27 and 28 at SPAC

Festival Highlights include Patti LaBelle, George Benson, Gary Burton Quartet featuring Pat Metheny, Kind of Blue @ 50 Tribute to Miles Davis featuring Jimmy Cobb

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that its 32nd Annual Freihofer's Jazz Festival will feature performances by Patti LaBelle, George Benson, Gary Burton Quartet featuring Pat Metheny and a celebration of Miles Davis' seminal album, Kind of Blue by jazz great Jimmy Cobb who was part of the original recording. The Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, will feature more than 20 jazz performances over two days on SPAC's Amphitheatre and Gazebo stages. Tickets start at $41.50/day and can be ordered via online order form at www.spac.org beginning Wednesday, January 28.

Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, SPAC has been the site of the Freihofer's Jazz Festival since it was founded in 1978 by George Wein. With an inside seating capacity of 5,200 and lawn seating of 20,000, and just three hours driving time from Boston and New York, SPAC's Jazz Festival draws thousands of jazz aficionados from across the Northeast and the US.

2009 FREIHOFER'S JAZZ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday

• Patti LaBelle
• The Gary Burton Quartet Revisited with Pat Metheny, Steve Swallowand Antonio Sanchez
• Jimmy Cobb's "So What Band" tribute to Miles Davis'Kind of Blue @ 50
• Dred Scott Trio
• Wallace Roney Quintet
• John Ellis Quartet

Sunday

• George Benson
• Dave Brubeck Quartet, Time Out @ 50
• Bonerama
• Aaron Parks
• Julian Lage

    TICKET PRICES

                       Adult          Children         Lawn      Lawn for
                    Amphitheatre      under 12                   Children
                                    Amphitheatre*                under 12*

    Sat. June 27      $62.50            $52           $41.50        $5
    Sun. June 28       $56              $49           $41.50        $5
    Two-Day Jazz
     Pass (prior
     to 5/10)          $110           $92.50           $72         $10

    * children 2 years and younger are free

Ticket Order Forms for the Freihofer's Jazz Festival are available on SPAC's website at www.spac.org or by contacting SPAC at 518-584-9330. Tickets will be available for purchase online, via phone charge at 518-584-9330 and in-person at SPAC's Box Office beginning Sunday, May 10 at noon.

'Spotlight on Music' in Sweet Harmony With South Carolina Schools

K-8 music product swept 2008-2009 district adoptions by more than 85 percent

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Schools across South Carolina are enjoying the instructional benefits of Macmillan/McGraw-Hill's Spotlight on Music in the classroom, following adoptions by individual districts throughout the state representing more than 85 percent of the market statewide.

Spotlight on Music not only captured 85 percent of individual South Carolina district adoptions for Grades K-8, it received an even higher adoption rate for Grades K-5 within the state. Whether in small districts such as Calhoun County and Saluda County, or among the state's largest districts including Aiken, Charleston, and Greenville county schools, Spotlight on Music appealed universally to adoption officials seeking a robust, interactive program for sequenced music instruction.

Scott Chappell, Mossy Creek Elementary School music teacher in the Aiken County Public School District, said Spotlight on Music's combination of a strong printed curriculum and built-in interactive media features provides a helpful basis for engaging students in the learning process. "I'm a strong believer that you need to use a wide variety of materials in teaching your kids," Chappell said.

Chappell said with his youngest students, he appreciates the Big Books that provide visual reinforcement for lesson concepts. For older students, the non-English language song recordings are particularly useful in providing an audible reference, he said.

"When I want the students to sing in a foreign language, I usually start with the Spotlight on Music recording," Chappell said. "Then we'll sing it in that language, and then I'll teach it in English."

Chappell said his classes recently studied music originating from Southeast Asia with Spotlight on Music's electronic listening maps and interactive world instruments content. Presenting orchestral instruments via CD-ROM also created greater and more immediate understanding among students, he said. "They hear it, they see it -- it's there for them. It doesn't take the place of a real concert, but it comes so much closer to making it a real, live experience than pointing to a picture of a violin or a flute," Chappell said.

In addition to South Carolina, Spotlight on Music has been adopted by a majority of music teachers across the nation in such states as Texas, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Indiana, Oregon, and Tennessee.

For more information about Spotlight on Music, visit www.macmillanmh.com/music.

About Macmillan/McGraw-Hill

Macmillan/McGraw-Hill is part of McGraw-Hill School Solutions Group (MHSSG). The group combines Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, which focuses on Grades PreK-6, and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, which serves Grades 6-12. MHSSG is the only major educational publishing business to provide a comprehensive approach to the development of print and digital instructional materials from pre-kindergarten through high school. Additional information is available at http://www.macmillanmh.com.

About Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill is part of McGraw-Hill School Solutions Group (MHSSG). The group combines Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, which focuses on Grades PreK-6, and Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, which serves Grades 6-12. MHSSG is the only major educational publishing business to provide a comprehensive approach to the development of print and digital instructional materials from pre-kindergarten through high school. Additional information is available at http://www.glencoe.com.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com.

    Contact:  Tom Stanton                             Yvonne Pentz
              McGraw-Hill Education                   Paul Werth Associates
              (212) 904-3214                          (614) 224-8114
              tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com             ypentz@paulwerth.com

Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Strikes Deal With IFC to Televise 2009 Interactive Achievement Awards

Marks First Broadcast of the "Oscars of Video Games" on a Major Television Network

CALABASAS, Calif., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences(R) (AIAS) and IFC (Independent Film Channel) today announced a partnership to bring the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (IAA) to television audiences for the first time. The awards will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The IAA will be broadcast on IFC in April 2009 and comprise of a half hour special with highlights from the IAAs and will be hosted by comedian, actor and proud game enthusiast, Jay Mohr.

This landmark deal brings together the IAA, the only peer-based awards that recognize the year's best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams with IFC, the network that uncovers champions and delivers alternative programming. The IAAs are supported by all of the major video game publishers and developers in the industry. No person may vote unless he or she can demonstrate a threshold level of experience and professional credits in the industry.

"The Academy is excited to bring the Interactive Achievement Awards -- the Oscars of video games -- to the IFC audience," said Joseph Olin, President, AIAS. "The amazing popularity of interactive entertainment is attributed to the manner that today's games allow people to be part of fantastic worlds, incredible challenges and the simple fun of sharing these experiences with friends and family. As IFC celebrates the creative spirit of independent filmmaking, I can think of no better place to showcase the talented men and women who are responsible for our dynamic entertainment art form."

"Bringing the Interactive Achievement Awards to our audience marries alternative culture with alternative content," said Jennifer Caserta, executive vice president and general manager of IFC. "The Interactive Achievement Awards is an exciting and highly anticipated addition to our programming line-up that will include award highlights, scenes from the red carpet and interstitials hosted by IFC News' Matt Singer."

The 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at the Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas during the annual D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit hosted by the AIAS. The D.I.C.E. Summit is a once yearly conference dedicated to exploring approaches to the creative process and artistic expression as they uniquely apply to the development of interactive entertainment.

About the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) was founded in 1996 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of the interactive arts, with the mission to promote and advance interest and recognize outstanding achievement in the worldwide interactive entertainment community, as well as putting on an annual awards show (The Interactive Achievement Awards(R)) to enhance awareness of the interactive art form. The IAA's are the only peer-based awards that recognize the year's best video games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams that have propelled the advancement of the multi-billion dollar worldwide entertainment software industry. The awards presented by the AIAS are determined by a vote of field-specific, qualified Academy members, making the Interactive Achievement Awards the most sought-after, respected and credible recognition for creators of entertainment software, with just under 25,000 general voting members.

In 2002 the Academy created the D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit, a once yearly conference dedicated to exploring approaches to the creative process and artistic expression as they uniquely apply to the development of interactive entertainment. The Academy also oversees Into The Pixel, a juried exhibition of art from games, and this year started the Randy Pausch Scholarship fund for students in the games industry. More information can be found at http://www.interactive.org, http://www.dicesummit.org and http://www.intothepixel.com.

About IFC

Operating under the mantra "always uncut," IFC (The Independent Film Channel) uncovers and champions alternative content and makes it available to audiences across multiple platforms: on-air, online and On Demand. In pursuit of what's new, next and relevant, IFC presents clever, offbeat original series like "The Whitest Kids U' Know" and "Z Rock" alongside thought-provoking original documentaries such as At the Death House Door. The network also offers exclusive web series, shorts, animation, and a comprehensive independent film library of award-winning titles and cult classics. IFC broadens the audience for independent culture through its exclusive live coverage of notable film and music events like the Independent Spirit Awards and South by Southwest. The network's on demand offering, IFC Free, gives audiences the opportunity to watch premieres of all of IFC's original series before they air on the linear network. IFC Media Lab offers financing, professional development and distribution opportunities for aspiring film makers. IFC is a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.