John Rich talks about Big & Rich and his business ventures.

John Rich talks about Big & Rich and his business ventures. Watch the video from Fox News using the link below: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4324379788001/john-richs-business-ventures/?playlist_id=929831930001#sp=show-clips

The SteelDrivers’ Critically Acclaimed The Muscle Shoals Recordings Debuts at #1 On Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart

Three-time Grammy nominees The SteelDrivers have cause to celebrate: their new album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, which was released to great acclaim on June 16 via Rounder Records, has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart. The album, which landed at #5 on the Top New Artist Albums Chart, and #125 on the Top Current Albums Chart, achieved the highest first-week sales in the band’s history. The band kicked off release week with a special show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, which was broadcast live on Sirius XM’s Bluegrass Junction. They followed up with a live set and signing at Nashville record mecca Grimey’s, and closed out the day with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry.

From there, they headed to Muscle Shoals, where they played to a packed house at Florence’s 116 E. Mobile Street. The band is in the midst of a tour of the United States, and will be on the road through the end of the year.

Here’s what some critics are saying about The Muscle Shoals Recordings:

“While you might not initially think of bluegrass as being soulful, it’s probably because you haven’t heard the SteelDrivers.” Jim Casey, Country Weekly

“Impeccable instrumental work, powerful vocals and songwriting that demonstrates that simply told stories can be powerful.” David Morris, Bluegrass Today

“The group has rarely sounded more focused or passionate.” Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter

“The aptly-named The Muscle Shoals Recordings (Rounder), reflects the same soul and blues ache so evident in the town made famous by Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and the Staples family, among many others.” Suzanne Cadgene, Elmore

“The SteelDrivers have established soulgrass as their own little niche…“The Muscle Shoals Recordings continues the band's string of superior bluegrass recordings.” Donald Teplyske, Country Standard Time

For more information, please contact Regina Joskow rjoskow@rounder.com, 917-532-5687, or Ashley Moyer ashley.moyer@concordmusicgroup.com, 615.928.4777 at the Rounder Label Group, or Jules Wortman at Wortman Works, jwortman@wortmanworks.com, 615.431-5059.

The SteelDrivers On Tour:

6/26/2015 Rudyfest Grayson, KY 7/2/2015 The Ready Room St. Louis, MO 7/3/2015 Shawnee Bluff Vineyards Eldon, MO 7/4/2015 Wanderlust Festival Snowmass Village, CO 7/11/2015 Uncle Dave Macon Days Murfreesboro, TN 7/16/2015 Grey Fox Bluegrasss Festival Oak Hill, NY 7/19/2015 Forecastle Louisville, KY 7/23/2015 Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Nashville, TN 7/24/2015 Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Columbus, OH 7/25/2015 Muncie Three Trails Music Series Muncie, IN 7/30/2015 Infinity Hall Norfolk, CT 7/31/2015 Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival Thorton, NH 8/7/2015 The Bijou Theatre Knoxville, TN 8/8/2015 Mountain Stage Elkins, WV 8/9/2015 Rams Head Tavern Annapolis, MD 8/28/2015 Ocean Lakes Bluegrass Weekend Myrtle Beach, SC 8/29/2015 The Neighborhood Theatre Charlotte, NC 9/5/2015 Cumberland River Music Festival Williamsburg, KY 9/10/2015 The Music Box Supper Club Cleveland, OH 9/11/2015 Park Street Saloon Columbus, OH 9/12/2015 “Party in the Holler” at Ace Adventure Resort – Mendon, WV 9/18/2015 Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival Morehead, KY 9/19/2015 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Bristol, TN 10/2/2015 Greenup Old Fashion Days Greenup, KY 10/10/2015 Clayton Shindig Clayton, NC 10/18/2015 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, MN 11/7/2015 Boyd County Community Center Cattlesburg, KY

CAMP SUP PRESENTED BY SALT LIFE IS READY TO PARTY IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

Camp SUP, presented by Salt Life is set to go off in St. Augustine, Florida on June 27, with a stellar lineup up of clinicians, demos and two different fun paddles. Camp SUP is the country's premiere SUP party, an event dedicated to getting new paddlers into the sport, helping experienced paddlers improve their skills while allowing everyone to demo new boards and equipment before they buy. http://www.supthemag.com/camp-sup/east

CLINICS Boga Paddleboards is sponsoring Camp SUP's yoga clinic with Jess Amendola, a longtime yoga instructor from the St. Augustine area. Jess's classes emphasize alignment and blend challenging movements with self-awareness. The Boga-sponsored athlete grew up on the water and travels frequently to teach, both on the board and on the mat.

Matt Hite will be teaching our stroke clinic. Matt is a life-long waterman from a family of lifeguards and surfers. He's taught surfing in Florida and California and leads a growing club of more than 100 paddlers in the Jacksonville area. A BIC-sponsored paddler, Hite travels throughout the country certifying other instructors as well.

Camp SUP’s intro to surf clinic will be headed up by Giorgio Gomez, a World Tour competitor out of Jupiter, Florida. Giorgio is one of the most stylish surfers on tour and will cover surf etiquette and basic tips like positioning and wave-catching techniques

FUN PADDLING Camp SUP’s Open Fun Paddle is a great way to get into racing or to add to your experience. The four-mile course at the St. John's County Pier in St. Augustine is a fun way to get some exercise and try out a new board while rounding buoys.

The last part of the day at Camp SUP will feature the Big SUP Race presented by Mistral. Mistral will provide big SUP's where teams of 3-6 will compete in a big SUP race to decide the big SUP Champions.

FREE DEMOS Camp SUP presented by Salt Life provides all-day demos for paddlers ready to try out the latest standup paddling equipment, eyewear and other products. Riviera Paddlesurf, Hobie, Coreban, Mistral, Ocean Extreme Sports, Starboard, Bote, Kaenon, Boga Paddleboards, North Guana Outpost, Ocean Lineage, and more fantastic companies will provide equipment. Looking to buy your first board or upgrade from the board you already own? Camp SUP is the ideal place to test out the best equipment available in the industry.

PARTY Camp SUP presented by Salt Life will feature a beer garden from 12-4 pm with beer provided by Kona Brewing Co. Each $5 beer donation will benefit local non-profit organization Keepers of the Coast. Enjoy a cold Kona Brew while jamming to live tunes from I-Vibes.

The party doesn't end on the beach. Join us after the paddle across the A1A at the Salt Life Food Shack rooftop for happy hour specials from 5pm-7pm.

SPECIAL THANKS SUP Magazine would like to thank our presenting sponsor Salt Life, and our host retailer Ocean Extreme Sports for bringing this event to St. Augustine.

For more information, visit supthemag.com/camp-sup/east and start the conversation with #CAMPSUP

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About Salt Life Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the "Salt Life". Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says: "I live the Salt Life." Learn more at saltlife.com

About SUP Magazine: SUP magazine is part of The Enthusiast Network (TEN) and is the leading publication in the standup paddling world. With a progressive, approachable style, SUP strives to push readers off the couch and onto the water. By blending engaging print and destination features, gear coverage and in-depth instructional pieces with in-house video and event write-ups on SUPthemag.com, SUP magazine is changing the way you look at the sport, all while getting you into the game. For more information, please visit supthemag.com.

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network TEN: The Enthusiast Network LLC is the world's premier network of enthusiast brands, such as Motor Trend, Automobile, SUP magazine, SURFER, Transworld and GrindTV. With more than 60 publications, 100 Web sites, the world's largest automotive VOD channel, 800 branded products, 50+ events, TV and radio programs, TEN creates and delivers content that informs, entertains, inspires and connects with enthusiasts every day. For more information visit www.enthusiastnetwork.com.

The Gospel Music Association Grieves Senseless Loss of Pastor and Congregation in Charleston, SC.

The GMA on behalf of the Christian and gospel music industry mourns the senseless loss of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, pastor of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and his parishioners: Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., Rev. Sharonda Singleton and Myra Thompson. The prayers of our community are with the families of these victims and with our entire nation. We believe that the power of love and hope can unify in the middle of such challenging times. We encourage our community to continue praying and to give generously to support these families.

To Give: The Mother Emanuel Hope Fund has been established. The fund will be used to help cover the funeral costs of those killed in the tragedy and to benefit the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where the shooting occurred. To help the church and pay for the funeral costs of those killed, Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley worked with Wells Fargo to set up donation centers at their branches. For those who wish to donate online, donations can also be made to the church directly through PayPal on their website.

Christian/Gospel Artists Add Their Heartfelt Sympathy: "We don't know why things like this happen but God can mend our broken hearts and help us through our dark days. #PrayforCharleston" - Erica Campbell

“It is hard for me to understand such anger and hatred toward any living creature, but especially toward the children of God who had gathered in a place of worship to express their thanks to Him. It seems, as a whole, that the human condition is not getting better over time. All I can say is, ‘Help us, Jesus.’” - Bill Gaither

"Evil can penetrate everything in this world, even the walls of our churches. But that will not extinguish our worship and it will not drive us underground, but instead make us sing even louder. I wish I could hug the families of those who have lost loved ones, I don’t have any words, but I do want them to know they are not alone.” - Brandon Heath

"There are no words for the deep sadness & heartache I feel for the families and friends of those lost in the Charleston shootings. Praying for God's comfort & peace to "bind up" every broken heart.” - Steven Curtis Chapman

"I am heartbroken for the church and community of Charleston. I am praying for them, and specifically the families, for God to comfort each of them. I also am continually praying for the nationwide revival, which we desperately need to bring true and lasting change." - William McDowell

“I am deeply, deeply hurting for those affected by the tragedy at Emanuel AME church and the city of Charleston, SC. Going to church, you never expect this kind of thing to happen. You think of Church as one of the safest places to be. In a split second, someone's anger changed that. Lord, help us. My prayers, love and condolences go to the families, church and the city of Charleston. I pray that the love of Jesus brings comfort as only He can.” - Jason Crabb

"Praying for the victims and families of such an unimaginable crime. In this time of grief, I pray that Emanuel AME Church and the city of Charleston feel our love and know they don't walk through this heartbreaking tragedy alone." - Tamela Mann

The SteelDrivers Inspire Critical Praise; The Band Celebrates Release of The Muscle Shoals Recordings With Shows in Nashville and Florence, Alabama

Fresh off their appearance at the CMA Music Fest in Nashville, innovative, soulful bluegrass band the SteelDrivers -- Tammy Rogers, Gary Nichols, Mike Fleming, Brent Truitt, and Richard Bailey -- are celebrating the release of their acclaimed new album, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, with a series of live hometown events in Nashville and Florence, Alabama this week. This afternoon, the band will do a live performance and interview for Sirius XM’s Bluegrass Junction at 2:00 PM at the Bridgestone Arena, followed by a meet & greet with the audience at 3:00 PM. From there, they will head to local record mecca Grimey’s, located at 1604 8th Avenue South, for a brief live set and signing at 4:30. They’ll close out the day with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry at 8:00 PM.

On Wednesday, June 17, they head to Florence, Alabama, the home of singer-guitarist Gary Nichols, for an intimate live show at 116 E. Mobile Street. The venue, which is run by the owners of Single Lock Records (Will Trapp, Ben Tanner, and John Paul White), has quickly earned a reputation for being among the best places to see live music in the region. Prior to the show, at 6:00 PM, the band will host a meet and greet at Billy Reid, next door to the venue.

The band’s recent tour dates have wowed critics, who praise the band’s “gutsy, gritty bluegrass songs” (Juli Thanki, Tennessean). Writing in the Philadelphia Inquirer, AD Amorosi declared “You can call it power-bluegrass or country soul, but whatever you call it, Nashville's SteelDrivers have bushels of it.”

Early reviews of the album are equally effusive. Country Standard Time’s Donald Teplyske writes “the group has embraced its uniqueness: The SteelDrivers have established soulgrass as their own little niche,” and goes on to say “The Muscle Shoals Recordings continues the band's string of superior bluegrass recordings.” Jeff Simon of the Buffalo News says “it’s not all that long a way from Nashville to Muscle Shoals – not geographically or musically either. The trip was worth making.” All Music’s Mark Deming calls it “music played with soul, heart, honesty, and skill…the music speaks for itself, and what it says is eloquent and deeply pleasing.”

The SteelDrivers will be on tour throughout the summer and fall, and will announce new dates shortly.

For more information, please contact Regina Joskow rjoskow@rounder.com, 917.532.5687 or Ashley Moyer ashley.moyer@concordmusicgroup.com, 615.928.4777 at the Rounder Label Group, or Jules Wortman at Wortman Works, jwortman@wortmanworks.com, 615.431-5059.

The SteelDrivers On Tour:

6/16/2015, Grand Ole Opry House (w/Terri Clark) Nashville, TN 6/17/2015, 116 Mobile Muscle Shoals, AL 6/18/2015 Marriott Shoals Resort & Confrence Center Florence, AL 6/19/2015 Eckert's Country Store Summer Concert Series Belleville, IL 6/26/2015 Rudyfest Grayson, KY 7/2/2015 The Ready Room St. Louis, MO 7/3/2015 Shawnee Bluff Vineyards Eldon, MO 7/4/2015 Wanderlust Festival Snowmass Village, CO 7/5/2015 Knuckleheads (Do Not Announce) Kansas City, MO 7/11/2015 Uncle Dave Macon Days Murfreesboro, TN 7/16/2015 Grey Fox Bluegrasss Festival Oak Hill, NY 7/19/2015 Forecastle Louisville, KY 7/23/2015 Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Nashville, TN 7/24/2015 Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Columbus, OH 7/25/2015 Muncie Three Trails Music Series Muncie, IN 7/30/2015 Infinity Hall Norfolk, CT 7/31/2015 Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival Thorton, NH 8/7/2015 The Bijou Theatre Knoxville, TN 8/8/2015 Mountain Stage Elkins, WV 8/9/2015 Rams Head Tavern Annapolis, MD 8/28/2015 Ocean Lakes Bluegrass Weekend Myrtle Beach, SC 8/29/2015 The Neighborhood Theatre Charlotte, NC 9/5/2015 Cumberland River Music Festival Williamsburg, KY 9/10/2015 The Music Box Supper Club Cleveland, OH 9/11/2015 Park Street Saloon Columbus, OH 9/18/2015 Poppy Mountain Bluegrass Festival Morehead, KY 9/19/2015 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Bristol, TN 10/2/2015 Greenup Old Fashion Days Greenup, KY 10/10/2015 Clayton Shindig Clayton, NC 10/18/2015 Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, MN 11/7/2015 Boyd County Community Center Cattlesburg, KY

MAXX RECORDINGS’ HAS ITS OWN TRIPLE CROWN WITH LABEL LAUNCH, RADIOACTIVE DEBUT ARTIST 3for3 AND ITS FIRST SINGLE “HALFWAY” CLAIMING MOST ADDED HONORS AT RADIO AS TRACK HITS ITUNES TODAY, JUNE 9th

MAXX RECORDINGS’ HAS ITS OWN TRIPLE CROWN WITH LABEL LAUNCH, RADIOACTIVE DEBUT ARTIST 3for3 AND ITS FIRST SINGLE “HALFWAY” CLAIMING MOST ADDED HONORS AT RADIO AS TRACK HITS ITUNES TODAY, JUNE 9th

3for3 Gears Up For National Tour This Summer

Group took part in the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America during the Charlotte handoff with a performance of “Halfway” from their upcoming July 24th EP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 9, 2015) – 3for3, the new buzz band composed of Spencer Lloyd, Josh Davis and Benji Shuler celebrate their debut single “Halfway” as the most added single onBillboard Magazine’s Christian HOT AC/CHR singles chart. The trio is the debut act from the newly minted MAXX Recordings and is produced by award-winning producer Bernie Herms. The vibrant trio made their first official appearance last week at the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America Event in Charlotte, North Carolina where they introduced “Halfway.” Purchase their new single: HERE.

“I hope you’ve fastened your seatbelts,” says the elated president of Maxx Recordings Mitchell Solarek. “Kudos to a great team with a strong independent heart. It is humbling and energizing to see ‘most added’ beside our debut act 3for3. These three guys have worked really hard to bring a strong message in their music and we couldn’t be more proud than to launch our label with this news and this group,” he added.

3for3 has been traveling the US over the past month introducing their new music and themselves to the industry and fans to a great response. During the introductory tour, the guys were also invited to participate in the Charlotte leg of the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America and walked away knowing how special it is for their music to resonate as soundly as it is, evidenced by the response they received at the relay.

“What an honor to be able to debut our music amongst some of the most inspiring people,” says Spencer Lloyd of 3for3. “To be a part of an event that is designed to mobilize a nation for inclusion and respect echoes our mission with our music,” continued Josh Davis of 3for3.

“Halfway,” co-written by the group’s Benji Shuler, along with Sam Mizell and Emily Weisband, is a song about God’s unconditional love and that it is never halfway. “We are loved by him all the way,” says Shuler. “We produced this song pumped with energy, as we feel it should be given the message of being loved so strongly,” he continued.

3for3 is planning a busy summer with the release of “Halfway” today, an EP on July 24th and a major tour announcement soon. Their vast array of influences and talent, coupled with a message of Hope, will appeal to a diverse audience as the trio heads out to share their story and make an impact on today’s generation.

RED and New Day distribute Maxx Recordings. CAA books the group and Wortman Works Media & Marketing handles publicity. An all-star team made up of Chris Hauser, Matt Ingle, Katie Green Donna Del Sesto and Jen Mouttet handles promotion.

About 3for3: 3for3 derives from the bible scripture Psalm 34:3, which reads in The Message Bible version, “Join me in spreading the news together, and let’s get the word out.” Hailing from Tennessee and Arkansas, Benji, Josh and Spencer formed the group under the leadership of Mitchell Solarek. Collectively, the group has a strong lineage of success in the music industry. Armed with great storytelling, the trio pulls from their influences like TobyMac, Lecrae, Aretha Franklin, John Mayer and others as they set their career into motion and join their peers in spreading a message of Hope through music. Groomed and mentored by award-winning producer, songwriter and composer, Bernie Herms, the trio is poised to make a mark with their groundbreaking body of music.

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Connect with 3for3: Website: www.3for3music.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/3for3 Twitter: https://twitter.com/3for3 Instagram: https://instagram.com/3for3/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC35-7DxjNjlKiRjImhtlrQA

For interviews or other information, please contact: Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615.260.9985 jwortman@wortmanworks.com

CAMP SUP SET TO GO OFF IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA SUP MAGAZINE SIGNS TWO FLORIDIANS TO CLINIC TEAM CAMP-SUP.COM

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (June 1, 2015) — Camp SUP, presented by Salt Life June 27 in St. Augustine, Florida is going to be one for the books, with instructional clinics, an open fun paddle race, live music, free demos and more. It's a fantastic way for the family to try paddling for the first time, the expert to try a new board before purchasing or the intermediate to improve paddling skills. SUP magazine is proud to announce that Yoga Instructor Jessica Amendola will head the SUP Yoga Clinics (sponsored by Boga SUP) while ACA-certified instructor Matt Hite will lead the stroke clinic, highlighting the incredible paddling talent Florida boasts.

Matt Hite Daytona Beach local Matt Hite is a life-long waterman from a family of lifeguards and surfers. He's taught surfing in Florida and California and leads a growing club of more than 100 paddlers in the Jacksonville area. A BIC-sponsored paddler, Hite travels throughout the country certifying other instructors as well. The dude lives to share his love of the water-a perfect fit for Camp SUP's lineup. Follow Matt on Facebook.

Jessica Amendola SUP magazine is excited to have St. Augustine-local Jess Amendola heading up Camp SUP's SUP Yoga clinic. Jess was trained at Discovery Yoga in St. Augustine so she knows the local community well. Her classes emphasize alignment and blend challenging movements with self-awareness. The Boga-sponsored athlete grew up on the water and travels frequently to teach, both on the board and on the mat. Follow Jess on instagram @jessamendola.

Open Fun Paddle Race and Something for Everyone Camp SUP, June 27 has something for everyone. If you're ready to try your first race or just want to get out for a fun paddle, you can paddle any size, shape, craft you want. Every entry includes a goodie bag from Salt Life and a digital subscription to SUP magazine. Sign up for our Open Fun Paddle Race here: https://paddleguru.com/races/2015CampSUPEastCoastOpenFunPaddle.

SUP magazine would like to thank Salt Life for helping bring Camp SUP to St. Augustine, as well as Camp SUP's retail partner, Ocean Extreme Sports.

For more information, visit supthemag.com/camp-sup/east and start the conversation with #CAMPSUP

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About Salt Life Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the "Salt Life". Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says: "I live the Salt Life." Learn more at saltlife.com

About SUP Magazine: SUP magazine is part of The Enthusiast Network (TEN) and is the leading publication in the standup paddling world. With a progressive, approachable style, SUP strives to push readers off the couch and onto the water. By blending engaging print and destination features, gear coverage and in-depth instructional pieces with in-house video and event write-ups on SUPthemag.com, SUP magazine is changing the way you look at the sport, all while getting you into the game. For more information, please visit supthemag.com.

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network TEN: The Enthusiast Network LLC is the world's premier network of enthusiast brands, such as Motor Trend, Automobile, SUP magazine, SURFER, Transworld and GrindTV. With more than 60 publications, 100 Web sites, the world's largest automotive VOD channel, 800 branded products, 50+ events, TV and radio programs, TEN creates and delivers content that informs, entertains, inspires and connects with enthusiasts every day. For more information visit www.enthusiastnetwork.com.

Media Contact: Dawn Hamilton KHPR for TEN: Action/Outdoor dhamilton@khpublicrelations.com

SteelDrivers Album Release Event at Muscle Shoals' 116 Mobile, June 17th

The SteelDrivers’ innovative, soulful brand of bluegrass has made them one of the most successful bands on the contemporary bluegrass scene. The band, which has earned three Grammy nominations and garnered tremendous critical acclaim, has announced their fourth album for Rounder, The Muscle Shoals Recordings, which will be released on June 16, 2015. In celebration of the release, the band has a special event planned at 116 E. Mobile Street, in Florence, AL, on June 17th at 8pm. Tickets available here. The evening will feature a full concert performance from The SteelDrivers themselves in the intimate 150 capacity venue, co-run by Single Lock Records (owners Will Trapp, Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes), John Paul White (Civil Wars)). There will also be a meet and greet with the band from 6-7pm before the show at Billy Reid with food available to the public from local southern inspired restaurant Odette's.

The SteelDrivers will also be performing on Muscle Shoals to Music Row Live, June 18th. Tickets for the 2 hour live radio broadcast/webcast are available on the website. It can also be streamed worldwide on www.kix96country.com.

The album is largely inspired by Muscle Shoals, an area of confluence and consequence, of intermingling, experimentation, and exultation, and a legendary music mecca. It’s also the hometown of the SteelDrivers’ lead vocalist and guitarist Gary Nichols, whose bandmates – fiddler and vocalist Tammy Rogers, banjoist Richard Bailey, mandolinist Brent Truitt, and bassist and singer Mike Fleming – made the two-and-a-half hour trek from Nashville to Sheffield, Alabama, to the NuttHouse Recording Studio to record eleven new original tunes, mostly written by Rogers and Nichols.

There, they conjured a singularly compelling sound, drenched in soul, blues, bluegrass, R&B, country, and rock’n’roll. Jason Isbell – Nichols’ friend and musical compatriot since childhood, and himself an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and guitarist – co-produced two of the album’s 11 tracks and contributed slide guitar to two (the aforementioned “Brother John, ” and “Ashes of Yesterday”).

Gary Nichols has emerged as a vocalist of distinction, as a monster acoustic guitarist, and as a songwriting force who wrote or co-wrote five of Shoals Recordings’ 11 songs, including the plaintive “Here She Goes,” and the dark ballad “Brother John.” Tammy Rogers stepped up her songwriting as well, and she has credits on all but one of the album’s remaining songs, including the stirring waltz “Ashes of Yesterday,” and the somber, reflective album closer, “River Runs Red,” a meditation on the Civil War. Richard Bailey composed the lone instrumental, the joyous, rousing “California Chainsaw.” The one outlier on The Muscle Shoals Recordings is “Drinkin’ Alone,” a romp penned by Jay Knowles and former SteelDriver Chris Stapleton.

Rolling Stone Country recently premiered “Brother John,” which features slide guitar by Jason Isbell, who also co-produced the track. Listen to it here: http://rol.st/1bp4HxN

The SteelDrivers have inspired accolades from critics like NPR’s Ann Powers, who praised their “dazzling bluegrass musicianship,” and PopMatters’ Arnold Pan, who extolled the band’s “virtuosic ‘bluesgrass’ songs that take classic Americana instrumentation and give it an intense, soulful inflection.”

One thing is for sure: Nichols and the SteelDrivers speak in their own accent, one that charms and sears and beguiles. This is a band like no other, by inclination, but not by calculation.

JAKE SHIMABUKURO TO PERFORM WORLD PREMIERE WITH HAWAI‘I SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra (HSO) will close its 2014-2015 Halekulani Masterworks season in June with a world premiere performance featuring ‘ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro.The concert, entitled “Season Finale with JoAnn & Jake,” will take place Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 at 4 p.m. HSO Artistic Advisor JoAnn Falletta will return to lead the orchestra in this exciting program, which begins with the three-part Concerto for ‘Ukulele and Orchestra, Campanella – a world premiere composed by Dr. Byron Yasui. The piece was commissioned by the HSO with support from the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA). Dr. Yasui, professor emeritus at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, wrote the concerto specifically with his former student Shimabukuro in mind, giving it the nickname “Concerto for Jake.”

Shimabukuro is already scheduled to perform the concerto this fall with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic.

The second half of the program will feature Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.1, Titan. Composed in 1888, the four-movement piece was inspired by Jean-Paul Richter's novel Titan, a personal favorite of Mahler's. However, in 1896, he told a friend that his First Symphony had been inspired by "a passionate love." Mahler wrote the piece for a large orchestra of nearly 100 members, including seven French horns, four trumpets and eight timpani.

Both programs will be performed at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall. Ticket-holders are invited to attend Concert Conversations with the guest artists beginning one hour before the performance in the concert hall. Concert Conversations include a question and answer style interview with HSO concertmaster Iggy Jang, followed by questions from the audience.

Tickets start at $32 and are available at hisymphony.org and ticketmaster.com or by calling 94MUSIC. A special $125 VIP package is available for Saturday night only through the HSO website and box office, which includes a pre-concert party at the Honolulu Club, premium seating and free parking. With a valid ID, $13 student tickets and $20 military tickets are available beginning Monday, June 1. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the HSO Box Office, 3610 Waialae Avenue, or the Blaisdell Box Office, 777 Ward Avenue.

Season Finale with JoAnn & Jake is sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, with guest artist sponsor the John Young Foundation.

About the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2011 and made its debut in 2012. The new HSO carries on the legacy of the Honolulu Symphony, which was founded in 1900 and performed for more than a century. The orchestra employs 84 professional musicians and presents classical masterworks, pops, educational and community programs. The mission of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is to present the highest-quality performances of great music, bringing national and international distinction to the orchestra and its community; to delight and educate audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and enhance the cultural vitality and quality of life in these Islands; and to operate in a financially sound manner.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.HawaiiSymphonyOrchestra.org. Facebook: www.facebook.com/HawaiiSymphony

MAXX RECORDINGS LAUNCHES WITH NEW BUZZ BAND 3FOR3

MAXX RECORDINGS LAUNCHES WITH NEW BUZZ BAND 3FOR3

FULL SERVICE LABEL FOUNDED AND LED BY MUSIC INDUSTRY VETERAN MITCHELL SOLAREK

MAXX RECORDINGS SET TO RELEASE MULTI-GENRE RECORDINGS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SONY RED DISTRIBUTION AND NEW DAY CHRISTIAN

MAXX PUBLISHING CONTINUES GROWTH WITH CHART-TOPPING SONGS AND NEW SIGNINGS

NASHVILLE, TENN. (MAY 14, 2015) -- Maxx Recordings, a full service label founded and led by Maximum Artist Group’s Mitchell Solarek, introduced it’s first signing, buzz band 3for3, at a star-studded launch party in Nashville tonight. The group is set to launch a single next month, as well as a tour this fall. Additionally, Solarek announced that the full-service entertainment group is partnering with Sony RED and New Day Christian for distribution of the multi-genre enterprise and has also signed Kolby Koloff and Riley Clemmons. Maximum Artist Group is home to award-winning artists such as Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, Danny Gokey and award-winning producer Bernie Herms.

3for3, Mitchell Solarek, Ed Leonard, Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms, Riley Clemmons and Kolby Koloff Photo Credit: Aaron Crisler

Maxx Recordings President Mitchell Solarek says, “Through it's initial signings, Maxx Recordings is committed to impacting fans of Top 40 songs by supporting and working along side artists who’s music and lyrics are positive and relevant in today’s music culture. Maximum Artist Group has always been committed to developing and introducing emerging talent into the market and Maxx Recordings is an extension of that commitment. We are proud to welcome 3for3, Kolby and Riley to our Maxx family."

"I am very excited and pleased to begin this arrangement with New Day including Mitchell and Maxx Recordings," said Sony RED President Bob Morelli. "Mitchell's overall contributions including A&R and Management have been outstanding in the genre, and will continue with his first RED distributed releases coming this spring. RED's Sales and Marketing contribution, along with a history of success in Contemporary Christian, will assist Maxx in attaining maximum results."

Ed Leonard of New Day Christian Distributors echoed these remarks saying, "Every once in a while, a new label explodes onto the scene and changes everything. Maxx Records is poised to join the ranks of these culture-changing labels. Mitchell Solarek has done a phenomenal job putting together the talent and focusing production on a hot, new sound. I can't wait to see the Maxx impact that results."

3for3 is a pop trio consisting of Josh Davis, an all-star football player, Spencer Lloyd, an American Idol alum and Benji Shuler, the son of iconic CCM artist Kim Hill. Producer Bernie Herms (Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey) is at the helm of 3for3’s debut music. Their single “Halfway” hits radio June 5th, and their EP will be available June 30th. Plans for a full project launch are slated for January 2016.

Kolby Koloff is a reality TV star that has appeared on two seasons of the popular LIFETIME network series, “Preacher’s Daughters.” She is currently in the studio with Grammy Award-winning producer Drew Ramsey. Rounding out the initial artist signings is Nashville-native and Brentwood High School freshman, Riley Clemmons. Both artists are working on their debut projects.

Maxx Recordings is the trifecta for Solarek who moved to Nashville in 2000 in hopes to tap his successful modeling agency into the music world. It wasn’t long until he discovered CCM megastar Natalie Grant in a Washington state church and signed her to management. Solarek continued his streak by creating and managing Christian hit group, Plus One, one of the most successful debut artist launches in CCM music history. Aside from the lucrative management company, Solarek has executive produced Mary Mary, a reality series on WE tv that recently wrapped its 4th season with record high ratings, and is seeing the fruits of Maxx Publishing. This year celebrates 7 years of success for the company that has been a part of several No. 1 records and top performing songs, such as Tenth Avenue North’s “By Your Side,” Jake Owen’s “Alone With You,” and Tyler Farr’s “Whiskey In The Water.”

Maxx Recordings is located at 4219 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, Tenn. 37215. Phone is 615.322.9555.

Management team and additional partners will be announced shortly.

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SOCIALS:

www.maxxrecordings.com www.twitter.com/MaxxRecordings / @MaxxRecordings http://www.facebook.com/MaxxRecordingsLabel http://www.instagram.com/maxxrecordings

For further information/ media contact:

Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615.260.9985 or jwortman@wortmanworks.com

Blackjack Billy - Why God Made Summertime - Single

Do you have the new single by "Blackjack Billy?"  Get the hottest single to hit for the summer - "Why God Made Summertime" now available on iTunes!

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THE GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST, SCOTT HAMILTON, AS THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR GMA HONORS ON MAY 5TH

 A STAR-STUDDED LINE UP SET TO APPEAR INCLUDES: AMY GRANT, BILL HEARN, BILL GAITHER, BRANDON HEATH, BISHOP JOSEPH WALKER III, CHRIS AUGUST, DR. A.R. BERNARD, MELINDA DOOLITTLE, POINT OF GRACE, THE MARTINS AND STEVE GREEN

JUCE TV will air GMA Honors, Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (April 27, 2015) – The GMA (Gospel Music Association) announces a star-studded line up of presenters and performers for the second annual GMA Honors and Hall of Fame including the master of ceremonies, Olympic gold medalist, Scott Hamilton.

The presenters set for the evening are six-time Grammy Award winner and Dove Award winner, Amy Grant, Founder and Senior Pastor of Christian Cultural Center, Dr. A.R. Bernard, six-time Grammy and multiple Dove Award winning Southern Gospel singer, Bill Gaither, five-time Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning Christian Artist, Brandon Heath, Pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Bishop Joseph Walker III, four-time Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning Christian singer, Steve Green and President and CEO of Capitol Christian Music Group, Bill Hearn. The performers set for the evening will include Dove Award winner, Chris August, sixth season of American Idol finalist, Melinda Doolittle, Tauren Wells of Christian hit-group, Royal Tailor, multi-Dove Award winning group, Point of Grace, renowned church choir directors, Joy and Landy Gardner and the Grace Church choir and Christian music vocal trio, The Martins.

The GMA Honors will take place on Tuesday, May 5th at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena and will celebrate gospel music trailblazers being inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame and gives honor to individuals and organizations that are impacting our culture both past and present. The GMA Honors will air on JUCE TV on Friday, June 5th at 7pm PST / 10pm EST and Saturday, June 6th at 12pm PST / 3pm EST.

The evening will recognize recently announced inductees BeBe and CeCe Winans, Mark Lowry, Roland Lundy and Twila Paris, as well as honorees including Bishop Paul S. Morton, Founding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, The Bridge Ministry founded by Candy Christmas, Passion founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio and Porter’s Call founded by Al Andrews.

To view full biographical information and photos of this year’s inductees and honorees, please visit: www.gmahalloffame.org

Tables and individual tickets are available for purchase, which include dinner and admission to the honors ceremony. Sponsorships are also available for the event. The event will commence at 6:00PM on Tuesday, May 5th. Please visit www.gmahonors.org to purchase tickets and for more details.

About GMA: Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community consists of members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Honors and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.242.0303.

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GMA Social Media Platforms: Website – www.gospelmusic.org Facebook - www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation Twitter – www.twitter.com/gospelmusicassocmaofficial / #gmahonors

MEDIA CONTACT:

GMA HONORS AND HALL OF FAME: Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615.989.1519 or 615.260.9985 jwortman@wortmanworks.com

Lacey Klotz Wortman Works Media & Marketing 253.709.6034 lprintz@wortmanworks.com

World Champions Headed to Wrightsville Beach for SUP Surf PRO AM Stand Up Paddle Surf Contest Scheduled for April 18 at Crystal Pier

 

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, April 14, 2015 –Hit the beach—Wrightsville Beach—to watch some of the top SUP surfers in the world compete in the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro Am presented by Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards and Salt Life. The main competition is planned for Saturday, April 18 with a SUP Surf clinic by 3 time world longboard champion and Hobie SUP team rider Colin McPhillips on Sunday, April 19. This contest, with divisions for men and women, amateur and professional surfers will be held at the Oceanic Pier at the south end of Wrightsville Beach. Medley Capital has come on board as the gold sponsor guaranteeing the $6,000 prize purse for which surfers will compete.

World-Class Competitors The lineup on Saturday will include Izzi Gomez, 14 of Jupiter, Florida and team rider for Starboard International. She’s the reigning Standup World Tour Women’s Champion, shredding right past competitors twice her age. She started catching baby waves when she was just four years old, so even though she can’t drive yet she has a decade of experience.
Kieran and Fisher Grant, brothers, are two young phenoms from the East Coast, traveling up from Florida to take a crack at the $6,000 purse. They are also Florida natives, starting on traditional surfboards before making their way to SUP. Kieran participated in the Standup World Tour in 2014 and was the top ranked East Coast surfer at the Sunset Beach Pro last year.
These are just a few of the big names spectators will see on the beach Saturday.
Carolina Surfers Vie for New Award In addition to competing in the regular pro division, North Carolina and South Carolina locals will also be vying for the coveted Carolina BAMF Award (take your guesses at the acronym), open to Carolinian locals (SC, NC) entering the pro division against the world’s best surfers. The winner of this award gets their entry fee back, in effect getting to surf against the pros for free to see how they stack up.
Learn to SUP Surf Paddlers who have been SUP surfing without any formal instruction will get the chance to improve their skills during the Sunday SUP Surf clinic with 3x World Longboard Champion and Hobie team rider Colin McPhillips. This is a three hour beginner-intermediate SUP Surf Clinic focused on nose-riding, turning, cross-stepping, and paddle use skills. Participants should have some experience in the surf, including paddling out, keeping control of their board, and catching waves. The session is LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS and will cost $150.
Contest Divisions & Prizes
There are divisions for every SUP surfer, including a longboard-style division to showcase traditional longboard-style surfing on a stand up paddleboard.
Professional (Pro) Divisions. Open Age Group. (This is the division with Cash Prizes.)
*Men's *Women's *Amateur (Am) Divisions. *(*Groms and grom-ettes surf for free) *Men's (ages 15-49) *Men's over 50 *Women's (ages 15-49) *Women's over 50 *Groms (boys 14 and under) *Grom-ettes (girls 14 and under) *SUP Longboard Style Men's** *SUP Longboard Style Women's**
** The " SUP Longboard Style" division is for boards 9 feet and over. This division will be judged on style, including trim and nose riding. If there are fewer than 8 entries in either of the "SUP Longboard Style" men's and women's categories, the field will be combined for a mixed gender "SUP Longboard Style" division.
The prize schedule for the contest is set up to award equal payouts to the Men’s and Women’s divisions ($3,000 for each division). For details www.wbsupsurfproam.com.
In addition to the prizes as scheduled, The Newkirk Waterman Award in honor of Haywood Newkirk, Sr. is given each year to the participant that has the highest combined finish in the Pro and Longboard Divisions of the Wrightsville Beach Pro-Am. The payout for the award is $500 and male and female participants are both eligible. Professional Longboarder and Carolina Beach Native, Tony Sylvagni won the inaugural Newkirk Waterman Award in 2014.
Venue Although there are five miles of uninterrupted beach breaks in Wrightsville Beach, the site of the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf PRO AM is historically one of the most frequented due to consistent surf. The setup of the surf contest site at the Oceanic pier, combined with the layout of outdoor seating at the Oceanic restaurant provides a stadium-like atmosphere for attendees to grab brunch, lunch, or a beverage while watching the contest unfold below. Paid public parking is available near the contest venue.
Proceeds to Benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum The Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf PRO AM kicks off the 2015 Waterman’s Ocean Festival organized by the Wrightsville Beach Museum, located in the historic Myers Cottage on Harbor Island. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum, which preserves and interprets the history of the island of Wrightsville Beach, including the long tradition of surfing along the beach strand.
Learn more and register at www.wbsupsurfproam.com.
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Event Sponsors
Learn more about Hobie: www.hobie.com/stand-up-paddleboards Learn more about Salt Life: www.saltlife.com
About Carolina PaddleBoard Co.
Carolina PaddleBoard Co. is the only board shop fully focused on stand up and traditional paddle boarding in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Owned by Jason Colclough, a long time surfer who started stand up paddling in 2005, the shop opened in 2010 along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, offering a “Drive in; paddle out” experience. The shop specializes in outfitting paddlers from beginner to pro with the boards, paddles, and accessories they need to have fun and be safe while paddling. Its busy event calendar is filled with clinics and workshops taught by certified stand up paddle instructors and visiting professionals from around the world.
Carolina PaddleBoard Co. produces its own semi-regular tv show: Carolina Paddlin’, available to watch on YouTube.
Visit the website for online shopping and more information.
More at carolinapaddle.com
About the Wrightsville Beach Museum
The mission of Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Wrightsville Beach. Individuals’ donations of their photograph collections have created at the museum an important repository for the history of this beach. The largest and most vulnerable of the museum’s collection are these photographs. Learn more at www.wbmuseum.com

SALT LIFE SPONSORS THE SIXTH ANNUAL MONGOOSE CUP BENEFITTING THE SPORT OF KINGS FOUNDATION - SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

SALT LIFE SPONSORS THE SIXTH ANNUAL MONGOOSE CUPBENEFITING THE SPORT OF KINGS FOUNDATION - SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 10, 2015) – Salt Life, one of today’s leading lifestyle brands is sponsoring The Sixth Annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup benefiting the Sport of Kings Foundation on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The Mongoose Cup will be held at Dana Cove Park (Baby Beach) in the Dana Point Harbor. The Mongoose Cup activities include Sport of Kings Races, The Dana Point Harbor One Mile Time Trail (SUP & Pone), "Luck of the Draw Relays", Prone Paddleboard Sprints, Waterman Expo, SUP Yoga and a delicious BBQ too. For more information please visit: https://mongoosecup.gemininext.com/.

Salt Life President, Jeff Stillwell, emphasized his enthusiasm for being a part of The Sixth Annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup and how as a brand, Salt Life also looks for opportunities to help to give back. “The heartbeat of our brand Salt Life is to share our love of ‘The Salt Life’ with ocean enthusiast’s worldwide and we are so excited to be a part of a competition where we can do that and help to benefit an amazing cause like the Sport of Kings Foundation. We are very fortunate to be a part of this day.”

Salt Life Team Manager, Larry Laska, echoed Stillwell’s sentiment and also shared his excitement for the events of the day saying, “This competition is a great place for upcoming athletes in the SUP sport to showcase their skills individually, as well as in thrilling relays. We are looking forward to an amazing day, filled with paddling fun!”

This year's event is dedicated to the Sport of Kings Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization set up to provide financial assistance to those in need from the surfing community- the shapers and glassers. The Sport of Kings Foundation is funded by the generosity of the surfers and the surf industry, inspired by Terry Martin who’s influence, passion, honesty and faith drove the spirit of the foundation to give back to the surfing community. To date the foundation has donated over $200,000 to those in need in the California based surf industry.

New this year will be electronic chip timing for accuracy, as well as the addition of The Dana Point Harbor One Mile Time Trail, open to SUP and prone paddle boarders. There will also be a return to the very popular "Sport of Kings SUP Races" and "Luck of the Draw" Relays. These exciting relays test both the agility and paddling skills of competitors on a very short and close to shore course. These competitions are very thrilling to racers and spectators alike.

Mongoose Cup Schedule: 7:30am: Event Registration opens 9:00am: Paddle Parade with Mickey Munoz 9:30am: One Mile Time Trail 10:00am: Clinics Open-Adaptive Paddling, SUP Yoga, Racing & paddling Skills 11:00am: Kids & Juniors SUP Races 12:15pm: Paddleboard Sprints 1:00pm: Sport of Kings Races 2:30pm: Luck of the Draw Relays 3:30pm: Awards

www.saltlife.com / @saltlife/ fb: www.facebook.com/saltlife

# # #

About Salt Life: Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the "Salt Life". Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide.

From the first Salt Life merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown into an entire lifestyle collection centered on water sports and paying tribute to a cult brand following. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. At Salt Life, we are passionate about the ocean, just like you. We are fishermen, captains, dive masters, free divers, surfers, and spear fishermen with salt in our veins. We know what it's all about and it's what we love to do. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, Salt Life says, “I live the Salt Life.”

About The Sport of Kings Foundation: In April of 2012 a group of surfers, surfboard builders and surf industry folks witnessed Terry Martin, one of our own, as he struggled with the ravages of a catastrophic illness, Melanoma. Although, we wanted to provide monetary support to help Terry and his family with his medical bills and life needs in a charitable and dignified way, we were unable to find any avenue; be it his church, an existing non-profit or any other organization, that could allow restricted donations to directly provide assistance to Terry or his family during this difficult time.

It was through Terry’s illness and resulting death that the Sport of Kings Foundation was formed and today serves as his legacy. The Sport of Kings Foundation is an additional avenue of support to others in the surfboard building industry within California that may find themselves in similar devastating situations. Terry Martin’s family was the first grant recipient from our newly formed, Sport of Kings Foundation, and all future non-repayable financial aid grants will be gifted from “The Terry Martin Grant Fund” to remind us and others of Terry’s indomitable spirit and legacy.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing jwortman@wortmanworks.com 615.260.9985

Lacey Printz Wortman Works Media & Marketing lprintz@wortmanworks.com 253.709.6034

SALT LIFE TEAMS UP WITH HOBIE AS CO-SPONSORS TO PRESENT THE WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SUP SURF PRO AM STAND UP PADDLE SURF CONTEST ON APRIL 18-19, 2015

SALT LIFE TEAMS UP WITH HOBIE AS CO-SPONSORS TO PRESENT THE WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH SUP SURF PRO AM STAND UP PADDLE SURF CONTEST ON APRIL 18-19, 2015

The contest will be held at Crystal Pier at the Oceanic with a $6,000 purse for participants

Nashville, Tenn. (April 8, 2015) – Salt Life, one of today’s leading lifestyle brands joins renowned surf company, Hobie, to present the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro AM stand up paddle surf competition on Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, 2015. The contest will be held at the Oceanic Pier at the south end of Wrightsville Beach and has divisions for men and women, both amatuer and professional. Between 100-150 competitors from across the globe are expected to compete in the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro AM stand up paddle board contest and the prize schedule for the contest is set up to award equal payouts to the Men’s and Women’s divisions ($3,000 for each division). For more information please visit: www.wbsupsurfproam.com.

Salt Life’s President, Jeff Stillwell, expressed his enthusiasm for co-sponsoring the Wrightsville Beach SUP Surf Pro Am saying, “It is truly an honor to partner with a legendary surf company like Hobie and we are looking forward to a weekend full of competitive surfers from around the world doing what they do best.”

Professional SUP Surfer and participant on the Stand Up World Tour, Gerard Middleton, will bring his team of stand up surf professional judges up from Cocoa Beach, Florida for the weekend. In addition to the prizes as scheduled, The Newkirk Waterman Award in honor of Haywood Newkirk, Sr. is given each year to the participant that has the highest combined finish in the Pro and Longboard Divisions of the Wrightsville Beach Pro-Am. The payout for the award is $500 and male and female participants are both eligible. Professional Longboarder and Carolina Beach Native, Tony Sylvagni won the inaugural Newkirk Waterman Award in 2014.

Salt Life team ambassador and 3x World Longboard Champion, Colin McPhillips, will also be giving a beginner-intermediate SUP Surf Clinic at the surf competition. Colin will be assisted by his two sons, Dax and Kai McPhillips who also recently joined Salt Life’s team ambassador roster and the three will help participants hone their skills in nose-riding and cross-stepping during this three-hour session.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum, which preserves and interprets the history of the island of Wrightsville Beach, including the long tradition of surfing along the beach strand.

www.saltlife.com / @saltlife/ fb: www.facebook.com/saltlife # # #

About Salt Life: Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the "Salt Life". Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From the first Salt Life merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown into an entire lifestyle collection centered on water sports and paying tribute to a cult brand following. Numerous professional athletes and sportsmen have an alliance with the brand in cross-marketing partnerships. At Salt Life, we are passionate about the ocean, just like you. We are fishermen, captains, dive masters, free divers, surfers, and spear fishermen with salt in our veins. We know what it's all about and it's what we love to do. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, Salt Life says, “I live the Salt Life.”

About Hobie: Hobie Alter’s dream was born in his parents’ garage in 1950, when he decided to apply his love of woodworking to the sport of surfing. For over 60 years, plenty of other innovations emerged from Hobie’s imagination. It seems incredible that one man’s vision could provide so much fun the world over, but in that department, Hobie stands alone. He didn’t just create toys; he created a way of life. The dream born on the beach in 1950 has become reality not just for Hobie, but for generations of dreamers, all of whom continue to spell fun in the sun, the surf and the sand with a flying capital H.

About the Wrightsville Beach Museum: The mission of Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of Wrightsville Beach. Individuals’ donations of their photograph collections have created at the museum an important repository for the history of this beach. The largest and most vulnerable of the museum’s collection are these photographs. Learn more at www.wbmuseum.com

MEDIA CONTACTS: Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing jwortman@wortmanworks.com 615.260.9985

Lacey Printz Wortman Works Media & Marketing lprintz@wortmanworks.com 253.709.6034

OVATION IN FRANKLIN, TN SIGNS PINSTRIPES BOWLING, BOCCE, BISTRO

OVATION IN FRANKLIN, TN SIGNS PINSTRIPES BOWLING, BOCCE, BISTROPremier Venue to Headline Entertainment at High-End Development

Franklin, Tennessee (April 8, 2015) – Ovation, the expansive 147-acre mixed-use center located at the Carothers and McEwen Intersection, has recently signed with Pinstripes, Inc. to incorporate entertainment into the Ovation development in fast-growing Franklin, Tennessee. Upscale retail stores, fine dining, entertainment, hotels, commercial office space, and residential offerings will anchor Ovation. The announcement was made by SouthStar, LLC and Thomas Land & Development who will work together to develop the retail, hotel, and residential aspects of Ovation, while Highwoods Properties (NYSE:HIW) is developing Ovation’s 1.4 million square feet of commercial office space. The project broke ground earlier this year. For more information please visit: www.ovationcoolsprings.com.

“Pinstripes, Inc. represents an important milestone in our plans for Ovation -- one of the region’s foremost developments, sitting in one of the nation’s most in-demand locations,” said Stan Thomas, president and CEO of Thomas Land & Development. “We are creating an exceptional destination center for people to live, work, shop and play in this growing community. Pinstripes brings fresh, luxury entertainment and dining concepts, with something that appeals to everyone, whether for a family, date night or social gathering.”

Pinstripes will occupy 30,000 square feet of first and second floor indoor/outdoor space, and will bring a fresh new dining and entertainment venue to Franklin and the surrounding communities. The venue will feature exceptional Italian and American cuisine and wine cellar, 16 bowling lanes, 10 indoor and outdoor bocce courts, outdoor patios and fire pits, and event space accommodating groups ranging from 20 to 600 people. Guests can curl up with a blanket and cocktail in front of the outdoor fireplace or gather with friends for an evening of bowling/bocce and dinner. This will be the first location for Pinstripes in Tennessee, with other current locations in Northbrook, South Barrington and Oak Brook, Ill., Edina, Minn., Georgetown, D.C. and Overland Park, Kan.

“Ovation is a first-class and innovative development, and we are excited to work with Thomas Land & Development and SouthStar to design and construct our unique and sophisticated entertainment and dining venue”, stated Dale Schwartz, Pinstripes founder and CEO. "This multi-use development combines shopping, dining, hotels, office and entertainment uses that position it as a community gathering spot for surrounding communities, and our 'strikingly good food and fun,' adds another one-of-a-kind activity to the mix."

# # #

About Ovation: An expansive 147-acre mixed-use development, Ovation will bring the big-city lifestyle to Franklin, Tennessee -- one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. Set to open in Fall 2017, Ovation will feature approximately 600,000 square feet of specialty retail, plus premier entertainment venues including Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce, Bistro. Ovation will also feature luxury hotels, up to 1.4 million square feet of commercial office space, and stylish luxury apartments and condominiums. Developers SouthStar and Thomas Land & Development, LLC, along with commercial office partner Highwoods Properties, consider it irreplaceable real estate.

For retail leasing information, please contact Ryan Roberts or BJ Yuill at 678-423-5445. For Ovation updates and information, visit www.ovationcoolsprings.com.

About Pinstripes: Pinstripes, Inc. (www.pinstripes.com) is a distinctive dining and entertainment concept featuring exceptional Italian/American cuisine and wine, bowling and bocce, a year-round outdoor patio and fire pit, and private event space accommodating 20-600 people. Based in Chicago, IL, the Company currently has six locations in Northbrook, South Barrington and Oak Brook, Illinois; Edina, Minnesota; Georgetown, D.C.; and Overland Park, Kansas.

About Thomas Land & Development: Thomas Land & Development, LLC is a visionary commercial real estate development company that specializes in creating dynamic places where commerce, life and leisure intersect. Capabilities encompass master-planned communities and mixed-used projects, as well as retail, hotel, residential and office developments. The company is involved in multiple projects across the nation, creating environments that appeal to consumers, communities and municipalities, and position properties for long-term success. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Newnan, Ga., just south of Atlanta, privately held Thomas Land & Development has developed more than 20 million square feet of retail property valued at $2 billion, plus controls over 22,000 acres of prime, developable land throughout the United States.

About SouthStar, LLC: SouthStar, LLC is a commercial real estate and development firm located in Franklin, TN. SouthStar has the unique ability to identify, acquire, plan and develop income-producing properties. SouthStar has projects across various platforms including retail, mixed-use, medical office buildings and master planned residential communities. Having the ability to transform a vision into reality, and effectively position projects in markets throughout the Southeast, SouthStar has gained recognition and respect across the industry.

About Highwoods Properties: Highwoods Properties, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a publicly traded (NYSE:HIW) real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The Company is a fully-integrated office REIT that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Kansas City, Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Raleigh, Richmond, Tampa and the Triad. For more information about Highwoods Properties, please visit our website at www.highwoods.com. For interviews or further information please contact:

Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615.260.9985 / jwortman@wortmanworks.com

SUNDY BEST HIT IT RICH! SLOTS GAME FEATURING MUSIC FROM THEIR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUMS

Top new duo Sundy Best is launching the SUNDY BEST HIT IT RICH! Slots game in collaboration with Zynga, a leading social game developer. The game features Sundy Best music, concert footage and encouragement from Sundy Best’s Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley. Sundy Best Hit It Rich! Slots is available worldwide on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Google Play and the Amazon App Store for Kindle devices. In addition, players can connect on Facebook to compete and send gifts to their friends and play seamlessly between their phone and tablet. The duo is joining an elite group of musical acts featured in online gaming.

“In today’s marketplace, it is amazing to see how the consumer can discover new music. This game is a very cool way for our music to reach many new potential #kinfolk and we are looking forward to seeing who nails the Sundy Best Hit It Rich! Jackpot,” says Nick and Kris from Sundy Best.

Sundy Best is in the midst of a sold out tour across the US in support of their 3rd release Salvation City that has received widespread praise, including a top album of the year in Rolling Stone. The musically diverse Kentucky-based duo has developed a solid following over the last two years with their unique style of music and high-energy shows.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO GET THE GAME! (Android, iPhone, & Facebook)

https://www.zynga.com/games/free-slots

Have fun #Kinfolk!

ALLISON MOORER RELEASES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM DOWN TO BELIEVING

ALLISON MOORER RELEASES DOWN TO BELIEVING TO ROLLING STONE LIVE STREAMAND RAVE ALBUM REVIEWS 

MOORER TO CO-HOST SIRIUS XM'S OUTLAW COUNTRY WITH

HOST MEREDITH OCHS 

Moorer’s Eighth Studio Album Is About Coming To Terms With Emotional Pain and Heartache

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 17, 2015) – Academy and Grammy award nominated songstress, Allison Moorer, releases her highly anticipated album, Down To Believing today. Produced by friend and producer, Kenny Greenburg, Allison Moorer’s Down To Believing was born in a place of real pain and heartache and captures a powerful story of raw honesty and acceptance, making it some of the bravest and most confessional work of any songwriter on her road to healing. Rolling Stone featured a live stream of the album on Monday, March 16 and Allison Moorer will soon join host Meredith Ochs of SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country. Download Allison Moorer’s Down To Believing HERE.

Down To Believing is Allison Moorer’s eighth studio album since her 1998’s Alabama Song, and she considers this release to be her best yet. With 13 new songs from the country-rocking first single “Like It Used To Be,” to the emotionally-charged songs like “Thunderstorm Hurricane,” “Tear Me Apart,” and “Mama Let The Wolf In,” Moorer’s new album allows listeners to experience the tough reality and heartache of divorce and daily struggles of a son living with autism.

CMT Senior VP of Music Strategy Leslie Fram says, “Raw, genuine and full of passion & grit, Allison Moorer’s ‘Down To Believing’ is the album we’ve been waiting for, a timeless journey into life and loss."

Rolling Stone also calls the body of work “brilliant and extraordinarily candid,” while Huffington Post praised her Americana Fest set as one of this year’s highlights and Country Weekly proclaimed the nuances of her songs hit home.

Country artist Miranda Lambert also took note of Allison’s soulful approach to songwriting saying in a recent interview with AL.com, “I love Allison Moorer. She's kind of the reason I started writing songs. I learned from her music that it's OK for women to write about heartache and problems.”

What They Are Saying:

"Extraordinary." - Stephen L. Betts [Rolling Stone]

“Moorer, a superb singer, has too much edge, drive and energy to wallow and her lyrics pare the throbbing pain down to a minimal plainless: I lost my crystal ball/ Found Me a Wrecking ball.” – [People Magazine]

[Allison Moorer] “continues to keep it honest, as she deals with a great deal of change and upheaval in her personal life.” – Colin Stutz [Billboard]

"It’s a brave album, at times raw with anger." – Neil Spencer [The Guardian]

"Out of the pain and anger, Moorer has fashioned the finest album of her career." – Nigel Williamson [Uncut Magazine]

“This break-up record, recorded after her seven-year marriage to Steve Earle fell apart, is full of raw emotion. There is a neat cover of Creedence’s Have You Ever Seen the Rain but the best songs are her own heartfelt and brooding country ones.” – Martin Chilton [The Telegraph]

“She is a Southern girl with a big heart and an honest streak running throughout her soul. You piss her off and she’s going to tell you. If she loves you, she will tell you that too.” - Troy Michael [Innocent Words]

“There’s no doubt that Allison Moorer poured her heart into this album. As you listen, you feel like you’re right beside her as she sings about the ups and downs of her relationships, marriage, and family. There are heavy influences of love, heartbreak, and emotional healing so props to Allison for being brave enough to talk about the hard stuff.” – Lindsay Thomas [Nashville Country Club]

"Allison Moorer is at her best when she writes from real personal experiences." – [FDRMX]

Allison Moorer will kick off her Down To Believing tour this week with Mary Gauthier. Please see dates below.

Tour Dates with Mary Gauthier:

March 19th - Vienna, VA Jammin Java March 20th - Princeton, NJ Folk Society March 21st - Wilmington, DE World Café Live March 22nd - Cambridge, MA Passims March 24th - Portland, ME One Longfellow Square March 25th - Fairfield, CT FTC Stage One March 26th - Buffalo, NY 189 Public House March 27th - Albany, NY Sawyer Theatre

For more information on Allison Moorer please visit: http://allisonmoorer.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AllisonMoorer https://twitter.com/AllisonMoorer https://www.youtube.com/user/AllisonMoorerTV

ROLLING STONE PREMIERES SUNDY BEST’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO AND PRESENTS SOLD OUT NASHVILLE SHOW

ROLLING STONE PREMIERES SUNDY BEST’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “DO YOU WANNA GO” AS WELL AS PRESENTSA SOLD-OUT NASHVILLE SHOW AT THE EXIT/IN

CMT AND ZUUS COUNTRY TO ALSO PREMIERE VIDEO THIS WEEK

Music Video Promotes Theme That Love Conquers All

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 2, 2015) – Kentucky’s favorite duo, Sundy Best, has a lot to say with the release of their new music video for their hit single, “Do You Wanna Go.” Dressed in white vintage suits, Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley of Sundy Best join an Elvis impersonator at a little wedding chapel to declare that love comes in all forms. Rolling Stone premiered the video that features an array of couples that include same-sex, interracial and a pregnant couple, Thursday morning. “Do You Wanna Go” is the lead-off single from their December 2nd release of their eOne album, Salvation City and the guys are making a statement with this new collection of music. Watch video HERE.

Rolling Stone is also presenting Sundy Best’s sold out show at Nashville’s Exit/In on March 7th after naming both of their 2014 releases, Bring Up the Sunand Salvation City in their annual 40 Best Albums of 2014, placing the Nick Jamerson and Kris Bentley penned tunes and R.S. Field produced projects at No. 23.

Both CMT and ZUUS Country have plans to air Sundy Best's new video for "Do You Wanna Go" this week as well. CMT will air the video on their CMT Pure program and have also featured 7 of their previous videos in addition to tapping the duo as their CMT “Listen Up” artist for November 2014. Sirius XM’s “The Highway” also keeps Sundy Best in continual rotation.

Sundy Best currently is trekking the country on their Salvation City Tour USA and recently hit Canada in January. They have had 6 sold out shows in the past three weeks and this past month the guys were honored by the city of Prestonsburg, KY by receiving keys to the city. Sundy Best also received one of Kentucky’s highest honors when the state revealed their names on several signs along the world famous Country Music Highway US 23 in Eastern Kentucky. 2015 has been an exciting year for Sundy Best and there is plenty of great music and great times ahead for these Kentucky boys.

For more information on Sundy Best visit:

SundyBest.Net Twitter.com/SundyBest Facebook.com/SundyBest Instagram.com/SundyBest Spotify iTunes

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