CATINO SEES UNTAPPED TERRITORY AHEAD FOR MUSIC
CONTRIBUTION TO ARTIST CAREER TRANSCEND GENRES, RADIO MERGERS AND FLUXUATING TRENDS

NASHVILLE - The times ahead are going to be more challenging then any other time in our industry. However, I am encouraged by all the un-tapped territory that we have to exploit." These were the comments of Bill Catino who exited on Friday as executive vice president of promotion for the Universal Music Group.

"There is a deep well of talent out there, waiting for those creative and persistent enough to want it! I'm personally excited about those opportunities, " he concluded.

The imprint of renowned promotion executive Catino can be found solidly in the careers of multi platinum artists from rock to country, from yesterday's superstars to tomorrow's household names.

His most recent tenure at Universal is one of a continuing string of successful associations of guiding new and developing artists and music trends to national and international prominence and continued success with George Strait and Reba.

"My dedication and passion for artist's and their music is only superseded by my love and devotion to my family," commented Catino. "I am proud of my contributions to the UMG roster during the past three years. I am evaluating opportunities that will allow me to continue my dedication to the artist and the music."

Although rapid changes in technology and radio formatting have proven problematic to the industry, Catino's understanding of radio has made him a standard bearer for developing new ways of gaining recognition for artists.

Catino played a huge role in the careers of several multi platinum superstars including: Meat Loaf, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Gary Allan, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley and most recently at universal music group Josh Turner, Sugarland, Billy Currington, the Eagles and Bon Jovi.

Catino began his career in 1968 with CBS, working with such greats as Chicago; Blood Sweat and Tears, Poco; RIO Speedwagon, Sly and the Family Stone, Patty Labelle, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes; Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash.

In 1973, Catino moved from the pop world to country. While with RCA, he helped establish such country greats as Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Ronnie Millsap and Kris Kristofferson.

Catino joined Steve Popovich in 1977 to form Cleveland International, where they broke Meat Loaf's bat out of hell album, which went on to sell over 20 million world wide. In the labels short 4 year existence; they released classic projects by rocker Ian Hunter; Southside Johnny and the Ashbury Jukes; Ronnie Spector with the east street band; Tom Jones and a solo single with Suzy and the RedStripes (Linda and Paul McCartney).

He was contacted in 81, by then president Jimmy Bowen to join him at MCA. He later moved to Nashville to head up promotion for Bowen's joint venture with MCA Universal record, where in the first nine months of the label's existence they enjoyed album of the year honors with the classic release of CIRCLE II featuring the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Success also followed with Eddie Rabbit; Lacy J Dalton and Eddy Raven.

Catino then followed mentors Bowen and James Stroud to Capitol where he spent the next 15 years breaking such greats as Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Billy Dean, John Berry, Suzy Bogguss and Steve Wariner .

Catino can be reached at 615-969-8888 or billcatino@comcast.net.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY HEADLINES 2008 COUNTRY IN THE ROCKIES IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Heatherly (615) 256-2002
lheatherly@tjmartellfoundation.org

November 27, 2007- Country in the Rockies XIII promises some great skiing and unforgettable music plus a whole lot more. This year’s activities will also feature a poker tournament, wine tasting and chocolate demonstrations and a chance to try some Cocoa personally served by three of Disney’s hottest teen leads. Montgomery Gentry will headline the 2008 Country in the Rockies event in Steamboat Springs, Colorado from January 23-27, 2008. Country in the Rockies is one of the Foundation’s signature events that brings together chart-topping artists, musicians, songwriters and other celebrities with patrons to raise vital dollars to support leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.

In commenting about their first trip to CITR, they said: "First and foremost, we believe in the TJ Martell Foundation and the great work they've done over the years," said Troy Gentry. "Eddie and I have gotten to participate in a lot of Martell events, but we've never been to Country in the Rockies." "Yeah, this is something we've wanted to do for a long time," added Eddie Montgomery. "They're gonna see a different kind of party in Steamboat Springs!" Johning the award winning duo will be Daryl Worley, Blue County, Gary Morris and Lucy Angel.

Beringer wines will present a wine tasting with Dirk Langford of Foster’s Group Wines while Andrew Shotts of Garrison Confections will demonstrate some marvelous ideas with chocolate. Straight from the release of Disney Movie Channel’s Minutemen, Luke Benward is bringing his co-stars and friends, Jason Dolley and Nicholas Braun to help solicit some fund raising with Dunkin’ Brands Cocoa For The Cure project.

Held at the AAA Four Diamond Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, the event offers participants an all-inclusive ski package with air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, gifts, winter activities, nightly entertainment, hospitality, and the opportunity to participate in a celebrity ski race. The package also includes a special performance by Montgomery Gentry and special guests on Friday, January 25 at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel. The package price is $3,900 per person based on double or single occupancy.

Country in the Rockies was started thirteen years ago when Frances Preston, national President of the T.J. Martell Foundation decided to create a new event for the Foundation. At that time, she was President and CEO of BMI, a performance rights organization that has strong ties to the music and entertainment business. “We are thrilled to have Montgomery Gentry involved with Country in the Rockies,” said Preston. “They are wonderful supporters of the T.J. Martell Foundation and will be a special part of our event in January.”

In addition to Montgomery Gentry headlining the 2008 Country in the Rockies, the 2007/2008 season is gearing up to be a spectacular one in Steamboat-Ski Town U.S.A.®, with $16 million in on-mountain improvements, including the new high-speed, six passenger Christie Peak Express and an unprecedented nonstop jet flight program from ten major U.S. airports including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Houston, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, New York-JFK, New York-LaGuardia and Salt Lake City.

“When you combine the incredible music of Montgomery Gentry, Country Music Association’s 2000 Duo of the Year, with Steamboat’s legendary Champagne Powder® snow and the luxury of the resort’s only four diamond resort, the Steamboat Grand; you have all the ingredients that make this a must attend event!” said Andy Wirth, executive vice president of sales & marketing and chief marketing officer for Intrawest. “Add in that this is an incredible fundraiser for the TJ Martell Foundation and you’d better act now to reserve your spot because they won’t last for long.”

To register for Country in the Rockies, go to http://www.citr.org/ or call the T.J. Martell Foundation at (615) 256-2002. For more information about the T.J. Martell Foundation, log onto www.tjmartellfoundation.org.

About the T.J. Martell Foundation
The T.J. Martell Foundation raises vital funds to support innovative research for leukemia, cancer and AIDS at eight top research facilities in the United States. One of the top centers supported by the Foundation is the Frances Williams Preston Laboratories at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Frances Preston Honored as 2007 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award recipient

NASHVILLE – Last week the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville celebrated the career of Frances Preston, former President and CEO of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Long considered one of the most powerful music executives in the world, Preston was the 2007 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award. The annual award was given for her leadership year after year, decade after decade and her dedication to her lifelong career in music.

The sold-out gala was hosted by Vince Gill and included a virtual 'Who's Who" in entertainment, business, politics and medicine. The show opened with gospel star Mandisa and the Greater Nashville Community Choir and veteran country artists The Oak Ridge Boys sang the national anthem before dinner. Production guru David Holloway produced the musical tribute including Sheryl Crow (If It Makes You Happy, All I Wanna Do, Strong Enough), Randy Owen, Sam Moore (I Can’t Stand the Rain, You Are So Beautiful) and Callaway, Steve Cropper (Dock of the Bay) Gary Morris (Wind Beneath My Wings), and pianist Greg Colson. But Preston’s favorite performance of the evening was given by new artist Taylor Preston, her grandson, who serenaded her with “Forever Young”.

Video tributes were given by Clive Davis, Dolly Parton, Big & Rich and Al Gore. Addressing Preston's outstanding career were: Orrin Ingram, Dr. Hal Moses, Bill Ivey, and Bill Denny. Though retired from BMI, Preston still maintains a demanding schedule with consulting and advocacy for cancer research. Proceeds from the event were to benefit the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, and the Frances Williams Preston lab at Vanderbilt.

Young Guitar Heroes Sought for Gibson New Generation Award Contest

CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI -The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation is now accepting entries for the 2008 New Generation Award Contest. The New Generation Award will be presented to the year's most promising young blues musician, as determined by an elite panel of music industry professionals, from the entries received.

The contest is open to all young blues musicians at least 12 years of age, but no older than 18 years of age, as of May 10, 2008. Entries must be on VHS or DVD videotape and be postmarked by March 1, 2008. For complete rules and a downloadable application form please visit the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation website at www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org.

The Robert Johnson Blues Festival has provided winners with once in a lifetime performance slots. Past winner, guitar prodigy Tyler Bryant of Flowermound, Texas was invited to attend Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival. Not only did he have the opportunity to perform, but he got to meet "Slowhand" himself. Other past winners have met with award winning industry professionals and been offered key performance slots at a variety of events.

The winner of the New Generation Award will receive a Gibson "Robert Johnson" edition guitar, a Robert Johnson harmonica, a certificate signed by Claud Johnson (son of Robert Johnson) and an invitation to perform at the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Spring Festival held on May 10, 2008 at the Copiah County Fairgrounds in Gallman, Mississippi. Copiah County Fairgrounds are located 1/4 miles west of I-55 at Exit 65 (Gallman Exit).

The family and heirs of blues legend Robert Johnson provide services to all generations of blues artists and to preserve and perpetuate the rich heritage of Delta blues music through the the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation.

Robert Johnson, "King of the Delta Blues Singers", was born in Hazlehurst, MS in Copiah County, on May 8, 1911. Crystal Spring, MS is the sister city and host of the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation Spring Festival which commemorates the birth of the Mississippi blues legend. Johnson is one of the most admired and influential Delta blues artists despite his short life and the small number of recordings that he left. His songs, such as "Sweet Home Chicago", "Come on in My Kitchen", and "Crossroad Blues", are blues classics -- played by thousands of blues artists and adapted by rock 'n' roll artists such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton.

Robert Johnson was a gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter whose life story is wrapped in mystery and legend. Only two photographs are known to exist of him and he recorded only 29 songs before his death in 1938 at the age of 27. Many of his contemporaries believed that he met the Devil at a lonely crossroads at midnight and made a deal to sell his soul in return for becoming the greatest blues musician of all time. More likely, he was blessed with enormous talent and spent a lot of time learning from other blues masters and honing his skills. He achieved some success and fame from recordings and performances during his life and was scheduled to perform at the first "Spirituals to Swing" concert at Carnegie Hall when he died. Although his burial place remains uncertain, it is generally accepted that his death was not accidental. Johnson was poisoned by a jealous husband (or girlfriend) while performing at a juke joint near Greenwood, Mississippi and died on August 16, 1938.

Johnson's music lives on through his recordings, which were first released as a compilation by Columbia Records in the 1960's. In 1990 a complete two-CD box set of all his recordings (every take of every song) was released and over a million sets were sold. His music also lives on through the many blues musicians alive today -- old and young, throughout the United States and around the world.

The Robert Johnson Blues Foundation hopes to ensure that Robert Johnson's legacy and the delta blues heritage continue into the future by recognizing and assisting young blues musicians through the New Generation Award.More information on the foundation and the festivals and events sponsored by the foundation is available at the website: www.robertjohnsonbluesfoundation.org.

KATHY MATTEA RINGS IN THE SEASON WITH GOOD NEWS AND JOY

FOR: Immediate Release Contact: Cathy Gurley 615-269-0474

Kathy Mattea wraps up her 2007 performing season with an 11-city Christmas tour, "Songs and the Season". Initially based on the non-traditional Christmas songs from her Grammy-winning release, "Good News", her holiday show has become a tradition in theaters and performing arts centers across the country over the past decade, and recently even in pops collaborations with select symphony orchestras. Her second Christmas collection, "Joy for Christmas Day," adds another layer to the holiday tradition.

Mattea continues to enjoy a strong and widespread base of long-time supporters, while breaking new ground and winning new fans in every city in which she's presented, a fact reflected in her recent and upcoming itinerary. Those who book talent in various venues also hold her in high esteem, and many of her Christmas shows are return engagements to sites of previously successful outings. Mattea recently made her third appearance at Joe's Pub in New York City, and returned to the Stone Mountain ArtsCenter in Brownfield, Maine for the second sold out show there in a nine-month time span.

"New Yorkers are always excited when Kathy Mattea comes back to Joe's Pub to perform in an intimate listening room where people can really focus on her music," says Bill Bragin of Joe's Pub. "The show sold out in advance. If she and Joe's Pub had room in our busy schedules, we certainly would have added another show."

Michael Jaworek from The Birchmere in Washington, D.C., where Mattea has played numerous times, says "In my 40 years of concert promotion I have seen only a handful of artists who have a sustaining artistry that both cheers and inspires. Kathy is one of them."
Kathy begins her Christmas tour on November 30 in Vineland, New Jersey, ending on December 21 in concert with the Minnesota Orchestra in Minneapolis' Orchestra Hall. The acoustic "Moving Mountains" tour, in support of her new CD, "Coal", begins in the spring of next year.

"Songs of the Season" Itinerary

November 30 Vineland, N.J. -- Guaracini Performing Arts Center
December 1 Suffolk, VA -- Center for the Arts
December 2 Charlotte, N.C. -- Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
December 8 Jasper, IN -- Civic Auditorium (2 shows)
December 9 Glen Ellyn, IL -- College of DuPage Arts Center
December 12 Calumet, MI -- Calumet Theatre
December 14 Rockford, IL -- Coronado Performing Arts Center
December 15 Cedarburg, WI -- Cedarburg Performing Arts Center
December 19 Madison WI -- Overture Center
December 20 Wausau, WI -- Grand Theatre on ArtsBlock
December 21 Minneapolis, MN -- Orchestra Hall w/Minnesota Orchestra