In Space Takes a Stand for Music Education

In Space lead singer Andrew Roth recently headed a project that raised funds for The Fender Music Foundation. The show also featured artists such as Cobus Potgieter, Jane Carrey and Jessarae. Roth’s group raised the most money for the foundation and was rewarded with Blue Microphones and Heineken.

In Space, a project headed by Andrew Roth of Granada Hills, Calif., was one of 25 musical acts who participated in an online benefit to raise funds for The Fender Music Foundation (FMF). The talent included Cobus Potgieter, one of the most watched musicians on YouTube; Jane Carrey, Jim Carrey’s daughter who was featured on American Idol this past season; and Jessarae, ReverbNation’s number one artist. Despite the competition, ReverbNation selected In Space as one of ten bands in the world to showcase, and, in the end, In Space raised the most funds for FMF and was rewarded by Blue Microphones and Heineken.

“It felt good to be doing something good,” said Roth, who went above and beyond to make the 30-minute show a success.

To set the mood for the performance, he and his drummer Cory Callahan personally decorated Roth’s garage with Christmas lights and stars, and his mom – who stated she’s Andrew’s “biggest fan” – promoted the show through the media, getting coverage from a number of blogs and music websites.

Never having used a web cam for this purpose before, Stageit walked him through set up, sound tests and rehearsals. “… so when you play your concert, it sounds and looks good,” explained Roth.

Roth is a self-taught musician and prolific songwriter, who plays drums, guitar, piano and sings. He’s been in bands since he was nine. Although he learned how to play these instruments on his own, he gives a lot of credit to the music classes he’s taken: “Music education helps people. It brings people together,” said Roth. “Music is a huge thing in life.”

Roth plans to continue to work with FMF to help support the cause. Stay tuned for future projects!

To listen to Andrew Roth’s music, please go to http://www.reverbnation.com/inspacemusic

Young Singer-Songwriter Writes Song For Charity

Media Contact: Moriah Scoble, Executive Director

818-706-8742

Email: Moriah@FenderMusicFoundation.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOUNG SINGER-SONGWRITER WRITES SONG FOR CHARITY

 

The Fender Music Foundation to raise funds from sale of Noah Benardout song, “We Battle”

Agoura Hills, Calif. (February 23, 2012) – Noah Benardout, up-and-coming singer-songwriter, has been working with The Fender Music Foundation for the promotion of music education, and we are pleased to announce that he has recently released “We Battle,” a song written specifically for The Fender Music Foundation, a nonprofit charity dedicated to providing instruments to music education programs across the country.

Granting the foundation sales rights and profits as well as usage rights of the song for its first 2 years of release, Noah has shown his generosity and dedication to music education: “You know, I’m still a teenager and merely having access to music and music education has changed my life. I think music is an essential part of growing up and helping others find what I have found in music is something I believe to be truly important.”

Talented and kind-hearted, Noah Benardout is a pop-indie singer-songwriter that we can expect to hear more about in the coming spring. At the age of 16, he has already released an EP, What Will Be Will Be, as well as performed across the country with celebrities such as Slash. With influences such as Coldplay, Doves, U2, and Radiohead, Noah Benardout offers serene, yet catchy songs reminiscent of pop and rock culture. His wide vocal range and simple accompaniment allows for the beautiful melodies and elaborate harmonies that have won him international appraisal. Hits such as “Haley” offer a view into his original and soulful style.

When asked about the meaning of the song “We Battle,” Noah was quite clear: “Whatever cause we chose to support or whatever obstacles we are faced with, whether it is social injustice, or environmental disasters, we must be willing to fight, we must be prepared and we must battle.”

“We Battle” is currently available on iTunes and sales directly benefit music education through The Fender Music Foundation. http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-battle-single/id501225710

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“WE BATTLE”

We battle for life

We battle for love

But the spark in their eyes

Is all that I’m thinking of

Our hearts are playing a beat

A serenade through the streets

And it’s all that they need

One day they’ll all have loved

So hold out your hands

And make your demandsI’ll stand and I’ll sing

I’ll do anything

To spread the news for you

More than a rule

Spreading to schools

They’re longing to play

That’s what we know today

And if they’re far apart

Let’s go straight to the heart

If they think we forgot

We’ll show them a better waySo hold out your hands

And make your demands

I’ll stand and I’ll sing

I’ll do anything

To spread the news for you

If you play, call out now

If you sing, sing out loud

If you need, raise a hand

We are here, we understand

Music and Lyrics by Noah Benardout

Copyright © 2011

The Fender Music Foundation

The Fender Music Foundation believes that music participation is an essential element in the fabric of an enduring society. The organization aims to keep music education alive and available in our nation’s schools and communities. Founded in 2005, this public charity has reached over 147,000 people through its grants to music education programs. These grant recipients, which give more people the opportunity to make music, include school music classrooms, community based organizations and music therapy programs. Visit www.fendermusicfoundation.org to learn more about supporting the cause.

Twelve Year Old Eli Rosen Collects Guitars for Music Programs in Need

A month ago, we were contacted by a musically-inclined young man on a mission to revitalize local music education programs. Appreciative of the music education he has received as a budding guitar virtuoso, twelve year old Eli Rosen wanted to grant others the same opportunities. Inspired to make a change, he set out to on a mission to collect second-hand guitars for donation to poorly-funded schools.  Thus far, Eli has collected 10 guitars, and has already chosen a school in Camden, NJ to receive them. Eli plans to teach beginning guitar to the recipients, and even hopes to stage a fundraising concert for his cause. The Fender Music Foundation has donated a guitar to Eli, in hopes that anyone else with old or unwanted guitars will do the same. In the following interview, it is apparent that Eli is heading for great heights, and will accomplish extraordinary feats. Philanthropy truly has no age requirement.

12 year old Eli Rosen poses with the 10 guitars he has collected thus far on his mission to bring music to poorly-funded schools. "Music is a gift and a music education program is the wrapping paper."

What inspired you to help this music program in need?

I’ve been playing guitar for about three years and it’s made a huge difference in my life.  Playing the guitar has given me a way to express myself and be creative.  It has also taught me that by practicing regularly you will learn discipline.  Two and a half years ago I couldn’t play one note on the guitar.  After giving the time and practicing over and over again I was able to play songs.  I would not be able to play the guitar like I can now if I didn’t practice or have a guitar in the first place.  I feel so much joy and passion for playing the guitar and I want other kids to have that same opportunity.  This is why I wanted to give something back and donate to a school in need.

Are you a student of the music teacher you have set out on a mission to help?

No, I’m not a student of the music teacher.  As I was looking for a school to be the recipient of this donation, by chance, I met Joe Fertsch who is a great music teacher in Camden, NJ.  He loves his job and more importantly the kids he does it for.  But, the school is in a disadvantaged area and all they can afford for their music program is five-gallon buckets to bang on.  So I want to give those kids a chance that they may not have otherwise.

How many guitars have you been able to collect thus far on your mission?

So far I’ve collected ten guitars to donate, but my goal is to reach up to twenty-five.  I think that the more guitars collected-the more children have the opportunity to play.

How were you able to obtain these guitars?

I collected the guitars from individuals, businesses, and organizations.  But really it’s about spreading the word.  If I told one person about my project-they would tell a friend and then they would tell someone else and so on and so on.  I hope this continues, maybe even enough to surpass my goal which could lead to helping other schools in need.

You say you have been playing guitar for 3 years. Who are your greatest guitar influences?

I’d say Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan are some of my favorites.  I have many guitar influences, most of them blues guitarists.  I also admire Tommy Emmanuel’s acoustic style.  But, I can’t leave out Ted Velykis…my awesome guitar teacher!

What are your favorite bands/artists?

My favorite band has always been The Beatles, but I like a lot of bands and artists, old and new.  Some other bands or artists that I like are Led Zeppelin, John Mayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Mathews Band, and Coldplay.

You mentioned that you might be putting on a fundraising concert. Are you in a band of your own that might perform at this concert?

Yes, my band is going to play at the concert and there are also going to be a number of other bands there. 

Why do you think it is important for there to be a thriving music education program in school?

 Music is sometimes known as the universal language.  If bad things are happening music is something where everyone can get along.  It’s math-quarter notes, half notes, whole notes. It’s culture-Latin, Chicago Blues, Hip-Hop.  Really, music is tied to everything that is taught in school and in life.  Kids can learn to work hard and be dedicated to learning music.  It can also teach kids to work together, if they ever start a band. Music is a gift and a music education program is the wrapping paper.

If you or anyone you know has a guitar they are willing to part with, please comment and we will relay the message to Eli, who hopes to collect enough guitars to donate to other schools in need.

Teen Finds Unique Way to Contribute to Music Education

The word “philanthropy” can conjure images of a humble and meek Mother Teresa helping the poor, rich business tycoons like Bill Gates writing out multi-million-dollar-checks, or perhaps “philanthropy” can ignite memories of a friend or family member who spent their life in pursuit of service to those in need. Regardless of your precise definition, the world of philanthropy is beginning to usher in a new category of benefactors–kids. Crazy as it may sound, kids are actually finding some very interesting ways to better the world around them.

This October, a teenage Southern California native added his name to a growing list of young philanthropists by throwing a birthday party in honor of The Fender Music Foundation. Jacob, a music connoisseur since infancy, decided the best thing he could do was contribute to the spread and survival of music education. In lieu of receiving gifts for his birthday, Jacob asked that his guests make a donation to The Fender Music Foundation. When asked about his altruistic decision Jacob stated: “ I realize how blessed I am to have a family who supports my interests and talent emotionally and financially. I felt like it would be horrible if I couldn’t have music in my life.” As recently elected Philanthropy Commissioner at his middle-school, Jacob believes it is his duty to provide service to those in need. When asked further about his role as Philanthropy Commissioner, Jacob responded by saying: “I really feel like this year I am responsible to be a leader and show kids my age and younger it is important and rewarding to think of others less fortunate than us and make a difference.”

Jacob’s birthday party was thrown at Newport Harbor and hosted over ninety of hisfellow friends and classmates who all got into the spirit of giving. With the help of his classmates, Jacob was able to raise over $1500, which will contribute to The Fender Music Foundation’s mission to make music education universally accessible. Jacob now finds himself on a bourgeoning list of child philanthropists who are finding unique ways to make a difference. The Fender Music Foundation applauds the efforts of Jacob and looks forward to seeing where music will take him.

Eat a Meal for Music Education Today!

Present this flyer to your Chili’s server and 15% of your purchase will support The Fender Music Foundation.

The Fender Music Foundation Hosts Online Benefit Concert On StageIt

Sponsorship and Media Contact: Laurel Kaufman

Tel: 818-263-6213

Email: laurel@elevatemybrand.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THE FENDER MUSIC FOUNDATION HOSTS ONLINE BENEFIT CONCERT ON STAGEIT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH REVERBNATION AND HEINEKEN

 Musicians across the Country Participate To Raise Awareness and Funding For Music Education

 

Agoura Hills, Calif. (March 26, 2012) – The Fender Music Foundation is hosting its first online benefit concert “Save Music Education” on Stageit, in partnership with ReverbNation. The virtual event will take place on Thursday, April 26, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m Pacific Standard Time. Proceeds to The Fender Music Foundation will support the organization’s mission to provide musical instruments to music programs in need across the United States. Both signed and unsigned musicians are invited to participate to receive exposure and prizes (including a year’s supply of Heineken) in appreciation for their support of music education.

“Helping artists succeed in making and sharing great music is the core of everything we do,” said ReverbNation President and Co-founder Jed Carlson. “It just makes sense that we extend that support and enthusiasm into the world of music education. That’s why we’re thrilled to be working with The Fender Music Foundation on this effort. The future of music depends on nurturing the creativity and talent of our youth.”

All musicians are invited to participate by coordinating their own online concert, which can be an acoustic performance, a private rehearsal a live show, or even a Q&A with fans. (The musician will need access to their own webcam, computer and Internet connection to participate.) They will sell tickets for at least $5 each to their show and collect additional funds for music education with Stageit’s tip jar feature; this feature allows users to show their support at any time during the show. Artists who have previously graced this online stage include Jason Mraz, Trey Songz, Jimmy Buffett, Indigo Girls, Butch Walker, KORN and Plain White T’s.

“Stageit is a platform created by artists for artists, and what better way to present that concept than by partnering with a great organization such as The Fender Music Foundation to assist with saving music education programs,” said John Meadows, Business Development and Production at Stageit.

Why participate?  Perks for artists include, but not limited to:

• Participating musicians will receive exposure to over 3 million people through the reach of the participating brands.
• ReverbNation is hosting a contest to spotlight 10 participating musicians who will receive additional marketing and PR of their online concerts during “Save Music Education” on ReverbNation.com.  Direct link: http://bit.ly/zpyVD5
• Musicians with a minimum of 20,000 Facebook or Twitter followers will additionally be considered for a homepage feature on Stageit on April 26.
• The unsigned musician(s) to raise the most funds for The Fender Music Foundation will receive a year’s supply of Heineken beer and a special feature and mention on the Fender Music Foundation’s website and social media platforms.

How to sign-up?

• Interested musicians can sign up on www.stageit.com by naming their performance “Fender Music Foundation Charity Event.”
• After signing up on Stageit, musicians can sell virtual tickets immediately using the Stageit ticketing feature.
• Suggested ticket price is $5.00 USD.
• Artists can also enter the contest on ReverbNation to receive additional marketing benefits and exposure by clicking here:  http://bit.ly/zpyVD5
• Artists with a large social media following can email info@elevatemybrand.com to be considered for a home page feature on Stageit during the online benefit concert

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About The Fender Music Foundation

The Fender Music Foundation believes that music participation is an essential element in the fabric of an enduring society. The organization aims to keep music education alive and available in our nation’s schools and communities. Founded in 2005, this public charity has reached over 147,000 people through its grants to music education programs. These grant recipients, which give more people the opportunity to make music, include school music classrooms, community based organizations and music therapy programs. Visit www.fendermusicfoundation.org to learn more about supporting the cause.

About Stageit

Stageit is an exciting new platform in the online music space that allows established artists as well as undiscovered talent an equal ability to tour the world and interacting with fans from anywhere Internet access is available (bedroom, tour bus, hotel room, backstage, onstage), all while making money. Created for artists by artists, Stageit gives fans a ‘front row seat’ to a backstage experience that until now has only been available in physical settings.

About ReverbNation

ReverbNation provides over 2.1 million artists, managers, labels, venues, festivals/events and other music industry professionals with powerful, easy-to-use technology to promote and prosper online. Their wide array of distribution and promotional solutions provide the hands-on tools and actionable insights that allow them to reach their goals in an increasingly complex music industry. The company operates worldwide with customers on every continent. Over 30 million visitors come to reverbnation.com every month. For more information, please visit ReverbNation.com and follow ReverbNation on Twitter: www.twitter.com/reverbnation.

Top 5 Current TV Shows Bringing Awareness to Music Education

Music involvement is a fundamental component of human nature. We are introduced to it at infancy, and it plays a huge part in our every day lives. As stated in numerous reports, music education helps children develop discipline, teamwork skills, and communication skills. These abilities are considered valuable tools once in the workforce. The amazing thing about the arts, music, and music education is that absolutely anyone can participate in it, and everyone can benefit from it.

In recent years, Hollywood has brought awareness to this, showing the value of music education, through reality shows and prime-time dramas. Here are the top 5 recent shows that promote an appreciation for the arts and music education:

1.     Smash

 

Starring big names such as Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston, this new NBC drama centers on the story of what goes on behind the scenes of making a Broadway stage production.  Smash also stars American Idol alumna Katharine McPhee and real-life Broadway actress Megan Hilty, as two young woman trying to achieve their dreams and battling it out to be the next Marilyn Monroe in “Marilyn- The Musical.” The challenges of reaching goals and fulfilling dreams have been prominent themes throughout the episodes that have aired so far.

2.     The Voice

First premiering in April 2011, The Voice on NBC is an innovatively formatted reality show that celebrates true vocal talent. It features three stages of competition; the blind audition, a battle phase, and the live performance show. During the blind auditions, contestants sing while four musician coaches sit with their backs to them. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don’t get to see the artist. However if a coach is impressed by the artist’s voice, they can push a button to turn their chair around, which is an invitation for that artist to be coached by them. The show is unique in that it accurately shows that musical talent can come from anyone, and not just those that “look the part.”

3.     Glee

Originally intended to be a film, then a miniseries in 2009, Glee is a musical comedy-drama airing on Fox, that focuses on  high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues.  The show has extended to live concerts, appearances by cast members, and a concert-film. Glee episodes actively shed light on music education, and portray the challenges that public schools face in regard to music and art programs.

4.     America’s Got Talent

 

Introduced in 2006, America’s Got Talent is a weekly talent competition on NBC where an array of performers — from singers and dancers, to comedians and novelty acts — vie for a $1 million cash prize. The show is part of the British Got Talent Franchise. Created by Simon Cowell (most commonly known as a former American Idol judge), America’s Got Talent gives an opportunity for amateurs or unknown performers to break into the entertainment or music industry.

5.     American Idol

 

In this Fox reality show developed in 2002, potential artists compete in a talent contest in which they were asked to sing any song they like as an audition piece.  From there, they are either invited to continue as a finalist in the competition or are sent home. The finalist’s song choices are critiqued by 3 judges, and after each show’s ending, America must vote for a finalist to whom they really think their performance is good using their cell phone to cast votes with. Once the votes are locked in, the judges and America decides who has the most and the least amount of votes, and the contestant with the least amount of votes is eliminated, and it goes on each week’s show until the winner is crowned as “American Idol.” At that time, the winner receives a recording contract worth up to $1,000,000. Other contestants besides the final winner frequently receive recording contracts as well. American Idol has produced artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee and many other talented individuals.

Hard Rock Cafe Unveils Jimi Hendrix-Designed Strat That Inspired FMF Fundraising Shirt

 

 

 

HARD ROCK CAFE SEATTLE HOSTS JIMI HENDRIX MEMORABILA COLLECTION UNVEILING

Event to Celebrate the Launch of Hard Rock’s Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 Merchandise

Seattle, Wa., January 31, 2012 – Hard Rock International is honored to launch the brand’s Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 merchandise in Jimi Hendrix’s hometown of Seattle. On Thursday, February 9, 2012, Hard Rock Cafe Seattle will celebrate the program launch by unveiling a special memorabilia collection dedicated to the hometown legend. The exclusive media preview event will include appearances by Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix; acclaimed artist Alan Aldridge; John Galloway, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Hard Rock International; and Del Breckenfeld, Director of Entertainment Marketing for Fender Musical Instruments, who will take media through the iconic pieces in the collection and share personal stories and remembrances.

Pieces on display as part of the limited-run exhibition include:

• Jimi Hendrix Designed Fender Stratocaster® – A Fender Stratocaster featuring a visual representation of the music legend’s most recognizable songs on a guitar image designed collaboratively in 1970 by Hendrix and artist Alan Aldridge, creator of Hard Rock Cafe’s iconic logo. The piece serves as the design inspiration for Hard Rock’s Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 T-shirt.
• Jimi Hendrix Boots – A pair of boots worn by Jimi Hendrix circa 1967-69 during performances at the Salvation Club in New York.
• Jimi Hendrix Custom Gibson Flying-V – A custom Gibson Flying V that was commissioned by Jimi Hendrix in 1969. Hendrix reportedly referred to this guitar as the “Flying Angel”, but to most guitar aficionados, it’s forever identified as the “Red House” guitar. It’s one of three Flying Vs Hendrix owned.
• Experience Contract – A five page contact for the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Bill Graham regarding performances at The Fillmore and Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in 1968.
• Jimi Hendrix Song Writers Contract – A contract between RSVP Music and “Jimmy” Hendrix for the song “No Such Animal,” dated June 21, 1966, prior to Hendrix changing the spelling of his first name.

The special collection compliments additional pieces currently on display at Hard Rock Cafe Seattle. Additional pieces on display include:

• Jimi Hendrix 1969 Fender Stratocaster – The 1969 Fender Stratocaster guitar played by Jimi Hendrix  during ’69 and ’70, while with the Jimi Hendrix Experience and the Band of Gypsies. This tobacco burst-finished guitar has a white pickguard and a 22-fret maple fingerboard with 10 mother of pearl dot inlays. The instrument still has its original tremolo arm.
• Jimi Hendrix Purse – A purse that belonged to Jimi Hendrix and was used to carry lyric sheets, guitar picks, extra bandannas, etc.
• Hendrix/Isley Brothers Photo – A photo of Jimi Hendrix and the Isley Brothers with Curtis Knight from Hendrix’s time with the group in 1965. Jimi Hendrix toured with the group on and off for about a year, and he even recorded singles with them, the most famous of which is a two-part jam called “Testify”.
• Jimi Hendrix Shirt – A simple blue pullover from Jimi Hendrix’s wardrobe, exemplifying the Hendrix “electric gypsy” look that became such a huge part of late-‘60s iconography.
• Jimi Hendrix Hat – A hat with a quintessential ‘60s floppy brim worn by Jimi Hendrix during the late 60’s.

“We are delighted that Jimi is playing such an important role in supporting multiple worthy causes,” said Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix. “It would warm his heart to know that his legacy is being honored this way, continuing to have an impact on the entire universe. At Authentic Hendrix, we’re working to fulfill his vision. Joining our long-term partners Hard Rock International and The Fender Foundation allows us to continue to shape and inspire our communities through music.”

Hard Rock’s Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 T-shirt is inspired by a one-of-a-kind guitar, displayed in the collection that was conceived by Hendrix and commissioned to commemorate the Hard Rock’s 40^th Anniversary in 2011. Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 limited-edition Pin is modeled after the Fender Stratocaster® Guitar Jimi Hendrix played onstage during his iconic Woodstock performance in 1969. The limited-edition merchandise is available in stores and online with 15% of the retail price benefiting The Fender Music Foundation and Seattle’s Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation.

The one-of-a-kind collection will be on display at Hard Rock Cafe for public viewing from Thursday, February 9, 2012 until Thursday, March 1, 2012.  For additional information please visit www.hardrock.com.

WHAT: Hard Rock Cafe Seattle Presents Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 Launch

WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2012

WHERE: Hard Rock Cafe Seattle

116 Pike Street

Seattle, WA

 

 EVENT ADMISSION: MEDIA ACCESS ONLY

For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com. 

About The Fender Music Foundation

The Fender Music Foundation believes that music participation is an essential element in the fabric of an enduring society. The Fender Music Foundation aims to keep music education alive and available in our nation’s schools and communities. Founded in 2005, this public charity has reached over 147,000 people through its grants to music education programs. These grant recipients, which give more people the opportunity to make music, include school music classrooms, community based organizations and music therapy programs. Visit http://www.fendermusicfoundation.org to learn more about supporting the cause.

About The Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation

In 2006, the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department renamed the nearly 2.5-acre neighborhood park located in Seattle’s Central District, Jimi Hendrix Park, with the goal of turning it into a community gathering space honoring this Seattle-born artist’s extraordinary life and musical legacy. The Park lies adjacent to the old Colman School, which since 2008 has housed Seattle’s Northwest African American Museum. Now, a dedicated group of Seattle residents has come together to turn the dream of a park inspired by a “West Coast Seattle Boy” (the artist’s own description) into reality. Named the Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park (FOJHP), the group has met for over a year, laying the groundwork for the development of a space that will draw visitors from across the globe. In keeping with the spirit of unity underlying the project as a whole, the Friends are committed to seeking community input into every aspect of the Park, from fundraising to design to programming. At the core of this project is the belief – embodied best by Jimi Hendrix himself – that with talent, determination and passion, anything is possible.

 

About Hard Rock International

With a total of 174 venues in 53 countries, including 137 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, 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, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana.  Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced including Panama Megapolis, scheduled to open in 2012; Cancun and Vallarta scheduled to open in 2012; and Riviera Maya, Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013.  Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com.  For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

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