OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN TO RELEASE NEW CONCERT CD AND DVD TITLES JANUARY 15

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2006 Concert with the Sydney Symphony Is Showcased On “Olivia’s Live Hits” CD and
“Olivia Newton-John And The Sydney Symphony (Live At The Sydney Opera House)” DVD

Hollywood, California – January 8, 2008 - With a career spanning more than four decades, Olivia Newton-John is one of the world’s top entertainment stars, with international successes in the studio, on tour, on television and in films. In March 2006, Newton-John performed her most popular hits and songs near and dear to her heart with the Sydney Symphony at the historic Sydney Opera House.

On January 15, 2008, Capitol/EMI, in conjunction with ONJ Productions, will release new CD and DVD titles featuring Olivia’s performances from that landmark musical celebration of her illustrious career. The CD, Olivia’s Live Hits, features live performances of 10 Top 5 hits, including seven #1s, while the DVD, Olivia Newton-John And The Sydney Symphony (Live At The Sydney Opera House), showcases 27 of her hits and favorites spanning more than four decades. In addition, the two-hour DVD features a personal tour of some of Olivia’s favorite spots in Sydney from the Harbor Bridge to Manly Beach, a vacation spot where she spent many summers as a child.

“This concert was very special to me as it combined my career as a singer with my personal roots growing up in Australia,” said Olivia. “I had the honor of performing at the Opera House for the Queen, but this night was even more special as it gave me the chance to perform all of my hits in this historic building – it’s hard to believe that I have been singing for so long!”

Olivia has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, has had more than ten #1 hit singles, received numerous Grammy, American Music, Billboard, Country Music and People’s Choice Awards, and an Emmy Award for songwriting. She has also starred in numerous television shows, specials and motion pictures including Grease and Xanadu, both of which are currently experiencing new life as hits on Broadway.
In 1978, her co-starring role with John Travolta in Grease catapulted Newton-John into superstardom. The film’s popularity fueled the best-selling movie musical soundtrack in history, featuring the hits "You’re The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights" with Travolta, as well as the mega-hit, "Hopelessly Devoted To You." To date the film remains the most successful movie musical of all time. Her other film credits include Xanadu, Two Of A Kind, It’s My Party, and Sordid Lives. She will recreate her role in Sordid Lives for the forthcoming television series of the same name that will begin airing in 2008 on Logo.

Adored by millions of fans around the globe, Olivia’s ongoing philanthropic efforts have remained a major focus as she continues to give back to the community through a variety of organizations. Among them is the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, which will provide a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education training and research, including a wellness center for the mind, body and spirit.

Olivia’s public, humanitarian and wellness related activities have always been of equal importance throughout her career. Lightbridge Media, the creators and producers of the “Healing Quest” branded television series (www.healingquest.tv) airing on PBS have announced that Newton-John will join the Company and its acclaimed series beginning in January 2008. As a new on-air co-host for the “Healing Quest” series, she will join Judy Brooks and Roy Walkenhorst, the founders of Lightbridge Media and the current on-air hosts in bringing programming that inspires, informs and empowers consumers to take responsibility for their health and well-being. Olivia will also contribute as a producer-at-large with the company across multiple media channels, producing stories on integrative and natural approaches to health from around the globe, as well as writing and recording some new music for “Healing Quest.”

In addition, Olivia remains extremely active in the recording studio. Following the critical acclaim of her 2006 release, Grace and Gratitude, for which Billboard magazine said “Newton-John is soulfully committed to every word she sings, and fans will be taken with the plush arrangements, melodic warmth and, of course, the artist’s regal vocals,” Olivia has released Christmas Wish. The CD, featuring her signature vocals and stunning new arrangements of classic holiday favorites as well as new songs written by Olivia is available exclusively at all Target store locations through the holidays.

Olivia’s Live Hits (CD)
1. Have You Never Been Mellow #1
2. Magic #1
3. Hopelessly Devoted To You #3
4. You're The One That I Want #1
5. Xanadu #2
6. Suddenly #4
7. Physical #1
8. Don't Stop Believin' #1
9. If Not For You #1
10. I Honestly Love You #1

Olivia Newton-John And The Sydney Symphony (Live At The Sydney Opera House) (DVD)
1. Have You Never Been Mellow 14. Not Gonna Give In To It
2. Magic 15. Cry Me A River
3. Xanadu 16. The Rumour
4. Stronger Than Before 17. Heart Attack
5. If Not For You 18. Make A Move On Me
6. Let Me Be There 19. Twist Of Fate
7. Please Mr. Please 20. Tenterfield Saddler (virtual duet with Peter Allen)
8. Jolene 21. Can I Trust Your Arms
9. If You Love Me, Let Me Know 22. The Dolphin Song
10. Physical 23. You’re The One That I Want
11. Don’t Stop Believin’ 24. Hopelessly Devoted To You
12. Dancin’ 25. Summer Nights
13. Suddenly 26. I Honestly Love You
27. Serenity

For the latest tour dates, music and other news, please visit www.OliviaNewton-John.com.
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The Ultimate Grammy Collection

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For Immediate Release

COMMEMORATE THE 50TH CELEBRATION OF THE GRAMMY ® AWARDS
AS SHOUT! FACTORY/GRAMMY RECORDINGS RELEASE THE ULTIMATE GRAMMY® COLLECTION CD SERIES

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — In a grand commemoration of the 50th Celebration of the GRAMMY® Awards, Shout! Factory and The Recording Academy®'s GRAMMY Recordings announce an electrifying 7-CD series encompassing GRAMMY winners from four of the legendary awards' major genres. With a personal introduction written by 27-time GRAMMY winner and 50th Celebration Ambassador Quincy Jones, this series is a sumptuous ode to the biggest hits in music history and a must-have for music lovers and collectors alike.

"We look forward to celebrating the past five decades of GRAMMY-winning music with music fans everywhere through our comprehensive CD compilations," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "It is exciting to have such classic recordings in the marketplace all at once; we hope people enjoy listening to some of the best music of the last half century as much as we did when compiling this remarkable catalogue of material."

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to join The Recording Academy in celebration of this historic milestone," says Shout! Factory CEO Richard Foos. "For 50 years, the GRAMMY Award has been recognized as music's highest honor. This series pays tribute to the artists who have helped make it so."

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary R&B and Contemporary Pop was recently released on Nov. 27.

Just in time to get music fans primed and ready for the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards to be held on Feb. 10, 2008, at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, five more Ultimate GRAMMY®Collection CDs will be released on Jan. 8. Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Classic R&B, Classic Pop, Contemporary Rock, Classic Country and Contemporary Country.

Album artwork available upon request.
For more information on the Ultimate GRAMMY Collection, please visit http://www.ultimategrammycollection.com.

A portion of the proceeds from the Ultimate GRAMMY Collection CD series will benefit the MusiCares Foundation® and The GRAMMY Foundation®, two charitable arms of The Recording Academy. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical health and human services and financial assistance for music people in times of need. The GRAMMY Foundation cultivates the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture through music education programs for young people and activities that promote and preserve music's rich cultural heritage.


Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras.

The company’s audio catalogue boasts boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable "best of" compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, Calif. Its fine products are distributed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment Inc. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com

The Recording Academy
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

Track Listings:

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary R&B (November 27)
1. Anita Baker “Giving You The Best That I Got” (Single Version)
2. Terence Trent D’Arby “Wishing Well”
3. Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler “Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)”
4. Luther Vandross “Here And Now”
5. Ray Charles “A Song For You”
6. Sade “No Ordinary Love”
7. Toni Braxton “Breathe Again”
8. Boyz II Men “I’ll Make Love To You”
9. Blackstreet Featuring Dr. Dre “No Diggity”
10. R. Kelly “I Believe I Can Fly”
11. Brandy & Monica “The Boy Is Mine”
12. TLC “No Scrubs”
13. Whitney Houston “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”
14. D’Angelo “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
15. Usher “U Remind Me”
16. Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z “Crazy In Love”

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary Pop (November 27)
1. k.d. lang “Constant Craving”
2. Seal “Kiss From A Rose”
3. Annie Lennox “No More I Love You’s”
4. Eric Clapton “Change The World”
5. Shawn Colvin “Sunny Came Home”
6. Sarah McLachlan “Building A Mystery”
7. Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity”
8. The Brian Setzer Orchestra “Jump Jive An’ Wail”
9. Madonna “Ray Of Light”
10. Macy Gray “I Try”
11. Nelly Furtado “I’m Like A Bird”
12. Norah Jones “Don’t Know Why”
13. Justin Timberlake “Cry Me A River”
14. Los Lonely Boys “Heaven”
15. Kelly Clarkson “Since U Been Gone”
16. John Mayer “Gravity”

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Classic R&B (January 8)
1. Aretha Franklin “Respect”
2. Sam & Dave “Soul Man”
3. Otis Redding “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”
4. The Isley Brothers “It’s Your Thing”
5. Ike & Tina Turner “Proud Mary”
6. Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine”
7. Billy Paul “Me And Mrs. Jones”
8. The Temptations “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” (Single Version)
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips “Midnight Train To Georgia”
10. Natalie Cole “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”
11. The Emotions “Best Of My Love”
12. Donna Summer “Last Dance”
13. Earth, Wind & Fire “After The Love Has Gone”
14. Marvin Gaye “Sexual Healing”
15. Rufus and Chaka Khan “Ain’t Nobody”
16. Commodores “Nightshift” (Album Version)

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Classic Pop (January 8)
1. Petula Clark “Downtown”
2. The Mamas & The Papas “Monday, Monday”
3. José Feliciano “Light My Fire”
4. Harry Nilsson “Everybody’s Talkin’”
5. The 5th Dimension “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)"
6. Dionne Warwick “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”
7. Captain & Tennille “Love Will Keep Us Together”
8. Janis Ian “At Seventeen”
9. Bee Gees “How Deep Is Your Love”
10. The Doobie Brothers “What A Fool Believes”
11. Kenny Loggins “This Is It”
12. Toto “Rosanna”
13. Tina Turner “What’s Love Got To Do With It”
14. Phil Collins “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)”
15. Steve Winwood “Higher Love”
16. Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary Rock (January 8)
1. Living Colour “Cult Of Personality”
2. Melissa Etheridge “Ain’t It Heavy”
3. Soul Asylum “Runaway Train”
4. Stone Temple Pilots “Plush”
5. Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun”
6. Blues Traveler “Run-Around” (Album version)
7. Tracy Chapman “Give Me One Reason”
8. The Smashing Pumpkins “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”
9. The Chemical Brothers “Block Rockin’ Beats”
10. Fiona Apple “Criminal”
11. Lenny Kravitz “Fly Away”
12. Coldplay “In My Place”
13. Dave Matthews “Gravedigger”
14. The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army”
15. Evanescence “Bring Me To Life”
16. Green Day “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams”

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Classic Country (January 8)
1. Roger Miller “King Of The Road”
2. Jeannie C. Riley “Harper Valley P.T.A.”
3. Tammy Wynette “Stand By Your Man”
4. Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue”
5. Lynn Anderson “Rose Garden”
6. Ray Price “For The Good Times”
7. Johnny Cash & June Carter “If I Were A Carpenter”
8. Jerry Reed “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot”
9. Donna Fargo “Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A.”
10. Crystal Gayle “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”
11. Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”
12. Kenny Rogers “The Gambler”
13. The Charlie Daniels Band “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”
14. George Jones “He Stopped Loving Her Today”
15. Dolly Parton “9 To 5”
16. Willie Nelson “Always On My Mind”

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary Country (January 8)
1. Vince Gill “When I Call Your Name”
2. Mary Chapin Carpenter “Down At The Twist And Shout”
3. The Judds “Love Can Build A Bridge”
4. Brooks & Dunn “Hard Workin’ Man”
5. Dwight Yoakam “Ain’t That Lonely Yet”
6. Asleep At The Wheel and Lyle Lovett “Blues For Dixie”
7. The Mavericks “Here Comes The Rain”
8. LeAnn Rimes “Blue”
9. Alison Krauss and Union Station “Looking In The Eyes Of Love”
10. Trisha Yearwood “How Do I Live”
11. George Jones “Choices”
12. June Carter Cash “Keep On The Sunny Side”
13. Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying”
14. Gretchen Wilson “Redneck Woman”
15. Emmylou Harris “The Connection”
16. Carrie Underwood “Jesus, Take The Wheel”

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Online Media Contact:

Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions

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The Legendary Voice Of The Crystals Fills Your Stocking With Modern Day Holiday Classics

"Darlene Love's thunderbolt voice is as embedded in the history of Rock-and-Roll as

Eric Clapton's guitar or Bob Dylan's lyrics" - New York Times

Los Angeles, CA – October 11, 2007-Shout! Factory will release Darlene Love’s first Christmas album, It’s Christmas, Of Course, which is sure to start a holiday tradition of its own! For the album, Darlene gives us her take on 12 tastefully selected holiday neo-classics of the ‘70s and ‘80s from a diverse array of artists like The Pretenders, The Band, James Brown, Tom Petty, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and more.

On this album of modern day classics, the Wall of Sound that surrounded her voice on her Phil Spector-produced hits has been stripped away, leaving her beautiful voice front and center.

Darlene Love is a woman of many talents. She’s primarily recognized for her vocal contribution to some of Phil Spector’s biggest hits like “He’s A Rebel” and “He’s Sure The Boy I’m Gonna Marry” (The Crystals), and her unmistakable backing vocals for such luminaries as Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, The Mamas and Papas, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, and Cher. Love has recently been seen lighting up Broadway with her performances in “Grease”, the Tony-Award nominated “Leader of the Pack”, and her current 2-year run as Motormouth Maybelle in Tony-Award winning “Hairspray”.

In addition to these notable accomplishments Love cut the classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” for Phil Spector’s Christmas Gift To You album in 1963. She’s performed the tune for the past 20 years, on David Letterman’s Late Show, where Dave has stated that the performance is his favorite thing about Christmas.

Love holds an annual Christmas concert in New York, selling out the Rose Theater in Lincoln Center last year. This year’s concert is scheduled for December 17^th at Lincoln Center and is sure to in high demand as well. Now we have even more reason to celebrate one of the country’s most talented performers during everyone’s favorite time of year, Christmas.

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Contact: Chip Schutzman

Company: Miles High Productions

Email: chip@mileshighproductions.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/officialdarlenelove

Watch Darlene Love on David Letterman December 24, 2007. Here is a clip of Darlene on David Letterman from 2006!

Heart releases "Dreamboat Annie Live"

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HEART’S LIVE CONCERT PERFORMANCE OF FAMED ALBUM DREAMBOAT ANNIE SET FOR RELEASE ON DVD AND CD

HEART

DREAMBOAT ANNIE LIVE

DVD & CD

In Stores October 23rd

RELEASE MARKS LAUNCH OF SHOUT! FACTORY’S

“LEGENDARY ALBUMS LIVE™” SERIES

Los Angeles, CA – On April 17, 2007, the iconic rock group Heart took the stage at The Orpheum Theatre in front of a live audience to perform their spectacular debut album Dreamboat Annie in its entirety for the first time, for a DIRECTV special. The performance aired Mother’s Day 2007, and will be re-aired in conjunction with Shout! Factory’s release of a live DVD and CD of that concert in October 2007.

Dreamboat Annie is the first release in Shout! Factory’s new DVD/CD series “Legendary Albums Live™,” which will feature unforgettable bands performing their quintessential albums live, in sequence, and in their entirety. The artists will also perform songs by the musicians they were listening to at the time for inspiration, and give exclusive interviews. “Legendary Albums Live™” is a partnership between Shout! Factory and DIRECTV, and the recordings are produced by Shout! Factory-owned Blaze TV. DIRECTV will air these memorable performances, and they will subsequently be made available for purchase on DVD and CD through Shout! Factory.

Dreamboat Annie, released in 1976, was the foundation of Heart’s legacy and went on to sell over 3 million copies. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, the creative spark behind Heart, wrote all of the songs on the album, including the hits “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man.” As part of the “Legendary Albums Live™” program, fans of the band will also be treated to rousing renditions of songs by The Who and Led Zeppelin, and an interview with the band in which they will put the album in historical context.

The Wilson sisters have continued making great albums and thrilling live audiences in the 31 years since Dreamboat Annie’s release. Lead singer, Ann Wilson, recently released her first-ever solo album, Hope & Glory, on Zoe/Rounder Records, on September 11.

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture – The Stuff You Grew Up On But Never Outgrew. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts Grammy^®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists and lovingly assembled album reissues. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. For more on Shout! Factory, visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Heart Dreamboat Annie Live CD & DVD Track Listing

1. Magic Man
2. Dreamboat Annie (Fantasy Child)
3. Crazy on You
4. Soul of the Sea
5. Dreamboat Annie
6. White Lightning and Wine
7. (Love Me Like Music) I’ll Be Your Song
8. Sing Child
9. How Deep It Goes
10. Dreamboat Annie (Reprise)

Encores

11. Mistral Wind (Originally from the Heart album Dog and Butterfly)
12. Goodbye Blue Sky (Originally by Pink Floyd)
13. Black Dog (Originally by Led Zeppelin)
14. Misty Mountain Hop (Originally by Led Zeppelin)
15. Love, Reign O’er Me (Originally by The Who)

* CD & DVD Track Listing are the same

DVD Extras

Heart Mongers Speak!

Photo Gallery

Heart Dreamboat Annie Live

Distributed by Sony BMG

Release Date: October 23, 2007

CD Selection Number: 826663-10644

CD Price: $15.98

DVD Selection Number: 826663-10605

DVD Price: $19.98

For more information contact:

Chip Schutzman

Miles High Productions – chip@mileshighproductions.com or 323-806-0400

Deana Carter's "The Chain"

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DEANA CARTER RELEASES THE CHAIN ON OCTOBER 9^TH

NEW STUDIO RECORDING FEATURES GUEST PERFORMERS

INCLUDING KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, WILLIE NELSON,

DOLLY PARTON AND SHOOTER JENNINGS

Santa Monica, CA – Award-winning singer/songwriter/performer Deana Carter unveils The Chain, her fifth studio record October 9^th on Vanguard Records.

Each of the 12 songs on The Chain has a special importance to Deana, who personally chose material that had a great impact on her early life. She took the same care in recruiting collaborators for the project, assembling a group of musicians who influenced her as an artist -- none more greatly than her father, legendary session player Fred Carter, Jr, who performs throughout the album. “Ever since I knew that music was going to be my life’s path, I’ve wanted to pay tribute to my dad and to the artists who were so good to me and my family. The camaraderie between them, and the way they took our family and made it part of their families, was so unique that I wanted to recapture it for a little while,” states Deana.

The Chain features duets with Deana and some of country music’s royalty: Kris Kristofferson (Help Me Make It Through The Night), Dolly Parton (Love Is Like A Butterfly), Jessi Colter (I’m Not Lisa), Willie Nelson (On The Road Again), George Jones (He Thinks I Still Care) and John Anderson (Swingin’). The CD also includes two of music’s rising stars, Shooter Jennings on “Good Hearted Woman”, the song made famous by his father, the great Waylon Jennings, and Harper Simon on “The Boxer,” a nod to his dad, Paul Simon who plays guitar on this track. The Chain also features stunning solo recordings of Deana performing such classics as “Lay Lady Lay”, “The Weight”, “Crying” and “Old Man”.

Produced and arranged by Deana Carter, The Chain is a musical feast and celebration of one’s past and influences.

A multi-platinum recording artist, Deana Carter burst into the music scene with the blockbuster album Did I Shave My Legs for This? (1996) that produced four No. 1 hit singles. Her additional releases included Everything’s Gonna Be Alright, Father Christmas, I’m Just A Girl, Greatest Hits and The Story Of My Life. She has performed on countless television shows and network specials and yielded a Golden Globe and Grammy nomination for the song Once Upon A December from the animated film Anastasia.

Deana is based in Los Angeles where she resides with her son, Gray Hayes. She is a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation.

For further information on Deana Carter contact: Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions: chip@mileshighproductions.com or 323-806-0400.

Sakai Releases "Dream Big" CD/On Tour with Pat Monohan

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAMILY TREE RECORDS AND THE ROB NONIES LABEL GROUP
PARTNER WITH KOCH DISTRIBUTION FOR
THE RELEASE OF SAKAI’S DEBUT CD “DREAM BIG”

Sakai’s “Dream Big” Which Aims to ‘Touch Hearts and Lives Through Music’ Will Be Distributed Nationally & Provide the Bay Area Native With a More Expansive Platform

Los Angeles, California― Family Tree Records has joined forces with The Rob Nonies Label Group and Koch Distribution on the release of Sakai’s DREAM BIG. “I Like,” the first single from DREAM BIG is graced with the guitar-playing wizardry of Dwayne Wiggins of Tony! Tone! Toni!. “I Like,” debuted at the #8 position on Billboard’s “Hot R&B & Hip Hop Singles Sales” chart.

DREAM BIG is an 18-track collection of songs, most of which were co-written by Sakai and Family Tree Records’ CEO and President, Kevin “Darkside” Smith, which crosses a variety of genres. Traditional R&B, urban-infused hip hop, salsa, jazz and straight up soul are all represented. Billboard Magazine recently quoted: “Dream Big is reminiscent of the tone set by such soulful chanteuses as Phyllis Hyman and Angela Bofill.”

“If there’s one overwhelming, cohesive theme which weaves throughout the richly textured, aural tapestry of this 18-track set it’s an odyssey through the emotional landscape of the heart,” says Darkside. “At the same time, it is also a soulful ‘Call-To-Arms’ with its message of peace, love, self-affirmation and self-empowerment.”

This focus is clearly evident on the standout tracks “Friendship To Love,” (co-written by Sakai, Darkside and the esteemed Narada Michael Walden), a ballad which charts the progression of a relationship from the friendship stage to a full-blown love affair and all the questions raised in such a transition (the chorus asks: “When did our friendship turn to love?/I need to know/Tell me/Where did we let our hearts go?”); the inspiring and life-affirming “Leap of Faith,” which is about following your heart, spreading your wings, and calling upon the strength of one’s spirit to overcome any obstacle; and “A Place Between” a sensual ballad overlaid with the patina of a Spanish guitar which explores the metaphorical “space” between lust and love, the sadness and the warmth of a smile, the space between “your heart and mine.” Finally, this emotionally engaging set closes with the anthemic ”Dream Big,” which encourages listeners to reach for the stars and give yourself over to your greatest hopes and biggest dreams, and despite what it might look like, Sakai promises us that it’s “Gonna Be Fine” because faith will see you through and it’s time to take control of your destiny.

Darkside formed Family Tree Productions with three friends shortly after his tenure at the University of California at Berkeley in 1990. Darkside’s goal was to explore his talents as a producer and songwriter. A few years later he launched the label, Family Tree Records. Over time, he was introduced to noted producer/composer Narada Michael Walden who suggested Darkside meet with Sakai. The Oakland-based singer was already making a name for herself as a sought after studio session vocalist. Since their meeting Sakai has become electrifying onstage, performing at Yoshi’s, one of the Bay areas best known incubators of emerging neo-soul talent, and a precious and fortunate few already knew of her through her debut album It Ain’t No Miracle which was independently-released in 2001.

Sakai’s vocal skills and range have been duly noted by such industry luminaries as Celine Dion on whose hit single “A New Day” Sakai’s is the first voice you hear. She has also worked with a stellar crew of industry notables such as Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Curtis Mayfield, Chaka Khan, Oleta Adams, Steve Winwood and Michael Bolton, among others.

With DREAM BIG Sakai encourages us all to approach life and love with strength, faith and courage all the while staying true to oneself.

Sakai is now on tour with Pat Monohan of Train.

Upcoming Shows ( view all )

Oct 10 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Grand Sierra Resort Reno, Nevada Oct 12 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Crystal Ballroom Portland, Oregon Oct 13 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ The Show Box Seattle, Washington Oct 14 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Big Easy Boise, Idaho Oct 15 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ The Depot Salt Lake City, Utah Oct 16 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Ogden Denver, Colorado Oct 18 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Voodoo at Harrah’s Kansas City, Missouri Oct 19 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ The Vogue Indianapolis, Indiana Oct 20 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ House of Blues Cleveland, Ohio Oct 22 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota Oct 23 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ The Pabst Milwaukee, Wisconsin Oct 26 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ House of Blues Chicago, Illinois Oct 27 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Royal Oak Detroit, Michigan Oct 28 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Madison Theatre Cincinati, Ohio Oct 30 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Fillmore @ TLA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Nov 1 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Webster Hall New York, New York Nov 2 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Paradise Boston, Massachusetts Nov 3 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan on The Early Show on CBS New York, New York Nov 3 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ State Theatre Falls Church, Virginia Nov 4 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ The Norva Norfolk, Virginia Nov 6 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Orange Peel Asheville, North Carolina Nov 7 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Amos’ Southend Charlotte, North Carolina Nov 8 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia Nov 9 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ City Hall Nashville, Tennessee Nov 12 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Culture Room Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Nov 13 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Jannus Landing St. Pete, Florida Nov 14 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Hard Rock Live Orlando, Florida Nov 16 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ La Zona Austin, Texas Nov 17 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ Meridian Houston, Texas Nov 18 2007 8:00P With Pat Monahan @ House of Blues Dallas, Texas

www.sakaiworld.com
www.myspace.com/sakaiworld

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Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
323-806-0400
Chip@mileshighproductions.com

Ann Wilson's new release "Hope & Glory"

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Ann Wilson Shares An Essential Message For Our Times With Hope & Glory

Los Angeles, CA-At a time when America was beginning the lengthy healing process that followed the Viet Nam War and rock bands like Aerosmith, The Eagles and The Steve Miller Band were dominating FM radio airwaves, Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson emerged at the center of one of the first critically recognized female fronted rock-n-roll bands. With Heart the Wilson sisters redefined what it meant to be a woman in the male dominated world of rock and helped to pave the way for future female artists, and along the way they made some invaluable contributions to the rich lexicon of rock-n-roll music.

Today America is turning another dark corner in its notable history and Ann Wilson has chosen September 11, 2007 to offer a glimmer of light in these perplexing times. With her first solo effort Hope & Glory on Zoë/Rounder Records, Ann revisits the rock-n-roll classics that inspired her to embark on her distinguished career in the recording industry. She puts her signature on some of the music she has enjoyed over the ensuing years and introduces the new song “Little Problems, Little Lies.” Collaborator/producer Ben Mink insisted that Ann pushed herself as an artist and as a singer so that this collection of songs would be a relevant and personal expression for our times.

All of the songs for Hope & Glory were lovingly selected by Ann for their collective message that the world can’t be healed by fighting or by turning our eyes away from the truth. Featured are seminal rock-n-roll classics such as Pink Floyd’s “Good Bye Blue Skies,” Led Zeppelin’s “The Immigrant Song,” Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” as well as songs by The Animals, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Youngbloods, Lucinda Williams and Neil Young. Joining Ann on the recording is a list of artists that includes Elton John, K. D. Lang, Alison Krauss, Rufus Wainwright and Ann’s sister Nancy Wilson.

Change is in the air. The world of amity and love that were celebrated in song all those years ago is still within our reach, but we now find ourselves lost in a furious desert. Ann Wilson has discovered elemental wisdom in the music that has shaped her life, and Hope & Glory is her valiant effort to illuminate the path on our continuing journey.

For more on Ann Wilson check out: www.myspace.com/officialannwilson, or Heart’s website at: http://www.heart-music.com/.