"Ludacris, The Ludacris Foundation, Jeff Johnson and several of the Atlanta based celebrity’s friends host a Town Hall discussion for 100 at risk students to talk about their dreams, resources, and reality"

Atlanta , GA – Ludacris, The Ludacris Foundation, Jeff Johnson – BET talk show host and motivational speaker, Eric Troy – Educational consultant, and several other friends are teaming to host a Town Hall discussion for approximately 100 high school youth.   The Town Hall discussion is for selected students to talk about their dreams, the challenges they face, and the potential resources available to them. The students were selected from Douglas High School in Atlanta .  The Town Hall will take place on Friday, November 2, 2007 from 10am to 1:00 pm at Douglas High School, 225 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.

"At the Ludacris Foundation, we understand the importance of turning back, reaching back, and giving back" said Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges.  "We understand that the little things we do can sometimes have a huge effect on young people for years to come.   We understand that every youth has dreams and aspirations. We understand that many of these same youth have challenges in realizing their dreams and goals.  We understand!!! That’s why we do what we do."

Mayor Shirley Franklin will open the session by welcoming students and encouraging them to keep their dreams alive and at the forefront of their educational pursuits. Ludacris will lay out the purpose of the session and Jeff Johnson will facilitate a panel discussion with Ludacris and several other panelists, surrounding their dreams as youth and how they went about achieving them.   The students will then break out into smaller groups to discuss their own dreams; and goals then come back together as a whole to share their thoughts and insights.

"Reaching out to youth is not new to us" said Roberta Shields, President of the Ludacris Foundation. "Our foundation programs and support initiatives have directly impacted thousands of youths’ lives. I am extremely proud of the fact that Chris and the foundation personally get involved with youth in the community; we talk with youth directly – not talk at them or around them."

This event is a private event and is not open to the public.   Media wishing to attend should direct questions/inquiries to Barry Florence, BDC World Public Relations at 202-365-5401 or Katena Keno at 404-510-3897. Photos can be serviced to publications for coverage pieces.

About the Ludacris Foundation

The Ludacris Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization created to help young people achieve their dreams through the encouragement of "Principles of Success." We aim to show young people in America that they are the builders of their future. We primarily use music and the arts to connect with young people by listening to their views, issues, and challenges. Our efforts reach youth at all age levels.

Founded in 2001 by multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® award winning artist and actor, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, TLF has achieved notable success. TLF has been named as one of the top twenty "Leading Philanthropy Foundations" by Black Enterprise magazine and featured in The Robb Report’s Worth magazine and The Chronicles on Philanthropy, The Newspaper of the Non-Profit World, for outstanding efforts provided to urban communities. For more information, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org .

–
Katena Keno
JFK Entertainment
WHO’s WHO PR
Publicist
404.510.3897 (cell)
katenakeno@tmo.blackberry.net (mobile email)

New York, New York- Over the past decade, while major record labels have seen sales consistently decline, Quad Almighty- formerly of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin based hip hop group H.A.Z.- has been quietly setting the underground music scene ablaze.

With the highly anticipated spring 08′ release of, The Royal Parchment: The Indoktrination of Dynastik Rationalizm in view; The Quad Almighty E.P, his first E.P. as a solo artist, presents a hip hop amalgamation of socially relevant subject matter and razor sharp satire, told through the lyrics of one of the Midwest’s’ most talented young emcees.

"On this project I tried to create an accurate snapshot of the serious and sometimes absurd issues we face today," Quad Almighty said. "There are tracks that many [hip –hop] head’s can definitely relate to and other songs that are bit more academic; touching on thought provoking themes that are rarely explored. Not to mention the production is insane, with beats that can make a seamless transition from the club, to the car, to your ipod earphones…"

Quad Almighty burst onto the Midwest’s hip hop scene in 1998, as a member of the hip hop group H.A.Z. (Hungry and Zooted). "Hungry for change but Zooted with contentment," is a slogan the group members used to describe their social disposition. After establishing a reputation for their searing social commentaries, unrelenting lyrical agility, and energetic live performances, H.A.Z. rewarded their loyal fan base with the 2001 release of their debut E.P. entitled Oral Elations. H.A.Z. followed Oral Elations with the 2002 self-titled L.P. Hungry and Zooted; both albums were released by the independent B-Boy Universal record label. Following the modest success of Hungry and Zooted, Quad Almighty began to work with various hip hop acts to increase his national exposure and develop as a solo artist. These acts include Taste Emcees, Growing Nation, Finsta & Bundy, and Black Elephant.

The Quad Almighty E.P.’s production is done by Finsta, Brooklyn’s own native son and one half of the hip hop duo Finsta & Bundy. It gives hip hop aficionados a "taste-test" of The Royal Parchment: The Indoktrination of Dynastik Rationalizm. The E.P. is extremely listener friendly and reminds audiences of everything that made them fall in love with hip-hop music.

For more info go to: www.quadalmighty.com
for booking inquiries email: quad@quadalmighty.com

NOVEMBER 1ST, 2007

New York, NY – The purpose of TOMI Film Festival is to build relationships between the filmmaker and the business of entertainment. With the first annual TOMIFF premiering in 2008 New Orleans, Louisiana we’ve allowed that possibility to come to fruition. However, we wanted to extend that hand to music artists so the Fusion Music Contest was born.

"Music artists will get to experience the same benefits of TEAM TOMI as the filmmakers," says Co-founder Tonisha Johnson.

Inasirkl Music Group is the contest’s title sponsor and there events are known to produce exclusive industry clientele. "I am happy to be included in the Fusion Music Contest," says Inasirkl’s CEO J Hatch. "This opportunity for upcoming artists will be priceless and should  provide unlimited opportunities for exposure and awareness."

The Fusion Music contest will be open to any genre of music. We plan to have a nationwide search for the hottest underground solo or group act. We will choose 10 Finalists that will be showcased for a week on our website (tomifml.com ) where viewers can vote for the winner.

The winner will receive a team of established and emerging producers led by the production sounds of multi-platinum producer Ron Browz (Nas "Ether", 50"s "Whip Ya Head Boy", Snoop’s "Oh No", Ludacris’s "Blow It Out" & Big L’s "Ebonics") that will donate beats towards creating an album.

"It’s very humbling for me to be apart of this contest which gives an unknown artist a huge opportunity to not only be discovered, but a professional production sound that will give them the best chance to sign a record deal" says Ron Browz.

Also the winner will receive their very own music video not to mention tons of magazine, Internet write ups and radio interviews.

Visit us at tomifml.com for more details.

For Media Inquiries:

Inasirkl Music Group inasirkl@gmail.com

Push- A-Management Dove C Tygereye Entertainment dove@tygereye.net

Tiki Tolliver PR TOMI Film Festival publicity@tomienterprises.com

About Inasirkl Music Group Inasirkl Music Group is a fully functional Production, Promotion and Project Management based company within the Hip Hop and R&B genres. Owned and operated by CEO Jason Hadshian aka J Hatch and VP/ Director of Musical Production, Derrick T Carter aka Drawzilla. Together, they have formed one of the most promising and refreshing entertainment commodities to hit the scene in a long minute.

About Push-A-Management Push-A-Management is owned and operated by CEO Big Fuzz which consist of multi platinum producer Ron Browz, Actress Dominique Andriese, J-Platinum(Director/Producer/Editor) and Money Ave Entertainment.

About Fusion Music The premise of the Fusion Music contest is to add a different flavor to the film festival by having a national search for the hottest undiscovered musical talent and give them the opportunity to shine on a major platform in a professional setting. It will be a multi-cultural contest that will be open to different genres of music. The Fusion music contest is founded by TOMI Film Festival.

Taylord Entertainment presents a memorable evening

Atlanta, GA – Oct 31, 2007 Atlanta, GA–Sunday, October 28th marked the 14th annual Showcase of the South hosted by Taylord Entertainment. Up and coming artists from across the country performed at the historic Rialto Center for two packed shows filled with music lovers, industry executives from Universal, Atlantic, Def Jam, So So Def, Jive Records, J Records and Columbia along with several political notables. "This was truly a showcase of talent. The show was diverse, which was an added bonus. It was the best showcase presentation we’ve seen. I was in a word, proud" says Janol Holmes, vice president of Chuck D’s Slam Jam records.

There were several highlights throughout the show including unforgettable performances by Interscope duo Rock City, pre-teen sensation Jacob Latimore and R&B group One Chance. "Rock City is about to be huge, it’s no wonder why Akon signed them," remarked host comedian/actor Pierre, "this audience had a chance to see them first." Gospel diva Taralyn Ramsey received multiple standing ovations and inspirational songbird Jamie Thietten was a crowd favorite as well.

Most impressed with the performances were the fifty children from the Bellwood Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta Taylord Entertainment along with the Michael Vick foundation sponsored to come and see the show. "I had the pleasure of watching the kids faces during the performances. Their eyes were literally glued to the stage awaiting each performance. They waved along with Rock City and danced along with One Chance. It was a good feeling," says Enchanted PR president, Christal Jordan-Mims, "Serving the community is what this performance was built on and Frank Taylor has continued to do that."

In addition to the headliners, several up and coming performers received inquiries from labels execs and managers in attendance. "I was asked about several of the performers, Legacy, K Johnson, Purity and Quentin Marcel just to name a few," says Taylord VP, Brian Jennings, "We hope one of the acts receives a good situation as a result of their participation in the show."

In addition to colorful performances and great music, Taylord Entertainment CEO/founder Frank Taylor was surprised with a formal proclamation from Sen. Vincent Forte’s office. "We have been blessed. This show is a labor of love and it humbles me to know that others appreciate and share in the vision that we have," Taylor remarked. Taylor was also honored by Showcase of the South sponsor SESAC. "We will be back next year. Taylord managed to get a great group of talent," said Brian Miller, General Manager of the Artist Factory.

"This was our biggest year, but we are already looking ahead to next year," says Frank Taylor. "I’m proud of what we’ve been able to offer these artists. We are going to continue to provide this service to the best of our ability."

About Enchanted PR

Enchanted PR is a full service public relations agency that fuses creativity with public relations practice to create memorable campaigns for every client. Enchanted PR actively seeks exposure for our clients that include television, print, radio and sponsorship opportunities for all clients. We strive to create opportunities for our clients that offer visibility and exposure relevant to their individual career goals and aspirations.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/enchantedpr

Taylord Entertainment

Taylord Entertainment is an entertainment management consultant company based in Atlanta, GA. Headed by Frank Taylor, Taylord Entertainment currently manages over 40 artists and musicians.
Website: http://www.taylordentertainment.com

Enchanted PR
Christal Jordan-Mims
President
email: enchanted@comcast.net
phone: 678-499-0297
    Taylord Entertainment
Frank Taylor
CEO/ President
email: taylordentertain@aol.com
phone: 404-685-8555

LEGAL FUNDRAISING CALL FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHOTOJOURNALIST BEATEN BY TORONTO POLICE

November 2007- On the heels of autrocities like the Jena 6, African American journalists Tonye Allen and Ann Brown are still in a struggle for their freedom after being victimized by police in Toronto, Canada over a year ago! With a looming court date of November 21, the couple are enlisting the public’s help for legal fees.   
_____________________________________________________________

It has been a year since African American journalists, Tonye Allen and Ann Brown hailed that cab last year on October 16, 2007 in Toronto, Canada.   Blatant victims of racial profiling and police brutality, the couple has struggled since then to share their story, gain public support, and raise funds in their bid for freedom in a foreign land.  Their case finally goes to trial on November 21, 2007. 

On that fateful day, police from Toronto Division 51 detained the two without explanation.   When the couple asked questions, the police turned violent, beating up and arresting photojournalist Tonye Allen, while assaulting journalist Ann Brown.

Allen was eventually charged with assault and resisting arrest.  The couple had hoped by now the charges would have been dropped. The journalists, whose combined writing and photography credits include Essence, Black Enterprise, VIBE and Rolling Stone to name a few, have been trapped in Toronto legal system ever since, fighting for justice while trying to maintain their daily livelihood. Both are professionals with no prior criminal records.

The Crown, ( the city of Toronto’s office of prosecution ) has filed formal charges and is pursuing a case against Allen; two counts for resisting arrest and two counts for assaulting a police officer.  Allen still does not know what he was initially being arrested for, and maintains he never fought back.  Photos of his brutalization pretty much corroborate his story.

Allen and Brown are still struggling to raise monies for lawyer fees and their hotel bill.  Their blog, which posts details of their drama, can be accessed at www.TonyeAllenandAnnBrown.blogspot.com . To sign a petition in their support go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/946246942  . And finally, financial support can be forwarded to www.Paypal.com ,  Account: brownannl@gmail.com  .  Their lawyer, Jason Bogle can be reached at http://www.bogleslawoffice.com .

"In recent months, the public’s awareness of racial injustice has been heightened," expresses Brown.  "The plight of the Jena 6 has shown what can happen in our own United States.  It’s sad to realize the conditions we as a people are being subjected to on an international level. Public support and outcry is our most potent weapon.  We thank the media for bringing attention to our plight and humbly ask the public for continued support."

Jazzmyne Public Relations
email: makeda@jazzmynepr.com
phone:  661-718-8843

After Reflecting On A Victorious First Year, GRAMMY U Expands Its Reach

October 31, 2007
SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Following on the heels of a successful first year for GRAMMY University Network (GRAMMY U) — a program for students pursuing music industry careers, created by the music community’s leading membership organization — The Recording Academy® heads back to school for its sophomore year. Designed to enhance students’ current academic curriculum with access to recording industry professionals, the program provides an "out of classroom" perspective on the recording industry. GRAMMY U has surpassed its 1,000 member goal, recruiting more than 2,000 members over the past year with more than 300 colleges in participation.

"We kicked off GRAMMY U with a banner first year, and now we are back at school, better than ever," said Robert Accatino, Director, Membership & Marketing, The Recording Academy. "We have enlisted 12 talented and driven college students in each of our Chapter cities to serve as representatives for GRAMMY U, engaging their peers to become part of a network that will have a profound impact on their future. With more events, programs, and networking opportunities this year, GRAMMY U is a must-have membership for college students pursuing a career in the music industry."

GRAMMY U Student Representatives:

    * Atlanta — Derrell Bransford, Clark Atlanta University
    * Chicago — Bryce Davis, DePaul University
    * Florida — Marcus Washington, University of Miami
    * Los Angeles — Daniel Rojas, University of Southern California
    * Memphis — Meredith Arnold, Loyola University, New Orleans
    * Nashville — Callie Riggs, Belmont University
    * New York — Randall Alana Marchan, New York University
    * Pacific Northwest — Charles Hopper, Art Institute of Seattle
    * Philadelphia — Nicole Tranquillo, University of the Arts
    * San Francisco — Ryan Summers, Santa Clara University
    * Texas — Ricardo Martinez, University of Texas at Austin
    * Washington, D.C. — Kimberly Wilson, University of Maryland

What Will GRAMMY U Do for Me?

GRAMMY U students participate in a variety of events, including Up Close and Personal events, where students are able to talk to a band in a small, intimate setting; In The Mix® networking events, which focus on bringing students together to meet and share ideas; and GRAMMY SoundChecks®, which provides students with a "behind the scenes" look at touring and performing live. Other opportunities include career workshops, networking, performance and career opportunities, benefits and discounts, feedback from industry professionals, internships, and much more.

"The most rewarding part about GRAMMY U has been the networking. Learning about people’s experiences has helped me mentally prepare myself for this business," said San Francisco Chapter student representative Ryan Summers. "We get to choose upcoming events, we determine what we want and need. We spend thousands of dollars on our education, and for $25 a year we’re gaining priceless knowledge outside of our school curriculum."

Upcoming events include GRAMMY SoundChecks with Blue October, Evanescence, and Fall Out Boy; behind the scenes with Maroon 5; demo critiques which offer members feedback on their music; film screenings of August Rush and Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes; a tour of the XM Satellite Radio facility, and kick-off events in various Chapters where students mingle with industry executives and music makers.

Membership is open to all full-time college students who want to pursue a career in music or in a music-related field. Majors can include, but are not limited to: Accounting, Art, Business, Communications, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Marketing, Music Business and Music Performing. Members of GRAMMY U enjoy many of the benefits offered to Voting and Associate members of The Recording Academy, but at a quarter of the cost of membership. Annual membership in GRAMMY U is at a discounted rate of $25, compared to $100 for other Academy members.

Where Can Students Find GRAMMY U?

Students and colleges can sign up through all 12 Recording Academy Chapters: Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, New York, Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Select universities have a faculty/staff advisor and a student representative who, with the help of the local Recording Academy staff, are responsible for the recommendation and implementation of programs and events on campus. The student representative will be the liaison between the local Chapter and the student membership, their committees and GRAMMY Volunteer Corp, which empowers GRAMMY U students to be active in music industry events.

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.

Contacts

The Recording Academy
Jennifer Keppel, 310.392.3777
jenniferk@grammy.com

October 31, 2007
PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–TRACE, the first and only television channel exclusively dedicated to urban music and culture, will be a key player at the annual convention of the CASBAA (The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia), which takes place this week in Hong-Kong.

TRACE’s co-founder, chairman & CEO, Olivier Laouchez, will be a speaker at the opening conference of CASBAA "Content in Perspective".

He will explain how TRACE’s unique content approach and positioning gave TRACE brand and TV channel a leadership position in its segment in more than 100 countries.

Together with Geraldine Pamphile, the newly appointed "TRACE Asia Pacific Director", Olivier LAOUCHEZ will meet top executives from major Asian TV distributors, aggregators and content producers.

In just a few months, TRACE has already secured linear TV or content distribution contracts in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and China.

This demonstrates the extraordinary appeal of Hip Hop culture in Asia, where more and more local and international rap and R&B artists reach #1 position in CD sale, radio and club airplays.

About TRACE

Launched in 2003, TRACE is available in over 1OO countries through its various media properties (digital TV, radio, magazine, web, mobile). All TRACE branded media are dedicated to urban music and culture and target the urban youth, 15-34, trend setters, early adopters.

TRACE is owned by its founders, Goldman Sachs, Universal Music Group and senior bank and media executive from France, USA, Brazil, Asia and Africa. Visit www.trace.tv .

Contacts

Trace TV
Géraldine PAMPHILE
Asia-Pacific Director
Gsm: (852) 6730 2596
Direct Line: (852) 2520 6373
Email : gpamphile@trace.tv
or
Valérie GILLES-ALEXIA
Communication & Marketing
Switchboard : +33 1 53 58 34 00
Email : vgilles@trace.tv

FlowTV’s New Channel, Island Def Jam, Revolutionizes Music Distribution

October 31, 2007
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Island Def Jam Music Group has joined forces with Ripe Digital Entertainment (RDE) and its subsidiary network FlowTV, a multi-platform hip-hop lifestyle network, to create the ultimate source for hip-hop entertainment. The launch of the Island Def Jam channel on FlowTV marks the first time that Island Def Jam has taken the leap into On Demand programming.

FlowTV’s comprehensive availability via broadband (www.flow.tv), cable On Demand (Time Warner, Comcast and Cablevision), and mobile devices (Sprint) presents Island Def Jam with the unique opportunity to offer their artists and music to audiences everywhere through easily accessible means without time constraints.

The installment of the Island Def Jam channel on FlowTV gives artists a number of new outlets for their music to be pushed through, allowing more creative freedom without the initial spend that would be necessary for traditional television. Ryan Magnussen, CEO and founder of FlowTV/RDE, said, "We are very excited about our new relationship with Island Def Jam and feel confident it will help revolutionize the distribution of music to audiences everywhere, bringing entertainment to them on command."

"We are thrilled to join the FlowTV network with our own Island Def Jam channel," said Christian Jorg, SVP of New Media & Commerce, Island Def Jam. "Launching ‘Rocktober’ on FlowTV is another step in developing new ways to bring our artists’ music and videos to consumers when they want it and how they want it. The partnership provides a new, exciting distribution platform for our artists and we feel confident that consumers will enjoy the high quality programming the Island Def Jam brand guarantees."

Leveraging FlowTV’s leadership in short-form content production, Island Def Jam will be able to utilize their format in order to produce more relevant content that appeals to their audience, all the while increasing their validation in the hip-hop community as innovators in authentic hip-hop entertainment.

About Ripe Digital Entertainment (RDE)

A leader in On Demand digital entertainment and the first to develop a multi-platform video network, RDE (www.ripedigital.com) aggregates and produces short-form programming targeted at young adult audiences with simultaneous distribution over cable, broadband and wireless platforms. Since introducing RipeTV® in 2005, RDE has launched two additional networks, OctaneTV and FlowTV, with content available on over 100 million television, computer and mobile screens nationwide. RDE pioneered Connective Advertising® to give marketers and viewers an enhanced video experience across all platforms. Based in Los Angeles, CA, RDE networks can be found on Time Warner and Comcast On Demand and online at www.ripetv.com, www.octanetv.com and www.flow.tv.

Contacts

Ripe Digital Entertainment
Stacy Freeman, 323-931-3300
Stacy@ripedigital.com

9th Annual Hip Hop Concert — Featuring LL Cool J

SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwire – October 31, 2007) – Who’s Your Daddy®, Inc. (OTCBB: WYDI) is pleased to announce that in conjunction with the Company’s Florida distributor, J & W Distributors, they will be the Presenting Sponsor at this week’s WiLD 98.7 "Last Damn Show n9ne" live concert. Who’s Your Daddy has been featured on the station’s website and on-air promotion for the month leading up to the event.

The event, the largest Hip Hop concert within the State of Florida, has sold over 24,000 tickets to date and will be held on November 2, 2007 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. The lineup for the concert event includes stars such as LL Cool J, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz with Cassidy, Three Six Mafia, Fabolous, plus many more. The Company’s "King of Energy™" drinks will be sold at concession stands for this event.

Edon Moyal, CEO of Who’s Your Daddy, noted: "The upcoming concert sponsorship shows our commitment in expanding our distribution and marketing within the state of Florida. We view the ‘Last Damn Show n9ne’ as reaching the perfect demographics to promote our energy drinks. We are extremely excited to be apart of such a well-known concert with an outstanding lineup."

About CBS Radio and WiLD 98.7

WiLD is owned and operated by CBS RADIO, one of the largest major-market radio operators in the United States. A division of CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO operates 144 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation’s top 50 markets. CBS RADIO also owns and operates WYUU, WSJT, WRBQ, WQYK FM / AM in Tampa. The station’s website is www.wild987.fm.

About J&W Distributors

Based in Tampa, Florida, J&W was established this year to promote and distribute the entire line of Who’s Your Daddy drinks in the surrounding area, which includes over 2.2 million people. With 475 accounts set up so far, J&W plans to aggressively push the King of Energy drinks to a leading position within this market area.

About Who’s Your Daddy, Inc.

Who’s Your Daddy, Inc. is a brand management company focused on the marketing, production and distribution of the "Who’s Your Daddy®" "King of Energy™" line of beverages for the rapidly growing $5 billion U.S. energy drink market. Both our unique cranberry-pineapple and green tea flavors are available in regular and diet versions. We currently hold trademarks for a variety of products worldwide. Who’s Your Daddy, Inc. stock is traded publicly under the "WYDI" ticker symbol. For more information, go to (www.whosyourdaddyinc.com; www.kingofenergy.com). The Company’s blog site is at www.kingofbloggers.com.

Contact:
Who’s Your Daddy, Inc.
Dan Fleyshman
President
760-438-5470

CONWAY, Ark., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Why are famous acts Dwight Yoakam, Thelonious Monk, and rapper David Banner nestled together with obscurities like the International Submarine Band, Zakary Thaks, Teddy Grace, Karen Dalton, the Parchman Prison Band, and other authentic American originals on one CD together? There can only be one reason: The 2007 Oxford American Music Issue has arrived!

The Oxford American celebrates the diversity of American music and storytelling in its 2007 Music Issue now on sale nationwide including a 26-track CD generously underwritten by the country music-oriented cable television network CMT.

In addition to the CD abounding with 26 musical surprises, there is also the magazine itself. Sean Wilentz delivers a fly-on-the-wall account of the making of Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde in Nashville. Columnist Roy Blount urges for the return of yodeling. Harper’s staffer Bill Wasik writes on the blogosphere phenomenon of Annuals. Acclaimed novelist Fredrick Barthelme writes of his days in the 1960′s as the drummer for the cult art-noise band, the Red Crayola. Sam Stephenson writes about Thelonious Monk’s final gig in his home state of North Carolina in 1970. And more…

"Every year we try and do something special with the music issue and CD," says Editor Marc Smirnoff. "This year, with the exception of a few big names, we really wanted to get into the undercurrent of celebrating lost and unjustly forgotten musical superstars. If people recognize right off the bat most of the names we’re covering in this year’s edition, then we kind of failed at our mission."

Each artist on the CD is featured in the magazine with insightful commentary from talented music writers and regular OA contributors including William Bowers, Carol Ann Fitzgerald, Kevin Brockmeier, John Jeremiah Sullivan, Warren Zanes, Derek Jenkins, Sven Birkerts, Amanda Petrusich, Bill Friskics-Warren, and Mike Powell.

The Oxford American is published by the nonprofit Oxford American Literary Project. The OA is a quarterly magazine based on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1992, it bills itself as "The Southern Magazine of Good Writing." In 2005 the Music Issue was a finalist for a National Magazine Award — an award they won in 1999 and 2003.

  Media contacts:
  Ray Wittenberg (501) 733-4164 – ray@oxfordamericanmag.com
  Matt Baker (501) 733-6508 – matt@oxfordamericanmag.com

Source: Oxford American Magazine

CONTACT: Ray Wittenberg, +1-501-733-4164, ray@oxfordamericanmag.com, or
Matt Baker, +1-501-733-6508, matt@oxfordamericanmag.com, both of the Oxford
American Magazine

Web Site: http://www.oxfordamericanmag.com/