Sony Comments on the Passing of Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Commenting on his passing, Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation, said: "Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, said: "Michael Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world. We join today with his millions of fans in expressing our profound sadness and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony Music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly."

Martin Bandier, Chairman & CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: "Michael was the kind of amazing talent that comes along once in a lifetime. He was an incredible recording artist, an insightful businessman, an unmatched performer, and a true icon. To all of us at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, he was also a trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments. He will be dearly missed. We wish his children and entire family our deepest condolences."

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time. During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No. 1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

Sandy Genelius of Sony Corporation of America

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Audience can buy one-day tickets to this year's festival

As an exclusive feature this year, Roskilde Festival sells one-day tickets.

Not everyone has the energy for a whole festival week. Some cannot get a week off for eight days of partying – and for others, all the favourite acts are playing on the festival Friday.

No need for such concerns anymore. As something entirely exclusive this year, Roskilde Festival sells one-day tickets to all music days – 2, 3, 4 and 5 July.

"We don't sell that many tickets abroad this year. Because of great currency fluctuations the ticket prices are high in countries such as Sweden, Iceland and the UK. Therefore, we have some extra space by the stages – and it should certainly not go to waste," say Roskilde Festival's spokesman Esben Danielsen.

One-day ticket sale has begun
One-day tickets are available right now on the festival's ticket page to Thursday 2 July, Friday 3 July, Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July – and, of course, to the entire festival week.

Each one-day ticket costs DKK 750 (approx. € 100). The festival-goers can print the ticket themselves – so they can easily buy the ticket on the same day as they leave for the festival.

Tickets are also available at the festival entrances – here each one-day ticket costs DKK 825 (approx. € 110) and a ticket for all days DKK 1975 (€ 265).

Attractions every day
"Each day offers headlining attractions in various genres. On Thursday we present Kanye West, and Friday offers Faith No More who are on an exclusive festival tour. Come Saturday, the music gets hard and heavy with Slipknot, and Sunday has a superb closing act in Coldplay. And that is without mentioning the remaining 176 acts that are also playing," says Esben Danielsen.

Rapper LaPret

Rapper LaPret directly impacted By Deadly WMATA Metro Train Collision on Monday
South Capitol Recording Artist Larry “LaPret” Pretlow II created a YouTube tribute video for the deceased persons involved in Monday’s Metro Red Line Train Crash in NE Washington, D.C. He dedicated the hit Mariah Carey single “Mine Again” to the crash victims. The views for the video posted on his official KINGLaPret profile continues to increase by the hundreds since its 8pm debut last night.

On his official twitter profile ( KINGLaPret ) he stated: I travel by METRO on a regular basis when I'm home in DC! Today at 3:45 I had just rode the RED Line from Judiciary Square to Gallery Place! –

A fan posted a comment on the official YouTube video created by LaPret, dedicated to the victims. The fan wrote: I traveled and got caught up in the chaos after the accident. My condolences to all the victims. I can’t help but say it, the WMATA system that runs Metro really needs to get its act together. This is a sad wake up call.

LaPret replied: I strongly agree. Earlier today, another rider and I discussed reports that the train doors have opened in many events while the trains were sometimes pulling into the metro station ( still in motion ), and then this sad event takes place.

As a Washington, D.C. Native from the WARD 7 River Terrace Community, located in North East, the Rapper was impacted a great deal by the tragic events that took place on Monday evening during rush-hour. His aunt is a former Metro Train Operator and current employee of WMATA.

LaPret is a founding-member of the positive and very political Hip Hop group, Profound Intent and has released several successful solo singles, including “Got the Skillz”.

Record Label / Entertainment News

South Capitol Recordings (ASCAP)
openpr.com

Kieler Woche - Kiel week - No Wind – No Races – Except the women’s match race

It was not only a promise from the day before that there would not be much wind on the second day of the 127th Kieler Woche. Only the third group of the 21 teams of the women’s match racing sailed today, completing their first round robin in very light winds. For all other Olympic Classes in the ISAF Sailing World Cup the races were postponed until Monday.
Rain and light winds kept all the sailors of the Olympic classes ashore today except for the women’s match racers. Near to the shore Group C began their round robin to decide which two teams would qualify automatically for the Quarter Finals and join the four teams who qualified yesterday.

It was a long day on the water for the seven teams in Group C and with three German teams in action there was plenty to interest the local fans. The first match of the day saw Olympian Ulrike Schuemann (GER) take on Amanda Schrivenor from Australia. Schuemann has only recently begun match racing and her win against the Australian team was exactly the start she was looking for.

Finally however, it was Germany’s Silke Hahlbrock who made the best of the day, posting five wins from her six matches; her only loss was to Ulrike Schuemann. Genny Tulloch (USA) and Schuemann both finished with four wins but it will be Tulloch who joins Hahlbrock in the quarter-final because she won the match between the two of them.

Hahlbrock and Tulloch join Lucy Macgregor (GBR), Nicole Souter (AUS), Paula Lewin (BER) and Renee Groenefeld (NED) who qualified from groups A and B. For the remaining 15 teams a second round robin will decide the last two places in the quarter finals and is scheduled for Monday.

So with no racing there was time to talk about the German efforts for the 2012 Olympic Games in Weymouth, Great Britain in the daily press conference. Just back from the 470 European Championship with the silver medal in the bag Lucas Zellmer and Heiko Seelig are focused on 2012. After a year break Lucas Zellmer and Heiko Seelig started training seriously again this winter in Palma and came to Kiel with a complete new boat. And it works obviously as they scored first place finishes in both races on Saturday to top the leaderboard. “We hope now to get funding from the German Sailing Association to accelerate our Olympic campaign”, explained Zellmer.

With former Olympic Tornado sailor Johannes Polgar teaming up with Tim Kröger in the Star, fresh winds came into the German Star fleet. Re-organized and building up a new training group together with Johannes Babendererde and Timo Jacobs and Alexander Schlonski sailing with Frithjof Kleen, Polgar is looking forward to the future: “With a big portion of freshness but highly concentrated on our target we look forward to optimizing our training efforts. We are happy that Robert Stanjek and Markus Koy also joined our group before Kiel. It is a new approach for us to train together but it is in all our interests to work together.”

One race was completed by the Star fleet yesterday and it looks like the new training system is paying off; Stanjek and Koy took with the bullet with Polgar and Kruger second. The light winds suit Polgar and Kruger and both are enjoying the new challenge. Polgar explained how he has had to completely change his whole training program after his Tornado campaign: “In Qingdao my weight was 68kg, now I am 86. But I have to take care not to build up weight instead of muscles. We have a long way to go to reach the best crew weight and are working with nutritionists to get the best diet and training regime.”

The other strong training fleets here in Kiel are the RS:X. With the RS:X European Championship finishing on the same day that racing began in Kiel, many of the big names in fleet are not competing. But for up and coming talent Moana Delle, whose next target is the world championship in September, Kiel was the best choice of event. “Kieler Woche and the World Championship was the best combination for me to be able to take my exams at university and to get a good preparation for the Worlds”, stated the 20 year old from Kiel. Delle made the perfect start to her regatta yesterday, finishing first in both races. Currently in eleventh position on the ISAF World Cup Standings, an overall win for Delle will put her in a strong position to challenge for a podium position if she competes at the final event in Weymouth in September.

Having learned a lot from his 2008 Olympic campaign Toni Wilhelm will be back for 2012: “I have analysed my last campaign to avoid making the same mistakes again. I started my training again in March and after finishing my studies I have now enough time to be on the water.” After two races yesterday, Wilhelm is third on the leaderboard after finishing second and sixth.

(ISAF / Kieler Woche)

About 4,500 Vespa pilots visited Zell am See-Kaprun

They flocked to the region from Italy and Portugal, from Germany and Great Britain: about 4,500 riders from 22 different nations participated in the Vespa World Days in Zell am See-Kaprun last weekend. For four days, the international fan community celebrated its passion for the Italian scooter produced by Piaggio. Since 2007 these meetings have taken place under the name of Vespa World Days. 2009 was the first year that the scooter fans met outside of Italy in one of Austria's most beautiful holiday destinations which is absolutely made for long excursions over the mountains and the pass roads. To experience this unique event dyed-in-the-wool Vespisti put up with extremely long journeys. Record holder of 2009: a Vespa fan from the U.S. state of Arizona.

Already one day before the 'swarm of wasps' arrived on Thursday, 11th June, the region of Zell am See-Kaprun had got into the right mood for the largest and most important international fan meeting of its kind.

The trees in the town centre of Zell had been decorated with small wooden Vespa ornaments and Italian music as well as colourful flags guaranteed for the perfect ambience. Solely the weather did not cooperate on the opening day. But despite rain, the Vespisti enjoyed the kick-off event and their ride up to the Alpine reservoirs of Kaprun to the full.

On Saturday the riders met for a large parade circling Lake Zell sparkling in splendid sunshine. About 3,300 pilots did not want to miss the unique opportunity to participate in this great group excursion along the lake's shores.

Like pearls on a string, the Vespas - from the first models to the latest development 125 S - cut a fine figure. But not only the participants themselves had a great time: passers-by and onlookers were enthralled by this spectacle and joined the Vespa fans and their party. In the evening the scooter fans kept to themselves, however. At the festive gala evening, the members of as many as 250 different clubs shared their love and passion for their dearest hobby with each other.

One day before, on Friday, the organizers had invited the Vespisti to a journey to Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Already at 8.30 am, about 2,500 Vespa fans got in the saddle of their scooters, many of which have been revamped or painted in Pink-Panther or camouflage style. Then they set out on the famous Alpine road heading for Franz-Josefs-Höhe lookout at an altitude of 2,370 metres above sea level - the highlight of the Vespa World Days 2009 for many participants!

The visitors were absolutely delighted with the programme which had been set up within a period of merely six months and appreciated the organizers' efforts: the guests of the great charity gala donated about 7,000 euros to the Kinderseelenhilfe Salzburg, an association that helps children with psychological conditions. In view of the event's great success, Zell am See-Kaprun toys with the idea of staging a meeting for Vespa fans next year again. The name will be a different one then, though, since the official Vespa World Days 2010 are being hosted by the town of Fatima in Portugal.

For more information on the Vespa World Days and many other topics about the holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun please visit www.zellamsee-kaprun.com on the Internet.

The holiday region of Zell am See-Kaprun with its 14,000 beds and two million overnight stays per year is one of the most important holiday destinations in Austria. The beautiful flora and fauna in the Alpine panorama and Lake Zell guarantee relaxation and well-being. Golfing, hiking, and bathing are at the focus for the summer time programme, but visitors can choose from more than 40 other activities as well.

During the cold season, fun on skis and boards make sure that there is no dull moment. Skiers can comfortably reach the 138 kilometres of slopes covered with powder snow by one of the 54 lifts. Snowboarders enjoy the perfect conditions of the Snowpark on the 2,600-metre-high glacier plateau. Even in the summer you can swish down the slopes here. And family-friendliness is a top priority in Zell am See and Kaprun. For this reason, the region has already received various awards.

Contact within the region
Guest Service Zell am See-Kaprun
Brucker Bundesstraße 1a
A-5700 Zell am See
Phone +43 (0)6542 - 770 0
welcome(at)zellamsee-kaprun.com
www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

Press contact
knoefler-journalist . media + communications GmbH

Kieler Woche: ISAF Sailing World Cup is coming home

The world’s elite of Olympic sailing will be meeting for the 127 years old Kieler Woche (20-28 June). A total of seven top athletes of ISAF Sailing World Cup (SWC) ranking list have entered for Kiel to defend or improve their placings. Among them, gold medallist Anna Tunicliffe (USA/ Laser radial/2008) and Paul Goodison (GBR/Laser) as well as the British Star boat sailors Ian Percy/Andrew Simpson. “Even if after an Olympic year many sailors taking it easy, new crews setting up or others completely finishing as the Peckholt brothers, entry lists still reflecting not only quantity but also high quality”, says Jobst Richter, Chairman of Kieler Woche Race Committee who presented a “Kieler Woche of highlights” at the press conference in the newly restored Kiel Yacht-Club-Hotel.

Besides the ISAF Sailing World Cup which after five regattas in Australia, USA and Europe makes a stopover in Kiel until the finals will take place in Weymouth/Great Britain (venue of the Olympic sailing races in 2012) in September, Kieler Woche has even more to offer: three high class international championships (the X-35 Worlds, the X-41 Europeans and the SAP Europeans of the 505), the debut of the new Olympic women’s class Elliott 6m and the virtual Kieler Woche online are the highlights of this year’s Kieler Woche which again brings together all varieties of the sport from cutter sailing to surfboard, dinghy, offshore yacht up to the integration of disabled sailors and the famous windjammer parade.

On the starting line: three times gold and a German youngster

ISAF Sailing World Cup (SWC) brought to life and presented in Kiel last year will without a doubt be this year’s sporting highlight during Kieler Woche. The cup comes back and the sailing world is looking at Kiel where for the first time also the new Olympic boat class “Elliott 6m“ will be hosted within the event. A total of 22 crews from 11 nations have entered. Lucy Macgregor (USA) in the leading position of ISAF SWC ranking list, second placed Mary Rook (GBR) as well as Australian Katie Spithill and Olympic-Fourth Ulrike Schümann who finished second at ISAF SWC in Medemblik/Netherlands, are well-known favourites. But besides the Schümann-crew and the experienced match race sailor Silke Hahlbrock (6th place at the Worlds 2008), a third german crew is fighting for match race recognition: Svenja and Janika Puls together with Nele-Marie Bock. Already last year in Kiel Svenja Puls indicated her interest in match racing which the 24 years old medical student is now about to realise. “We are practising a lot together and have put the main emphasis on sailing rather than our studies“, said Svenja Puls who is also a very successful Europe-sailor (World Champion in 2007, winner of YES/Kiel in 2008 and 2009). For her and her sister Janika, a 21 years economical engineering student who sailed last year´s Kieler Woche in Laser radial, the spinnaker is still not the most familiar sail onboard. That is why experienced J24-sailor Nele-Marie Bock (24 yrs) is part of the team. “There is still a lot to learn but we are making progress“, remarks Janika Puls.

Together with the other Olympic disciplines the womens’ match race will also already begin on Friday, 19 June with a practise race. First start will then be on Saturday at 11 am. All Olympic classes will be racing until Wednesday, 24 June. From Thursday, 25 June until Sunday, 28 June the International classes will be on the starting line. Offshore races will take place from 20-28 June.

Stars in the Starboat – German fleet is on its way

Besides match race other classes as Laser radial, Laser, Finn and Star have a strong field of competitors in Kiel as well. Best chances of winning in the Laser radial class should have gold medallist (Qingdao/2008) Anna Tunicliffe (USA). As current leader of the SWC ranking list she will compete against second placed Tina Mihelic (CRO) as well as third placed Raily Paige (USA). In the Laser class gold medallist (Qingdao/2008) Paul Goodison will be meeting SWC first placed Nic Thompson (both GBR). Finn-sailor Edward Wight (GBR) not only in the leading position of the SWC ranking list but also winner of Kieler Woche 2008 will be sailing against silver medallist (Qingdao/2008) Railey Zack (USA) and silver medallist (Athens/2004) Rafael Trujillo (ESP) who also finished last year’s Kieler Woche as second.

As every year in the Star class it will be a reunion of the best. Due to the European Championship taking place in Kiel two weeks later, the Star-elite will be in Kiel for three weeks. Olympic Champion Ian Percy/Andrew Simpson (GBR), leader of the SWC ranking list Xavier Rohart/Pierre Alexis Ponsot (FRA/bronze medal 2004), Andrew Macdonald/Brian Faith (USA/second of SWC ranking list) as well as European Champion Marc Mendelblatt/Marc Strube (USA) - all entered at an early stage. The twofold gold medallist Robert Scheidt/Bruno Prada (BRA), the Swedes Fredrik Lööf and Johann Tillander (bronze 2008) might be joining the group of competitors. Also the strong German fleet has hopes to finish successfully: Alexander Schlonski/Frithjof Kleen (NRV/third of SWC in Medemblik/Netherlands), European Champion of 2008 Robert Stanjek/Markus Koy (Berlin/Hamburg/NRV), youngsters Johannes Babendererde/Timo Jacobs (Lübeck/NRV), Matthias Miller/Benedikt Wenk (Constance/VSaW) as well as the new constellation of Olympic participant (Tornado) Johannes Polgar and America’s Cup participant Tim Kröger (Hamburg/NRV).

Kieler Woche giants chasing Findel/Tellen

Highlight of the International Part of Kieler Woche is the SAP 505 European Championship and the contest between Kieler Woche giants Wolfgang Hunger (Germany) and Jörgen Bojsen-Möller (Denmark) who have both won the Kieler Woche trophy 16 times by now. At YES during Withsun in Kiel, which is said to be the final rehearsal for Kieler Woche, Jan Saugmann/Morten Ramsbaek (DEN/World Champion 2007) finished the regatta as first, belonging to a group of high-class “Fiven”. That is also where Jens Findel and Johannes Tellen (Kiel) are counting to. The 28 years old are currently the measure of all things especially when it comes to speed. “I don´t like it when I don´t get a boat going“, says Hunger who exchanged main and spinnaker to reach the speed of Findel. “At the moment he is sailing faster than anyone else“, states Hunger who has already experienced this phenomenon on Lake Garda. You got close to everyone else but no one had reached the speed of Findel yet. No wonder that everyone had a good look at Findel´s boat and sails. “That is no problem in our class. That is what we allow each other“, says Findel. Material is one thing but the head another. And at the moment everything was fine with him, said Findel about his formula of success.

X-classes: Soyka series 7-5-3

The X-35 World Championship during Kieler Woche is hosting a strong field. After the European Championship in 2008 where 16 x-yachts were fighting for the title, a total of 31 yachts from 10 different nations have entered for this year’s regatta. Besides Briton Marc Richmond and his “Cool Running“ (silver at Worlds 2007/bronze at Europeans 2008) the German x-yachts are facing strong competition from Italy. For Christian Soyka who has been on the starting line in Kiel with his “Immac-X“ for the last three years it is more than clear: After the seventh place at the Worlds in 2007 and a fifth at the Europeans in 2008 is now consequently following a third at the Worlds 2009. To realise this, the current X-99 World Champion got his X-35 ready for racing just in time.

Following its little sister’s wake, the X-41 fleet will also be coming to Kiel in order to determine their European Champion on racing area Alpha. Among the ten X´s coming from six nations are “König&Cie“(Horsch/Hamburg) and “Extasy“ who will be representing the German colours.

press release Kieler Woche

VuuV Festival 31st July - 3rd August

VuuV Festival is an international gathering for trance music lovers from all over the world. It will be held at a new stunning outdoor location, surrounded by lovely meadows and pristine forest. VuuV Festival unites the international trance tribe of people, with a passion for music, dance and the celebration of life.

The main focus is the music played by the most talented international DJs and Live Acts on a supreme sound system. Germany’s top trance festival never seizes to amaze and surprise. VuuV Festival will be a unique experience: you can expect entertainment at the highest possible level.

So come, join this colorful tribe and be part of it for four days of love, music and dance at Europe’s most established summer trance event.

more information

50th Hamburg International Boat Show

50 hanseboot events in 49 years – the water sports industry is meeting again in Hamburg from 24 October to 1 November. hanseboot 2009 presents “boating life” with a more varied programme than ever before, confidently pursuing its strategy as the excitement show for water sports. This half-centenary Hamburg International Boat Show features some 700 exhibitors from 30 nations, presenting around 1000 boats and yachts, including numerous firsts, and international innovations in equipment and accessories. More than ever before, hanseboot is becoming the exhibition for special yachts and boats, for individual boats, classic yachts, radical racing yachts, and much more.

The Partner Region of the 50th hanseboot is the Balearic Islands, with Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera presenting their cultural diversity and watersports tourist attractions. The islands want to develop new target groups and are investing in public harbour facilities and environmental protection projects.

The hanseboot arena in Hall B5 will be the core of a new action area, with a show stage and a large water basin, bringing watersports to life in all their facets – with a programme that includes sailing and surfing, canoes and kayaks, and the new trend sport Stand Up Paddle Surfing.
The in-water hanseboot presents boats and yachts in their element. Apart from hanseboot harbour at Baumwall, large sailing and motor yachts will for the first time moor in Sandtorhafen in front of a backdrop of Hamburg’s new HafenCity district. A shuttle bus will be in operation, linking the fair site with the two harbours.

After the successful start last year, the Hamburg International Boat Show will become a watersports campus again with the hanseboot academy. There are some 250 places available on the programme of compact courses and seminars run by various watersport schools.
Anniversary campaigns: “Kids go free!” – Children and young people up to the age of 15 years have free admission to the 50th hanseboot. The day ticket has been changed to the Comeback Ticket, which costs EUR 13 (concessions EUR 11). This tickets entitles the holder to admission again from 15:00 onward on any subsequent day. Visitors who buy tickets online at www.hanseboot.de by 30 September participate in the Big Anniversary Lottery, with a chance of winning a one-week sailing tour of the Balearic Islands as the first prize.


hanseboot – “the mother of all boat shows”
hanseboot has the longest tradition of all German boat shows, informing the interested public and the experts of trends and innovations in the sector for nearly five decades. The Hamburg Boat Show developed from very small beginnings to become the most important event of its kind in Northern Europe, with high international standing. The first Boat Show in Hamburg was held by Hamburg’s boat builders at the end of the 1950s. At the time it was still an outdoor event, held at a pier on Lake Alster between Neuer Jungfernstieg and Lombardsbrücke, and the organisers were not really satisfied – the spring boat show was spoiled by Hamburg weather.

After this battering from the weather, the boat builders approached the Hamburger Fair company (which was still called Planten un Blomen Exhibition Park at the time), to put their show under a roof and out of the rain. The “1st Federal Trade Fair – Sports and Utility Boats” opened on 12 January 1961. This date marks the birth of hanseboot. It was organised by the German Boat and Ship Builders Association (DBSV), which was created in 1956 as a joint organisation of artisanal builders of boats, yachts and ships. It attracted 75 exhibitors from Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, presenting 65 boats in one exhibition hall with 3,400 square metres. They brought 25,000 visitors to the first Hamburg Boat Show. That also convinced the Trade Fair management, which took on the role of organiser from the next year onwards. The DBSV is still a concept supporter of hanseboot today.

News of the success of the Hamburg Boat Show spread quickly within the industry. The first event presented only boats, but in the subsequent years there were more and more manufacturers and suppliers of accessories and equipment, canoe and surfboard suppliers, and representatives of the diving and charter industries. By the time of the second event, the exhibition space was already increased to three halls, and visitors numbers rose rapidly to 60,000. The amount of space was doubled again for the third Hamburg Boat Show. For the first time, it also included international exhibitors from twelve different countries.

In 1971 the organisers held two “German International Boat Shows” at the Fair site, in January and then again in October, to secure the ideal order and premiere date in autumn, without leaving a gap of about a year and a half. In 1985, after the October event was long established as the ideal ordering opportunity, the Hamburg Boat Show underlined its new, successful course with a new name – “hanseboot”. The name combines reference to the Hanseatic tradition with a modern exhibition concept. Since 1991, visitors have also been able to see boats and yachts in their element in the hanseboot harbour.

With 50 events in 49 years, the Hamburg International Boat Show has become an established event in the international boat show calendar. hanseboot 2009 will be held from 24 October to 1 November, and is open at both weekends (Saturday and Sunday in each case) from 10:00 to 18:00 and Monday to Friday 10:00 to 19:00, at the Hamburg Fair site and at the hanseboot harbour at Baumwall and Sandtorhafen in the HafenCity district. For further information, please visit the website www.hanseboot.de

Hamburg Messe GmbH

Peter Doherty, Elbow and I Got You On Tape to Roskilde Festival

Roskilde Festival now has a full house. With today's three new acts the festival's programme is complete. Later this week the festival presents a detailed schedule with playing times and stage allocations.

PETER DOHERTY (UK) is one of Britain’s finest songwriters and has fronted rock bands such as The Libertines and Babyshambles. The many stormy years in the media hurricane have not spoiled the Brit’s talent for catchy guitar rock. He demonstrates this fully on the solo album Grace/Wastelands.

ELBOW (UK) plays epic and progressive stadium rock. The five Brits' symphonic and ambitious music has the same weight and bravura normally associated with Radiohead or Muse. Elbow won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2008 for their latest album The Seldom Seen Kid.

I GOT YOU ON TAPE (DK) navigates perfectly between pop accessibility and introversion without losing the compass. The well-playing band with fronted by Jacob Bellens’ powerful, dark vocals is an obvious acquaintance for fans of thoughtful pop music.

Tickets to Roskilde Festival 2009 are available through the festival's online ticket sale.

Jazz Gospel Central Debuts With Interviews

The genre of Gospel Jazz is growing by leaps and bounds. The unique merging of two highly expressive and improvisational African American forms of music has spawned a variety of gifted artists such as Angella Christie, Ben Tankard and Kirk Whalum. It’s with these artists and this music in mind that Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Terrence Richburg, launched Jazz Gospel Central.

Unveiled in October 2008, Jazz Gospel Central is dedicated to showcasing Gospel Jazz, the artists who play it and devout Christians who play Jazz music. With features such as “What Is Gospel Jazz?”, “Great Gospel Jazz Pioneers,” “Improv Clinic,” “Key Ingredients,” “New Kids On The Block”, “Now In Session” and “Jazzspirations”, fans and musicians have the opportunity to learn and be inspired by others through Jazz Gospel Central’s bi-monthly e-zine and accompanying website, JazzGospelCentral.com.

In addition to profiling the more popular names in Gospel Jazz, Jazz Gospel Central (JGC) also highlights up-and-coming artists on the cutting edge of the burgeoning musical style like songstress Barbara King, drummer Jay Williams and unique groups like Duke Guillaume And The Metropolitan Gospel Big Band. JGC has also tapped those well-known in the industry as writers such as GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award winning producer Steven Ford and mega-talented artist and songwriter John Stoddart.


“Key Ingredients” takes a look at improvisational keyboard techniques and what works for noted artists in performance or recording situations. A new feature “Stay Tuned” focuses on the media impact of the genre while “Frets Ahead” provides tips to those who have an affinity for the bass. “Now In Session” will be of interest to those who are intimately involved with the recording process while “The JGC Calendar” includes upcoming events.

Already garnering unprecedented support and rave reviews, Jazz Gospel Central is quickly becoming the premier place on the web for “all things Gospel Jazz.” Jawn Murray of the Tom Joyner Morning Show & AOL Black Voices says, “A necessary site for the often overlooked division of Christian Music.” Bil Carpenter, Former Writer for People Magazine and The Washington Post says, “Finally, Gospel Jazz gets some love with its own website devoted to its art and its artists.”

A well-known artist in his own right, Richburg has extensive experience and heritage in both Gospel and Jazz. Son of Atlantic recording artists and Gospel pioneers, The Richburg Singers, and the nephew of the late Jazz legend Ronnie Wells, Terrence is a composer, arranger, instrumentalist and producer who has worked with artists in the secular and the sacred realm of music including Richard Smallwood & Vision, Maurette Brown Clark, Bobby Lyle, Nick Colionne, Alyson Williams, Yolanda Adams, Aretha Franklin, The Winans, Jennifer Holliday, Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, and many others.

Richburg says, “Jazz Gospel Central or JGC is about creating and providing an online venue, a meeting place and an atmosphere where there is a true voice and advocate for those gifted artists who are spiritually based and expressive of their musical gift—a gift which tends to be a little different from what is currently in the popular mainstream.

Jazz Gospel Central or JGC is for those who can appreciate true music born out of the heart of musicians and singers seeking to express real musicianship through the artistic tastes of Jazz and Gospel flavors.”

Jazz Gospel Central is “where the love of true music lives.” To view the most recent edition of Jazz Gospel Central, go to gator264.hostgator.com/~andrearw/eBlast/JGC-May/. For more information on Jazz Gospel Central or to sign up for the newsletter, go to www.JazzGospelCentral.com or e-mail (info@jazzgospelcentral.com) or contact JGC by phone (202.210.0314).

Tehillah Enterprises is a publicity firm that represents gospel artists and Christian authors.

openpr.com

Festival-goers donate € 25.000 to African farmers

Over 1,000 Roskilde Festival guests have paid DKK 175 (approx. € 23) on top of the ticket price to support people in Malawi, who suffer badly from the climate changes.

When buying the festival ticket, the Roskilde audience can donate an extra DKK 175 (approx € 23). Over 1,000 festival-goers have done so.

With a total audience donation of DKK 200,000 (approx. € 27,000), Roskilde Festival, Grundfos and DanChurchAid can now build a sustainable water plant for poor farmers in Malawi – and thereby secure irrigation in an area that often suffers from drought.

"We are extraordinarily proud to have an audience that give to those in need," says Roskilde Festival's spokesman Esben Danielsen.

Right now Malawi is experiencing the effects of climate changes. Unpredictability in the weather affects farmers' work so they do not know when it will rain or when the drought makes the ground crack. DanChurchAid's project helps the farmers produce food – regardless of the weather.

10 sustainable showers for the festival audience
In order to give the audience the chance to experience what a water plant in Malawi can deliver, Grundfos builds a similar plant by the swimming lake at Roskilde Festival's camp site. Here the festival guests can take sustainable showers.

"We will install 10 showers that run solely on energy from a windmill and solar cells. A pump secures that the water tank is always full – and that it is always possible to take a shower," says project manager at Grundfos, Mette Ørneborg Thomsen.

At the water plant, the audience can inform themselves about global climate changes, participate in a signature petition for a fair climate deal at COP15 and suggest how to secure a better environment.

Background
The donation and the installation form part of the climate campaign Green Footsteps in which Roskilde Festival engages its audience in global climate issues. Up to the festival, the festival-goers can act in a climate-friendly way and earn a reservation at the festival's camp site.

Roskilde-festival.dk

10 new smaller acts on the festival poster

Pavilion Junior and Lounge will be just as packed with musical offers as Roskilde Festival's full-grown stages.

This Wednesday Roskilde Festival fills the last available slots for Pavilion Junior and Lounge. Pavilion Junior is the festival's stage for Scandinavian upcoming bands, and the programme is completed with the following new acts:

BODEBRIXEN (DK) plays festive pop music with a sweet pain in the side and lots of handclaps, lalala harmonies and jazz piano. Bodebrixen may be the next Danish party band after Alphabeat.

KIRA KIRA (ISL) makes deep and atmospheric pop music, often with help from a little glockenspiel, sparse electronics and Icelandic magic.

MFMB (S) is perfect for everyone whose inner discoteque is always playing New Order and Depeche Mode. The Swedes' music is also inspired by shoegazer, krautrock and house.

RUBBERHEAD BANDITZ (DK) were one of Danish music competition KarriereKanonen’s most exciting acts in 2009. No one, who came close to their funky punk rock, was in any doubt about that.

TWINS TWINS (DK) play longlasting indie rock songs that securely and fearlessly place themselves in the wake of renowned bands such as The Rolling Stones and The Strokes.

Electronic music and chill
Lounge is the ideal place to go if you want to withdraw a little from the swarm and listen to some soothing music. This year, the following lends a hand in creating the perfect sound carpet:

AUGUST (DK) usually knocks about as a DJ together with Rui da Silva and the people behind Wet Yourself, who have worked the London clubs The Egg and Fabric. Seen from the chill-appreciator's point of view, the productions under his own name should also be mentioned – such as his appearance on several of the Stella Polaris compilations.

ASLE BJØRN (DK) is a versatile DJ who – besides flipping records – also produces and composes his own music. He is famous for making house music – but is also well versed in intimate dub and chill.

KREDE (DK) has many specialties – but he is perhaps an specially popular DJ when it comes to lounge and chill. He started out as a DJ in the mid-80s at various clubs and radio stations. Since then, his name has been on numerous party flyers.

MIKKEL METAL (DK) has in recent years stood out as one of the leading figures in minimal techno and dub. A unique act in Danish electronic music.

OLIVER JONES (DK) are two experienced figures on the electronic scene. Oliver Bierlich has a long list of releases behind him under the monikers Reefer Decree and ORYX, while Jonas Christiansen has his roots on the house and breakbeat scene.

roskilde-festival.dk

earthTV picks up the Latin beat

earthTV, part of the Telcast Media Group, is pleased to announce a new camera in Rio de Janeiro – its first camera location in South America as it continues to build its global network.

Full of teeming life Tavares Bastos is known as the safe Favela [shanty town] in Rio de Janeiro and the view from the now legendary Maze Inn is one of the finest in Brazil – and that is where earthTV’s first camera in South America is situated. From here one can watch central Rio stretching out below before lifting your eyes across the beautiful Guanabara Bay to see the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. The location is also temporary home to filmmakers and celebrities from around the world and there could be no more fitting venue for earthTV to capture the heartbeat of the city of samba rhythms, golden sands and carnival.

Thomas Hohenacker, Founder and CEO of earth television network’s mother company Telcast Media Group, comments; ‘earthTV now stretches right around the globe providing broadcasters and all media platforms with unmatched images of the world we live in. We are delighted to have made landfall in South America and are confident that the camera in Rio will be the first of many across the continent.’

earthTV is the most successful daily LIVE programme out of Europe, reaching over 2 billion Television viewers in 200 countries and regions - available in any language and station design, delivered LIVE every hour, 24 times per day. earthTV’s spectacular 90 seconds LIVE programming airs on more than 60 TV channels around the world, including CenterTV (Russia), CWTV (China), Al Arabiya (Middle East), France2 (France), Sky Travel (UK), N24 (Germany), SBS (Australia), The Weather Channel (USA) and NDTV (India). earthTV content is also available on selected mobile and 3G platforms, and on airport media. In January 2007 earthTV launched its new online platform www.earthTV.com.

earthTV / openpr.com

Country Music Artist Billy Craig NEW CD is in the works

Country Music Artist Billy Craig is in the studio cutting 17 brand new songs in which 14 will be packaged for his new full length CD to be released late summer. Although there are big songs with big fun with big guitars and attitude he will still deliver tunes from the sentimental and emotional side as well.

“Billy is an amazing artist with tremendous scope and he successfully touches on many different feels from soft acoustic to the rockier country with his writing ability” says Brad Johnson Global Promotions All Things Media ATM Records.

With the success of his latest CD THIS SIDE OF SOMEWHERE he had the powerful country tune MILLIONAIRE to the Jimmy Buffet induced FLIP FLOPS and has enjoyed a fair amount of airplay in the USA, Europe and Australia.

We’re looking to ramp up the new CD in a big way that will include an international radio rollout with music stores nationally as well as all the online digital distribution areas. We’ll be doing live radio and in store promotions as the release date gets closer while working on a major tour.

All Things Media creates and produces music content for worldwide distribution

All Things Media / openpr.com

Toronto’s Sweetheart Ayah’s with Debut Album

TORONTO and LOS ANGELES (June 3rd, 2009) - After busting onto the scene last year with her Problem Woman mixtape and numerous cameos and features with hip-hop legends and newcomers, Ayah was more than ready to make a lane for herself in the music world.

On April 15th, 2009 Ayah began what is sure to be an everlasting imprint on the music scene with her debut album, 4:15. Titled as such because it’s in the wee hours of the morning when Ayah feels, “the realest, the most creative and the most vulnerable,” 4:15 is laced with gems featuring production from the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slakah the Beatchild and Lyve, to name a few.

After an astounding response to the album through her website, www.ayahmusic.com, E1 Music (formerly Koch Records) will be digitally distributing the album on popular music sites such as iTunes, Amazon, Zune, dozens of cell phone carriers, ringtone sites and more.

Ayah has often said, “I know there are people in all corners of the world who will be touched, inspired and able to relate to my music,” and with her digital release today she’s sure to garner new fans and please those who have been patiently waiting.

When asked how she feels about having her album available digitally thru E1 Music, Ayah states, “I have supporters in countries I hadn't even considered to have known about me, so to have my album available digitally through the internet, and for them to be able to get it, is really exciting!”

Tracklisting and credits for Ayah’s “4:15”:
1) Slow It Down (Produced by Thrysite)
2) Might Not Be (Produced by Lyve)
3) Fallen (Produced by Amir)
4) 4:15 am (Produced by Al Khaaliq)
5) He Don't Want It (Produced by Dj Jazzy Jeff)
6) Who Are We (Produced by Häzel)
7) In My Lifetime (Produced by Thrysite)
8) Do it All Again (Produced by Slakah the Beatchild)

Bonus:
Believe (Produced by Slakah the BeatChild)

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR THE BONUS TRACK "BELIEVE":
vimeo.com/3364371

TO DOWNLOAD THE 4:15 ALBUM SAMPLER CLICK HERE
www.sendspace.com/file/o0pl9n

www.ayahmusic.com
www.myspace.com/ayahmusic

Vanessa Anderson - AM PR Group / openpr.com

8th World Wind Energy Conference 2009 in South Corea

Bonn/Seoul (WWEA – 5 June 2009) - The first World Wind Energy Conference ever held in Korea is approaching. Speakers from 40 countries will present in more than 130 presentations the latest developments of wind energy. The conference will focus on wind energy utilisation on islands as well as around islands: offshore applications as well as hybrid and stand-alone systems. Both are key technologies for the shift towards a future global energy supply based on 100 % renewable energy.
Offshore wind energy accounts today for roughly 1,5 GW of installed wind turbines, equaling 1 % of the globally installed wind capacity. Many countries in Asia like Korea and China, in Europe and in North America, are further exploring this technology and are planning huge offshore wind farms to contribute large shares to their energy supply. Islands like the conference venue, Jeju, are often offering excellent conditions for installing wind turbines in their vicinity in the sea.

Renewable energy hybrid systems, especially wind in combination with other renewable technologies, will play a key role in providing electricity for islands which often possess an abundance of wind and other renewable resources. In many cases smaller scaled wind turbines would be applied for such purposes. A lot of progress has been made in the past few years in combining and integrating such different renewable technologies. These technologies are also increasingly important for rural electrification in remote or unserved areas, such as in many underdeveloped countries.

WWEC2009 will discuss also effective national and international policies which are an essential precondition for the success of wind energy. The conference will make its outcomes available both to the International Renewable Energy Agency which is in the founding process as well as to the UN climate change negotiations which aim at a more effective international climate change agreement to be adopted in Copenhagen by the end of this year.

About the World Wind Energy Conference 2009: The Korea Wind Energy Association (KWEA) in partnership with the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) and supported, amongst others, by the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the Government of Jeju Province, UNESCO and the German Ministry for Environment, presents the Korean debut of the 8th World Wind Energy Conference “Wind Power for Islands - Offshore and Onshore”, on Jeju Island, Korea, on 23-25 June 2009.
Jeju island is the ideal location for the WWEC2009, hosting South Korea's first commercial wind farm and aiming at a total capacity of 500 MW which will provide one third of the island's electricity.

Confirmed speakers include internationally renowned speakers: Mr Kim Hyong O, Speaker of the National Assembly of Korea, the Governor of Jeju Province Mr Kim Tae Hwan, the Minister for Energy and Deputy Premier of Ontario the Hon. George Smitherman, Mr Kai Schlegelmilch (German Ministry for the Environment), Manuel Menéndez Castellanos (Government of Cuba), Mr Hans-Josef Fell, Energy Spokesman of the Green Party in the German Parliament, WWEA President Dr. Anil Kane, Prof. Choong-Yul Son, President of the Korean Wind Energy Association, Prof. He Dexin, President of the Chinese Wind Energy Association, Hon. Peter Rae AO, Chairman of the International Renewable Energy Alliance and Vice Chairman of REN21, Dr Preben Maegaard, President of the World Wind Energy Institute, Dr Franz Alt, internationally renowned journalist and author.

Core programming includes presentations on technology advances with a special focus on hybrid and offshore applications, policy innovation, governance. A Trade Show, a Conference Banquet and a poster exhibition round out the WWEC 2009 schedule. For more information including the WWEC2009 programme please visit the WWEC2009 website at www.2009wwec.com

For more information, please visit www.2009wwec.com

Rock the Runway Brought the Glamour of Rock to Over 2,500 Southern California Residents

On Saturday, May 2, over 2,500 people shared a day of glamour, rock and art with The Art Institute of California – Orange County. In just five short hours, guests of the second annual Rock the Runway event watched as students were awarded over $750,000 in tuition scholarships, heard two bands play hour-long sets, stood by as artists created a mural, ate gourmet hot dogs and mashed potato cocktails and were mesmerized by the professionally-produced fashion show that wrapped up the evening.

The highlight of Rock the Runway was the fashion show not only because of the looks from Miss Me, Elmer Ave, The Hive, Level 99 for men, Cohesive, shoes from Velvet Angels and PF Flyers and shades from Oakley, but because it was the runway debut for seven Fashion Design students.

The students competed against each other in the Rock Icon design competition and were challenged to create an outfit for a music legend of the past or present. The winner of the $2,000 design scholarship was decided by a panel of three judges: Rami Kashou, from season four of Project Runway; Lily McElroy, editor-in-chief of Preen Magazine; and Jonny Day, co-founder and designer for Elmer Ave.

Daniel Magaña, a fourth-quarter fashion student, was announced the winner and recipient of the $2,000 scholarship for his outfit inspired by Rihanna. The leather corset complete with spikes, chains and feather details, was modeled by Saleisha, the winner of America’s Next Top Model, cycle 9.

“The students in this competition have only had two to four quarters of instruction and they are already producing such high quality work,” said Mary Ann Gale, Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management Academic Director. “I can only imagine how much more these students are going to grow by the time they get closer to graduation and producing their senior show.”

Rock the Runway began last year as a way to celebrate the arrival of the Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing & Management programs. The event this year showcased the 16 different creative programs available at The Art Institute of California – Orange County.

“The Art Institute of California – Orange County is proud to be a part of this community and we were happy to open our doors to the students, industry leaders and members of the media that make Orange County thrive,” said Daniel Levinson, president of The Art Institute of California – Orange County. “Rock the Runway is our way of getting to know our neighbors and letting our neighbors learn what we are all about.”

Aside from awarding scholarships, the second annual fashion, art and music festival also helped raise money for future competitions. Artists from eVocal customized hats and shoes for guests for a small fee and t-shirts designed by a local artist were also sold and contributed to the over $500 added to the scholarship fund. Sponsors also donated over $1,000 in goods for the online auction which is open until May 9.

To see pictures of the event, learn how to help raise scholarship funds for competitions like Rock Icon or to bid on items in the online auction, visit www.airocktherunway.com.

About The Art Institute of California – Orange County
The Art Institute of California – Orange County is a design, media, fashion and culinary arts school providing bachelor’s and/or associate’s degree programs in Advertising, Baking & Pastry, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Digital Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, Visual & Game Programming and Web Design & Interactive Media. Located in the heart of Orange County’s South Coast Metro region, The Art Institute of California – Orange County is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County’s thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous beaches. The Art Institute of California – Orange County is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Media Contacts
Tricia Cook
openpr.com

Roskilde Festival attracts Aussies

Each year, numerous Australians take the long journey from the land down under way up north to Roskilde Festival. We have asked one of our Aussie fans why the festival is worth the trip. Although Australia could not possibly be any further away, Roskilde always attracts a delegation of festival-happy Aussies who travel across the world for eight days of the special Roskilde experience.

One of them is Chris Woods who first came to Roskilde in 2006:
“Roskilde Festival had been on my radar for a long time as it always popped up on the majority of my favourite bands' tours. Then I investigated further and found out the full line-ups of previous years and was blown away,” he says.

Dedicated Roskilde guest
What eventually induced him to go was a combination of the facts that he had a friend working in Norway at the time and that his favourite band Tool was announced.

“We tossed up the crazy idea that I should come over to do the festival – a special two-week trip just for the festival. To fly half way around the world just for a festival was out there. But I did it!”
Since then, the Aussie has come back to the field outside of Roskilde each year in the first weekend of July. He survived the mud flood in 2007 and came back in 2008, which he describes as “absolutely phenomenal.”

This year, however, will to his great regret not see Chris Woods at Roskilde Festival, as he is to have an operation.

“I have discussed the option to delay the operation with my wife, but finally she has put up the red card. No doubt that I'll be there next year,” says the dedicated Aussie.

Roskilde on Australian TV channel
However, other young Australians will find their way up north this summer for the special Roskilde experience, as Australian TV channel Channel [V] places Roskilde Festival on their list of things to do before turning 30. The channel visited the festival in 2008 and they were so excited about Roskilde Festival that they encourage all young Australians to go for the great music and, not least, the great atmosphere. As they state on their website:

“Denmark might not be the first place Aussies think about going before they're 30. But when it's so close to London, full of friendly Danish who love getting their kit off and home to one of Europe's top three music festivals, a visit is definitely recommended.”

You can watch Channel [V]’s video from Roskilde Festival by following the link below.

VISIT CHANNEL [V]’S WEBSITE

roskilde-festival.dk / press release

Sharp, alternative acts to Roskilde

This run-up offers extra treats for the indie crowd in the shape of I’m From Barcelona, Wavves and The Whitest Boy Alive.

Roskilde Festival has something great for fans of indie pop, noise punk and dance-friendly pop rock. Three solid acts make the final festival poster at the last minute.

I’M FROM BARCELONA (S) plays indie pop with a large number of winds, synthesizers, accordion and choir singers. In spite of a crew that could fill half a football team, the sound is often light and carefree in that special way that characterises Swedish pop music - ­ from ABBA to Jens Lekman.

WAVVES (US) has in a short time become one of the hottest acts on the buzzing blogs where the young Californian has been hailed as a new great talent. Nathan Williams plays simple, catchy songs about skateboards and boredom, which he buries in a thick blanket of white guitar noise.

THE WHITEST BOY ALIVE (N/DE) delivers a quite unique combination of white funk, German electronics and catchy pop, which enthuses at concerts as well as on record. Norwegian Erlend Øye and his German playmates played with us the last time in 2007. Since then they have been high on many people’s lists of dream concerts at this year’s Roskilde Festival.

The last few empty slots...
Roskilde Festival is not quite done yet. Few slots on the programme are still empty, and a handful of Lounge and Pavilion Junior acts also look forward to being announced in the near future.

24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference

The 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (September 21-25, 2009) and Exhibition (September 21-24, 2009) in Hamburg/Germany will once again be the world’s largest business-to-business and business-to-science event for the specialised PV solar sector with more than 780 exhibitors already signed up and more than 1,000 plenary oral and visual presentations.

The 24th EU PVSEC will highlight progress in research, technological development and production processes, bringing together all key specialists of the industry to make it the most informative platform for the global PV Solar Sector.

The exhibition includes international manufacturers of PV modules and components, manufacturers of production equipment, supply industry, PV system companies and distributors, PV installation companies, PV project development companies, research and testing institutes and engineering consultancies.

Exhibitors see the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition as their event for their photovoltaic business.

Hans-Jürgen Stangl, Board Member Singulus Technologies AG and CEO Stangl Semiconductor Equipment AG states: "The EU PVSEC developed from a sophisticated Technology Conference to a combination of Conference and high profile PV Technology Exhibition. It's the best opportunity of the year for networking, initiating and intensifying business contacts. The EU PVSEC is also indispensable to learn about the trends and development in PV technology in the future."

Sven Jarby, Marketing & Communications, Oerlikon Systems, Liechtenstein: “For the solar business at Oerlikon, the specialist event EU PVSEC is one of the most important events in the photovoltaic sector.”

The European Solar Conference continues to be the vital science-to-science and science-to-business part of the event. It covers a broad spectrum of research and development as well as market, policy and strategy topics. Over 4,000 participants are expected to attend this year’s Conference. A record number of 1,580 papers (20% up on last year’s numbers) have been submitted from over 70 countries. The Conference Programme outline is available online at www.photovoltaic-conference.com.

Background
For 32 years now, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition has combined a very nameable international Scientific Conference with an Industry Exhibition. Since 2004 the EU PVSEC takes place every year. Over 5 days of conference and 4 days of exhibition, new products and technical innovations from all areas of photovoltaics and from all over the world are on show.

The 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition EU PVSEC 2009 will be held in Hamburg, Germany. The PV Solar Conference is expected to attract some 4,000 participants, and the accompanying industry exhibition around 40,000 visitors. About 800 exhibitors will be presenting new ideas and technical solutions from the field of photovoltaics. The EU PVSEC, which is held at different venues throughout Europe, ranks as the world's leading event specialized in photovoltaics. It is supported by the European Commission, UNESCO’s Natural Science Sector, the World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE), the International Photovoltaic Equipment Association (IPVEA) and is realized in close cooperation with the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

Background information about WIP
WIP, founded in 1968, plans, develops and monitors the realisation and operation of systems and installations in the fields of Renewable Energies and environmental engineering. Since 1986 WIP has been the organiser of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference & Exhibition (EU PVSEC), which takes place once a year in Europe.

For further information, please visit: www.photovoltaic-conference.com

30th Annual Long Beach Blues Festival

Long Beach, CA (OPENPRESS) May 29, 2009 -- Bobby Womack, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mavis Staples and the Funky Meters will be among the performers at the 30th annual Long Beach Blues Festival, set to take place Saturday and Sunday, September 5 & 6 at Rainbow Lagoon Park, adjacent to the Long Beach Marina, in downtown Long Beach. Tickets for the festival go on sale on May 30, with ticket information available at http://www.jazzandblues.org .

The festival is the flagship event and an important revenue generator for KJAZZ 88.1 FM, the #1 full-time jazz and blues radio station, and one of only five remaining, in the country.

Young guitar master Kenny Wayne Shepherd tops the bill on Saturday, September 5 along with New Orleans’ Funky Meters featuring original members Art Neville and George Porter Jr. Also appearing Saturday are Texas blues/rock guitarslinger Johnny Winter; soul singer Betty Lavette, whose recent albums for Anti- Records have received high critical marks; the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, the youngest band ever to be nominated for a Blues Music Award; and Hill Country Revue featuring Cody Dickinson and Chris Chew of the North Mississippi Allstars.

The line-up on Sunday, September 6 includes recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Womack, known for such hits as “Lookin’ For a Love,” “It’s All Over Now,” “Across 110th Street” and “That’s the Way I Feel About Cha”; and Mavis Staples, long the lead voice of the Staple Singers (“Respect Yourself,” “I’ll Take You There”) who has forged a vital solo career in recent years. Also on the Sunday bill are the Blind Boys of Alabama, purveyors of rockin’ gospel since 1939; Louisiana slide-guitar wizard Sonny Landreth; four-time Blues Music Award nominee Diunna Greenleaf, from Houston; and the Andy Walo Trio, whose guitar-wielding frontman accompanied the late Junior Wells for many years.

In its three decades of existence, the Long Beach Blues Festival has become one of the nation’s pre-eminent blues celebrations. As a major fundraiser for publicly supported radio station KJAZZ, the event serves not only as an annual weekend devoted to a classic American music form, but to help keep jazz and blues on the air all year long.

Over its long history, the Long Beach Blues Festival has featured a who’s who of influential blues and soul artists including Chuck Berry, Booker T, Taj Mahal, Dr. John, Little Richard, Jerry Butler, Bobby Blue Bland, Otis Rush, Etta James, Charles Wright & the 103rd Street Rhythm Band, Robert Cray, Bo Diddley, Little Milton, Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Jimmy Smith, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Joe Liggins & the Honeydrippers, Big Joe Turner, Lowell Fulson, R.L. Burnside, John Mayall, Charlie Musselwhite, Eddie Floyd, Lonnie Mack, The Blasters, Son Seals, Irma Thomas, the Allman Brothers Band and the Black Crowes.

According to co-producer Bill Silva at Bill Silva Presents, “Once again, we are thrilled to be involved in the 30th anniversary of the Long Beach Blues Festival at the Rainbow Lagoon Park. We couldn’t be more pleased with the array of artists we have scheduled to appear at this gorgeous site.”

Rum & Humble’s Martin Fleischman adds, “It's always a privilege and a pleasure to spend Labor Day weekend with a full complement of world-renowned blues and soul artists on hand. This is our heritage and the Long Beach Blues festival has allowed us to nurture and celebrate it every year for 30 years now.”

“Year in, year out, the Blues Festival has proven to be one of the largest events for Cal State Long Beach," said President F. King Alexander. "We are very pleased to be able to share the success of this two-day event with the city of Long Beach and our community."

Presale tickets become available exclusively through Ticketmaster Thursday, May 28 at the Early Bird Presale price of $39.50 per day or $70 for a weekend pass. Starting Saturday, May 30, tickets will sell at the Plan Ahead discount price of $43.50 per day or $75 for a weekend pass. Advance Price tickets will take effect once Plan Ahead tickets are gone, at $49.50 per day or $80 for a weekend pass. Plan Ahead and Advance tickets will available through Ticketmaster, at World of Strings in Long Beach and at West L.A. Music in West Los Angeles and Universal City.

In addition, the Festival offers several VIP package rates, all of which include a donation to benefit KJAZZ: The Buddy Pack (two weekend passes plus parking and beverages) for $300; and the Platinum Pass (two VIP weekend passes plus VIP parking, food and beverage) for $750. Also offered are the Backstage Pass (two backstage passes plus VIP parking, food and beverages) at $1,500 and the Ultimate Backstage Pass (two backstage weekend passes and a reserved seating area plus VIP parking, food, beverages and hotel or transportation) at $5,000.

VIP ticket packages are available directly from KJAZZ by calling (310) 478-5061 or online at http://www.jazzandblues.org/events/lbbf/2009/microsite/.

The Long Beach Blues Festival is produced by Bill Silva Presents and Rum & Humble. Executive producers are the California State University Long Beach Foundation and Global Jazz, Inc