Friday, March 25, 2005
Featured Event: Stan Humphries Celebrity Classi
The Stan Humphries Celebrity Classic is a four-day golf tournament, April 20-24, featuring some of the greatest athletes in the history of the NFL, MBA, NBA, NHL and Olympics along with some of the most recognizable names in the world of entertainment. Over the past seven years, this tournament has raised over $800,000 for local charities. This year the tournament benefits San Diego Children's Hospital and Health Center.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Simpson, Lachey secretly split?
The Jessica Simpson-Nick Lachey Relationship Deathwatch Corps got out the ashes and sackcloth this week.
Life & Style Weekly reports that friends of the made-for-TV twosome say the couple already are secretly separated.
"Some of Nick and Jessica's friends are saying the decision to split up has already been made," offers the magazine's spy. "They may already be history, and they're just waiting for the right time to make the announcement."
World Wrestling Entertainment Invades Los Angeles Starting Tuesday, March 29, With Series of Public Events As Part of WrestleMania 21 Week
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2005--In keeping with the theme of "WrestleMania Goes Hollywood", World Wrestling Entertainment(R) will invade the Los Angeles area from Tuesday, March 29, through Monday, April 4, with a series of autograph signings, school programs, a wrestling exhibition on Hollywood Boulevard, and a 2005 WWE(R) Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, all leading up to the presentation of its annual live event and Pay-Per-View pop culture extravaganza WrestleMania(R) 21.
On Sunday, April 3, WWE will present WrestleMania 21 at STAPLES Center before a capacity crowd of up to 20,000 WWE fans from 14 countries and 48 states. All available seats for the WrestleMania 21 September 2004 on-sale were sold in less than one minute, setting records for the fastest ticket sell-out in STAPLES Center and WWE history. WrestleMania 21 can be purchased on Pay-Per-View through local cable affiliates or satellite providers, and will be seen in more than 90 countries.
The activities begin on Tuesday, March 29, when WWE Superstars hold the first of several "WWE Fan Frenzy(TM)" autograph signings. The signings will be held each day leading up to WrestleMania 21 at major retailers such as Toys R' Us, Tower Records and Blockbuster Video.
Starting Wednesday, March 30, WWE Superstars will visit eight middle schools in the Los Angeles area as part of WWE's national Get R.E.A.L. program. The WWE Superstars will talk to thousands of students about the importance of respect, education, achievement and leadership.
On Thursday, March 31, at noon, WWE Superstars will invade Hollywood and Highland with a special WrestleMania 21 wrestling exhibition free to the public. Westbound lanes of Hollywood Boulevard in front of Hollywood and Highland Center will be closed to traffic to accommodate the event. On Thursday, from 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) until 11 p.m., the House of Blues on Sunset will host the THQ Superstar Challenge, which features the WWE Superstars competing against one another in a WrestleMania21 Xbox Tournament. Tickets for this event can be obtained from House of Blues or through Ticketmaster.
On Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, the WWE's "Road to WrestleManiaTour", completes its journey across the United States since kicking off in mid-January. The "retail-tainment" tour's final destination is Westfield Shoppingtown Fox Hills, 294 Fox Hills Mall in Culver City. WWE Superstars and Legends will be on hand to greet fans and sign autographs. For more information, please call (310) 390-5073. Sponsors of the "Road to WrestleMania Tour" are Army National Guard, Mattel, and the Esuvee Safety Campaign.
On Saturday night, April 2, WWE will induct seven WWE Legends into its Hall of Fame, including the immortal Hulk Hogan. Inducting Hulk Hogan will be movie superstar Sylvester Stallone, currently the co-host of the NBC hit reality series, The Contender (Sunday, 8 p.m. (ET)). Also to be inducted are: "Rowdy" Roddy Piper by Stone Cold Steve Austin; "Cowboy" Bob Orton by his son Randy Orton; "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart by Jerry "The King" Lawler; "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan; The Iron Sheik by Sgt. Slaughter; and Nikolai Volkoff by Jim "J.R." Ross. The Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles will be the site of the induction ceremony. Seats for the WWE Hall of Fame Induction are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 213-480-3232. Portions of the WWE Hall of Fame Induction can be seen on Spike TV on Saturday, April 2, at 11 p.m. (ET).
From Monday, March 28, to Saturday, April 2, team stores at Universal Studios and STAPLES Center will be selling exclusive WrestleMania 21 merchandise and WWE Superstar items. The Universal Studios store is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The STAPLES Center store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sunday morning, April 3, at its annual Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch, WWE will honor its Circle of Champions, a dozen children and teens from around the United States and Canada who have shown courage in dealing with serious illnesses or disabilities. The organizations participating in the event are Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pediatric Center of New York Foundling Hospital, Sunshine Foundation, and Children's Wish of Canada.
Then, at 4 p.m. (PT), it's the Main Event, WrestleMania 21 at the sold-out STAPLES Center.
Due to the overwhelming demand, WWE will invade STAPLES Center for one more night, as Monday Night RAW(R) will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on Monday, April 4, on Spike TV.
More information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For a complete list of WrestleMania Week activities, please visit www.wrestlemania.com.
Trademarks: The names of all World Wrestling Entertainment televised and live programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans and wrestling moves and all World Wrestling Entertainment logos are trademarks which are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreement, including television distribution agreement; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition to these risks and uncertainties, our dividend is based on a number of factors, including our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan, our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends and such other factors as our board of directors may consider relevant.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Ring report
On March 26, a Bang TV taping is at the Dory Funk Arena inside O'Malley's on the square in downtown Ocala. On March 27, learn secrets on pleasing the wrestling fans, training in the gym, making it in the wrestling business and becoming a star.
Van Dam had surgery on his knee in late January. He was wrestling with a torn ACL for some time, and his meniscus was also torn. For information on participating in the camp call 352-895-4658 or e-mail fuanku@dory-funk.com.
• Bang TV is 3 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 1 a.m. Fridays on WOGX/Fox Ch. 51 in Ocala, Fla. and 10 a.m. Saturdays on UPN Ch. 57 in Tallahassee.
• NWA/TNA talent Petey Williams will bring his exciting brand of action to Full Impact Pro in March. Williams is the master of the most devastating finishing move in the entire wrestling business, The Canadian Destroyer.
Friday, March 25 at Latino's Night Club in Lakeland, Fla.: ROH champ Austin Aries, American Dragon Bryan Danielson, New Dawn leader CM Punk, Dave Prazak's DP Associates of LaDuke Jakes, Jimmy Rave, Insane Dragon and Fast Eddie Vegas, Roderick Strong, James Gibson (formerly Jamie Knoble in WWE), Don Juan, Jared Steel, Mike Foxx, Petey Williams and more.
Saturday, March 26 at C4 in in Sebring, Fla.: Bryan Danielson vs. CM Punk. Also, ROH champ Austin Aries, Insane Dragon of DP Associates with Dave Prazak, Roderick Strong, Antonio Banks, Vordell Walker, Don Juan, Jared Steel, Mike Foxx, Petey Williams, Kahagas, Sebring's Aaron Epic and more.
• Mid American Wrestling is 8 p.m. Friday, March 25 at The Sports Connection, 3000 S. 13th St. in Milwaukee's Southside, one block north of Oklahoma Avenue. Title vs. Title: MAW champ Classic Colt Cabana vs. MAW Junior champ Brandon Thomaselli.
MAW Tag Team champs Void Effect managed by Short Stack vs. The Extreme Dream Team Corporal Robinson and Hardcore Craig. Ian Rotten vs. Marco Stylz. Dysfunction vs. 2 Phat Jason Dukes. Tickets $15.
• EWA is 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Bowleys Quarters Fire Department in Baltimore. Heavyweight Title: Stevie Riggs vs. Blood.
Derek Frazier and Chri$ Ca$h vs. Ruckus and Steve Desire. Tag Team Titles: Extreme Pandemonium vs. The Prep Club. Also appearing Morgus The Maniac, Jim Christian, Eagle,Johnny Monster, Jimmy Starz and Zack Matthews.
• The Hollywood Greyhound Track hosts WWE's pay-per-view WrestleMania Sunday, April 3 at its renovated Dog House Sports Bar and Grill, one mile east of I-95 at US-1 / Federal Highway and Pembroke Road in (South Florida) Hallandale Beach.
Free admission. Enjoy food and beverages from a new family friendly menu while watching the wrestling extravaganza on many big screens. Call 954-924-3200.
• Ring Wars Carolina & C&C Entertainment's Past, Present & Future 2 is 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at the Falcon Village Entertainment Center on the corner of Raeford Road and Bingham Drive.
Autograph party starts at 2 p.m.
The American Dream Dusty Rhodes vs. King of Old School Steve Corino. Surprise legend will also appear. Female Battle Royal with ROH's Allison Danger, April Hunter, Lexie Fyfe, Krissy Vaine, Amber O'Neal, ODB, Fantasia, Brandy Wine, Lovely Lacey and Amy Sue.
Plus, Mr.No. 1 George South, The Enforcer C.W. Anderson, Hangtime, Mr. Fantastic,Dr. Love, The Phat Boyz, The Tatars, Ali Steele, RWC champ The Stro (formerlyMaestro of WCW) and Team Drive-By.
VIPs also receive two tickets to the April 9 show at the Westover Recreation Center in Fayetteville, NC.
Advanced tickets are $12.50 at the Carolina Clean Car Wash on Pamalee Drive, 910-630-0905. Cost is $15.50 day of show. VIP tickets are $25 and include the above and ringside seats for the live show.
• Cleveland All Pro Wrestling is 3 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at Turner's Hall in Cleveland, OH. Chris Hamrick vs. Chris Hero. Josh Prohibition vs. Matt Stryker.
Nigel McGuinness vs. Alex Shelley. Da Munchies vs. JT Lightning and J-Rocc vs. MichaelHellborn and Barry Sagitarious. Raymond Rowe vs. Ian Roth.
Jimmy Jacobs vs. M-Dogg 20. Adam Cage vs. Bane. Tracy Smothers and Sterling James Keenan vs. Dios Salvador and Justin Idol.
• The Elite Pro Wrestling Training Seminar with Les Thatcher and Dr. Tom Pritchard is Friday-Sunday, April 8-10 at the historic Spindale House in Spindale, NC.
If time and logistics permit, Ricky Steamboat will be joining Thatcher and Pritchard during the seminar. The camp is open to beginners, intermediates and experienced independent wrestlers. E-mail ngwmatt@yahoo.com.
• NWA Florida Tag Team champs Double Deuce (Uptown Frankie Capone and Marcus Dillon) will wrestle for Extreme World Warfare on Friday, April 8 in Oxford, England. They will compete in singles' action.
Uptown Frankie Capone, the current EWW British champ, will defend the title against former friend and No. 1 contender The Dominator. In the battle of the big men, Marcus Dillon at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, faces Flatliner, 6-foot-3, 298 pounds in a Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ contest.
Also, Ashe vs. Playboy Phil Bedwell, Bash vs. Cyclone, and Psycho Silvera vs. Battalion.
• Following the Tampa Bay Storm and Orlando Predators arena football game, NWA Florida presents The War on I-4 on Saturday, April 9 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
NWA Florida Title: WWE star Jerry The King Lawler vs. Bruce Steele (champ). NWA Southern Title: NWA/TNA's Raven vs. Lex Lovett (champ).
NWA Florida Tag Team Titles: Double Deuce (champs) vs. Iceman Buck Quartermain and Rod Steel with Hardcore Giant Ron Niemi. Erick Stevens vs. Mikey Tenderfoot.
NWA FL X Title: NWA/TNA's Mikey Batts (champ) vs. former WWE star James Gibson (Jamie Noble) vs. Roderick Strong. Modern Miracle Steve Madison vs. Vordell Walker.
Visit www.tampabaystorm.com.
• The NWANJ is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at the Boys & Girls Club in the Bayway section of Elizabeth, NJ. Matches include NWANJ Lightweight Champion Bandido Jr. defending against Grim Reefer, and Crazy Ivan facing D2 Danny Doring.
• The Notorious 187 Homicide defeated Crazy Ivan and lightweight champ Bandido Jr. when NWANJ made its way to Passaic, NJ on Sunday, March 20.
Ariel retained the women's title against Cindy Rogers. Danny Yams of ESK with manager Penny Dreadful defeated Dan De Man. Warpath beat Rockin Rebel to become the NWANJ heavyweight champ for the second time. El Fantastico defeated Harito Fujinami and American Killer. In his NWANJ debut, Kage beat Monsta Mac with manager Classy Mike Trash.
Flesheater Kuvatro and the Renegade Angel defeated the ESK Psycho and Rayza with manager Penny Dreadful. La Bestia Roja with SDN defeated Apache. Bison Bravado beat Excess. The debuting Christopher Street Connection Buff E and Maze Mendoza defeated the NWANJ tag team champs The Original Outlaws Bandido and Black Angel via disqualification. Pat Savino and Don Felipe served as referees. Orlando Perez handled ring announcing duties.
• NWA Florida is 8 p.m. Friday, May 6 at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 East Seminole Blvd. in Sanford.
See NWA TNA star The Phenomenal A.J. Styles, NWA Southern champ Lex Lovett, Notorious 187 Homicide, NWA Florida champ Bruce Steele, Roderick Strong, NWA Florida X champ Mikey Batts, NWA Florida Tag Team champs Double Deuce, Chasyn Rance with Mister Saint Laurent, Members Only with Tiziana, Steve Madison, Rod Steel, The Heartbreak Express, The Market Crashers, Buck Quartermain, Hardcore Giant Ron Niemi, Vordell Walker, Jerrelle Clark and more.
Tickets front row/VIP $20 which include a meet-n-greet; general admission $12 advance, $15 night of show. Tickets available at Ray's Appliances, 318 S. French Ave, Sanford, 407-328-0083.
• The Valiant Brothers Reunion with Handsome Jimmy Valiant, Luscious Johnny Valiant, Gentleman Jerry Valiant and Captain Lou Albano is 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at the Holiday Inn, 1000 Roosevelt Ave. in Carteret, NJ.
The event also features Johnny Valiant's Dream Team with Brutus the Barber Beefcake and Greg The Hammer Valentine. Also, The Genius Lanny Poffo, Nikolai Volkoff with manager Nikita Breznikov and referee Dick Woerlhe. E-mail evan_ginzburg@yahoo.com.
• Penny Banner, Fuzzy Cupid, Paul Boesch, Orville Brown, John Pesek, Dick The Destroyer Beyer, Jack Brisco, Dory Funk Jr, George The Animal Steele, The Crusher and The Bruiser, Iron Mike Mazurki and Ray Thunder Stern are the 2005 Class for the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in New York.
The PWHOF weekend will kick off with a golf outing Friday, May 20 at the Amsterdam Golf Coarse, 158 Upper Van Dyke Ave. in Amsterdam, N.Y. A fireworks display, sponsored by Gendron's Truck Center, will begin at dusk Friday at River Front Park in Amsterdam.
The annual convention is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Best Western, 10 Market St. in Amsterdam. Wrestlers, promoters, publishers and vendors will be available for autographs, answer questions and display memorabilia for sale.
No admission to enter the convention. Vendor tables are available.
A meet-n-greet is 3-4 p.m. Saturday at the Best Western. The 2005 inductees along with many other wrestlers will be signing autographs and taking photos. Admission is $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Dinner/Induction Ceremony is May 21 at the Cliffside Restaurant, 360 East Main St. in Amsterdam, N.Y. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony.
Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited.
The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum is moving to 29 East Main St. in Amsterdam, N.Y. For information on the induction weekend or the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, contact Tony Vellano at 518-356-3473, tvellano@msn.com or Mike Capano at 518-725-5272, mcapano@nycap.rr.com.
MLB legends, fans hit the golf course for charity
About 175 people participated in the Golf Classic scramble tournament at the Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Fla. Fans participating in the event were grouped into 35 teams of four and then paired with one former player or celebrity per team.
Several Hall of Famers participated in the tournament, including Orlando Cepeda, Bob Feller, Ferguson Jenkins, Harmon Killebrew and Gaylord Perry. Several celebrities also took part in the event, including Mary Delgado and Byron Velvick from ABC's "The Bachelor," country music artist Daniel Lee Martin, actor Jim Turner from HBO's "Arliss," former NFL player Ricky Ervins and actor Paul Gleason from "The Breakfast Club."
Former player Jay Johnstone's team won first place in the golf tournament with a score of 58 on the par-72 course. His teammates were representives from the Knology company: Alex Job, Clem Papas, Bobby Rowe and Dave Stewart.
The MLBPAA was able to raise more than $200,000 during the course of the weekend's events, which included a dinner and auction on Saturday and an autograph signing, Home Run Derby and Legends Game on Sunday. The former players also gave a free baseball clinic for kids on Sunday afternoon at the Philadelphia Phillies' Spring Training stadium in Clearwater.
2005 Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs was chairman of the golf tournament and of the Baseball for Kids weekend. He has been chair of the event for the last four years.
"Every year they keep coming back and asking me [to chair again]; it's a no-brainer to be the chairman of this," he said.
Boggs enjoys working with the kids and having them participate in the weekend's festivities.
"The biggest enjoyment that I get out of it is seeing the kids at the events having smiles on their faces," Boggs said.
"[The kids] coming out to the game and walking around the clubhouse -- it sort of takes them away from all their troubles -- to see former Major League ballplayers and get some autographs," he said.
Boggs has been pleased with the results of the Baseball for Kids weekend's events, which get bigger each year.
"Last night was the largest crowd we had at the game, and it's growing," Boggs said. "The one goal that we have is to eradicate children's cancer -- in order to do that, you've got to raise funds and we're on the right track."
All Children's Hospital currently is raising funds for its goal of opening a new $270 million facility by 2008, which will house more services for children -- 240 individual patient rooms, an expanded intensive care unit, two floors for mothers and newborns and the largest neonatal intensive care unit in the southeast.
The players and celebrities were happy to take part in the tournament and raise money to help the children and the hospital.
Jenkins has participated in the Baseball for Kids weekend since he retired in 1983, and has been on the board for the golf outing for the last seven years.
"I think it's an outstanding event," Jenkins said. "Wade has taken it upon himself to put his name on the sponsorship, which is very good.
"It's good to see a bunch of the guys again, we all are getting older. We hope that in the next five, six years we're still here," he said.
Delgado has taken part in the Baseball for Kids weekend for three years.
"The event was definitely a success," she said. "I'm going to keep coming back every year."
Delgado said she enjoys taking part in events that are geared toward helping kids.
"I've always had a love for children, especially children who are ill -- it's in my heart, definitely," she said. "[I hope] that we raise a lot of money so it can go back to the All Children's Hospital."
Perry has taken part in the Baseball for Kids weekend for about five years and enjoys catching up with old friends at the festivities.
"The best part is getting to see some of the guys you haven't seen all year, and some of them longer than that. [You see] some of your teammates or some guys that you've known for quite a while," Perry said.
He said he was happy to see the large turnout at each of the Baseball for Kids weekend's events.
"It's been pretty good," Perry said. "We had a big crowd at the ballgame last night and had a pretty good dinner the night before, and there's a big crowd out here today. It will be some good competition out there."
Mark Matin Tour news 2005-03-22
MARK MARTIN SALUTE TO YOU FAN DAYS PLANNED FOR BATESVILLE ON MARCH 25 AND 26
Kurt Busch and Rusty Wallace will take part in the festivities as Mark Martin returns home to greet fans on Easter off-weekend
CONCORD, N.C. (March 16, 2005) -- Mark Martin will hold a 'Salute To You' Fans day in his hometown of Batesville, Arkansas on March 25 and 26. The event will be held at Mark Martin Ford Mercury. Martin will sign autographs on Friday and Saturday. Martin will be joined by special guest Kurt Busch and Rusty Wallace. Busch, the reigning Nextel Cup Champion, will sign autographs on Friday, while Wallace will sign for the fans on Saturday.
The event will also feature show cars and souvenir haulers. In addition the Ford Technology Tour, including John Force's NHRA Dragster will be on hand for the event.
"We are excited about the fan day," said Martin. "It's a part of our "Salute To You" Tour and we are hoping to get out and meet a lot of fans in the course of two days. In addition I've called in some favors and we have our Nextel Cup Champion Kurt Busch coming in. Last year we had Matt Kenseth come in, so this will be the second straight year that we've had the Nextel Cup Champion come into Batesville.
"We also have my longtime racing friend and rival Rusty Wallace coming in on Saturday. Rusty and I go back a long, long way and it really means a lot to me for him to take one of his few off days of a busy season and come here and do this for me. For both of these guys to do that means the world to me and I sure hope that the fans have a really good time."
The event starts on Friday the 25th with Martin signing autographs from noon -- 2:45 p.m. (CST). Busch will sign from 3 -- 5 p.m. that same day. On Saturday Wallace will be on hand signing from noon until 2 p.m. and Martin will wrap up the autograph fest signing again from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m.
"I guess I better have my signing hand ready," added Martin. "But that's what this year is all about. We want to get out and meet as many people as we can and be able to let them all know just how much their support has meant to us. I can't think of a better way to do that or a better place to start."
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Temuera Morrison at Celebration III
Temuera Morrison at Celebration III
March 21, 2005
Temuera Morrison, the actor who portrayed Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones and Commander Cody in the coming Revenge of the Sith will be attending Star Wars Celebration III this April in Indianapolis. The actor will be meeting fans and signing autographs. In addition to his time in the Celebration III Autograph Hall, Morrison will appear on stage to share stories of his career, including filming the prequels, and to answer audience questions.
Morrison's fans have lots of him to look forward to. The actor will appear on screen not only as Commander Cody in Revenge of the Sith, but as multiple clone characters. His character of Jango Fett is, after all, the father of the clone army.
Morrison's busy career is studded with two Best Actor awards, garnered for his role as Jake Heke in Once Were Warriors and What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? The two films hold the two top box office sales stats of all time in New Zealand. His recent films include The Beautiful Country, Renegade, and River Queen, which is in post-production. Star Wars game fans have been listening to Morrison quite often, too. The actor provided voices for the clone squad leader in Star Wars Republic Commando, for Republic soldiers and officers in Star Wars Battlefront, and of course for Jango Fett in Star Wars Bounty Hunter.
Monday, March 21, 2005
More Artists Announced for CMA Music Festival 2005 Including Sara Evans, Travis Tritt and Lee Ann Womack
"Country Music's Biggest Party" To Include Non-Stop Music, Autograph Signings,
Family Activities, Sporting Events, Special Appearances and More
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Artists continue to join the lineup for the 2005 CMA Music Festival. The four-day Music Festival takes over Downtown Nashville Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, with non-stop musical performances, celebrity autograph signings, family fun, sports activities and much more.
Artists who've joined the list of those appearing at "Country Music's
Biggest Party(TM)" now include Jessi Alexander, Jason Aldean, Deborah Allen, Keith Anderson, Jessica Andrews, Jeff Bates, Bellamy Brothers, John Berry, Blue County, Paul Brandt, Lane Brody, T. Graham Brown, Tracy Byrd, George Canyon, Carolina Rain, Anita Cochran, Tammy Cochran, Cowboy Crush, Glenn
Cummings, Amy Dalley, Joey Daniels, Linda Davis, Billy Dean, Joe Diffie, Amber Dotson, Katrina Elam, Sara Evans, Shelly Fairchild, Donna Fargo, Kevin Fowler,
The Grascals, Hanna-McEuen, Steve Holy, Hometown News, Hot Apple Pie, Jedd Hughes, Buddy Jewell, Jeannie Kendall, Royal Wade Kimes, Jill King, Miranda Lambert, Blaine Larsen, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Lines, Little Big Town, Little Texas, Lauren Lucas, Malibu Storm, Lila McCann, Neal McCoy, Craig Morgan, David Lee Murphy, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Danni O'Neill, Restless
Heart, Rushlow, Sawyer Brown, Ray Scott, Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand, Sugarland, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Lane Turner, Wayne Warner, Bryan White, The Wilkinsons, Trent Willmon, Lee Ann Womack,Chely Wright, Billy Yates, the future winner of the third season of "Nashville
Star" and more artists to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.
"I can't wait to play CMA Music Festival in 2005," said Jamie O'Neal."Every year it gets bigger and better. The CMA and the fans make it all
possible."
Artists previously announced include Trace Adkins, Steve Azar, Dierks
Bentley, Big & Rich, Brad Cotter, Cowboy Troy, Billy Currington, Josh Gracin,
The Jenkins, Jo Dee Messina, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Jon Randall,
Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, Trick Pony, Keith Urban, Phil
Vassar, Jimmy Wayne, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Michelle
Wright and the stars of NBC Daytime dramas "Days of our Lives" and "Passions."
"It is so rewarding to see the support and the commitment of these artists
to their fans and this event," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "I know
the sacrifices these artists make to be here and I know what it means to the
fans who travel from around the world -- literally -- to attend."
Dubbed the "crown jewel" of Country Music festivals by USA Today, CMA
Music Festival builds on the reputation of Fan Fair(R), which was created
exclusively for the fans in 1972. And 34 years later, the unique relationship
between Country Music artists and their admirers remains at the heart of CMA
Music Festival. Each June, the artists take time out of their busy touring
schedules to play for free, meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photos, to
give back to the people and community that have supported them throughout the
year.
With hundreds of artists expected to participate and more than 70 hours of
concerts at venues centrally located in Downtown Nashville, CMA Music Festival
is a four-day, non-stop celebration of America's music for people of all ages
who love great songs, great artists and a great time.
CMA Music Festival has a lot to offer including nightly, star-packed
concerts at The Coliseum with state-of-the-art production, two huge stages for
continuous entertainment, the popular CMA Music Festival Photo Line and giant
video screens capturing all of the excitement. In addition to the Nightly
Concerts, you'll find daily, non-stop music at the Greased Lightning(R)
Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park with an eclectic lineup of artists including
Country hit-makers, rising stars, legends, stellar bluegrass performers, and
surprise guests. Riverfront shows also feature major production support,
including daytime video screens and dual stages for non-stop music.
But CMA Music Festival isn't just about seeing artists in concert. The
event offers numerous opportunities for fans to interact and see their
favorite stars in unique settings, whether it's getting an autograph in the
Wrangler(R) Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) at the Nashville Convention Center; asking
questions during the CMA Celebrity Close Up series hosted by media personality
Lorianne Crook (extra ticket required); attending "LAWRY'S live" cooking
demonstrations in the Fun Zone; participating in arts and crafts activities at
the Bush's(R) Baked Beans Family Zone; or watching the weigh-in during the
"Bassmaster Anglers and Artists Tournament" in the Sports Zone.
Four-day ticket packages are on sale now. Packages are divided into four
categories, based on the level of reserved seating at The Coliseum. Ticket
packages include the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum; Daily Concerts at
Greased Lightning(R) Daytime Stages; daily admittance to the Wrangler(R) Fan
Fair (Exhibit Hall) featuring the Acoustic Corner; Bush's(R) Baked Beans
Family Zone; Fun Zone; Sports Zone and performance stage; CMA Music Festival
After Hours(TM); free in-town shuttles; the CMA Music Festival Program Book;
CMA Music Festival pin; and more.
LEVEL Full Price 14 and younger
Gold Circle SOLD OUT N/A
Floor (Field) $145 $100
Lower Level $125 $86
Club Level $125 $86
Four-day ticket packages for CMA Music Festival are easy to purchase.
Order over the phone by calling toll-free, 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378);
visit http://www.CMAfest.com to download an order form to fax or mail;
visit http://www.Ticketmaster.com to buy online or charge-by-phone at
(615) 255-9600. Prices do not include applicable handling fees. Ticket prices
are subject to change without notice. Order early for the best available
reserved seat at The Coliseum. All sales are final and non-refundable.
A limited number of four-day parking passes for The Coliseum are available
by phone order only. Call toll-free 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378) to order. The
price is $28 for cars; $60 for vans/shuttles; and $120 for RVs/motor coaches.
Spaces are limited and no overnight parking is allowed. Free shuttles run all
day between major Festival event locations.
For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information,
schedules, artists appearing and more, visit http://www.CMAfest.com and sign
up for e-news or purchase official CMA Music Festival merchandise.
2005 CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music
Association. CMA Board member Tony Conway is the Executive Producer of CMA
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Sunday, March 20, 2005
"Astronaut Young signs with Novaspace"
March 20, 2005 -- Apollo 16 moonwalker John Young, who also flew on the maiden Gemini and Space Shuttle missions, is set to participate in his first commercial autograph signing.
That may not sound like headline news to most, but for astronaut autograph collectors its an event that has been highly anticipated.
Long after Young's fellow Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts had retired from NASA, freeing them to sign for collectors and dealers for a fee, the six-time, seven- launch veteran remained a civil servant employed by the space agency.
Astronauts, as with all federal employees, are precluded from using their position to fundraise or otherwise profit.
Perhaps extending this code of conduct, Young replied to the many who asked for his autograph that NASA did not allow him to sign. Instead, he would suggest they write to his office at Johnson Space Center and in return he would sometimes reply with a copy of his most recent astronaut portrait, personalized and inscribed.
For many years since his last flight in 1983, Young would only sign that portrait, refusing to autograph more famous shots of himself, such as an iconic photograph of him on the Moon, jumping and saluting the flag at the same time.
As a result, the demand and the prices commanded by Gemini 3, Gemini 10, Apollo 10, Apollo 16 and even STS- 1 signed photographs signed early in Young's astronaut career surpassed those autographed by his crewmates. At times, the fee paid third parties for Young's signature could rival all others.
For example, at an auction held last October in California, a signed Apollo 10 portrait and letter framed together sold for over $1400. A similar presentation of an autographed photo and letter from the flight's Lunar Module Pilot Gene Cernan sold for less than $200.
The relative high prices and the limited opportunities to obtain a free autograph left many collectors with a Young- sized hole in their collections.
Then, in December 2004, John Young retired from NASA.
Almost immediately upon hearing the news, collectors began debating if Young would sign, and if so, when and how much would he charge.
The answers came today, with the announcement from space art dealer Novaspace Galleries that they would be organizing Young's first memorabilia signing for early May and would charge a base fee of $495.
The Novaspace offer, which invites collectors to mail in photographs, books and other material for Young to sign, is the latest of similar events hosted by the Tucson, AZ, galleries. Prior astronauts to sign for Novaspace include Apollo 13's James Lovell, Apollo 17's Harrison Schmitt, Young's Gemini 10 pilot Michael Collins and his Apollo 10 LMP Cernan.
To participate in the Young signing, collectors must be invited by Novaspace by first joining their e-mail mailing list. Then, they need to download a PDF-order form that will accompany their memorabilia. All items to be signed must be received in Tucson by April 30.
The base fee of $495 will rise by $100 for items such as astronaut Alan Bean's art prints, postal covers, baseballs and for those already signed by his Gemini crewmates. The price rises by $200 for items signed by the two other astronauts on either of Young's Apollo missions. The fee drops to $395 for collectors sending books to be signed.
Other fees will be applied for inscription requests, for use of a silver or gold pen, and to have Young photographed while signing an item. Personalizations, such as "To Ben" are free of charge.
Though the actual signing at Novaspace is closed to the public, plans are in place to auction a single opportunity to spend the day with Young, with proceeds to benefit a charity. A similar, prior auction, hosted by Novaspace on their website Astro-Auction.com netted $2255 for a day with Michael Collins.
Young's achievements during his 42-year career at NASA are unmatched. He was the first human to fly in space six times and launch seven times, six times from Earth and once from the Moon. He is the only astronaut to pilot four different types of spacecraft, flying in the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. He was the longest serving astronaut in history.
