CURRENT NEWS

HUMAN NATURE, Australia’s #1 pop vocal group with millions of albums sold worldwide, is storming America with their first-ever U.S. National tour, a new album release, The Motown Record, a spectacular PBS TV Special and a new DVD.
 
The chart-topping quartet and their seven-piece band, The Funk Foundation, is embarking on a U.S. tour this spring. “Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson” kicks off March 24 in Detroit and will travel to 33 U.S. cities. This outstanding evening of hit-driven entertainment features Motown's greatest music, inspiring audiences young and old to be “dancing in the streets” and the aisles. Tickets for all tour appearances go on sale to the public January 27. For complete tour schedule and ticket information, visit www.humannaturelive.com.
 
This cross-country tour follows the incredible success of the TV special, “Human Nature Sings Motown with Special Guest Smokey Robinson,” which premiered in December 2011 on PBS stations nationwide.
 
The new Human Nature album, The Motown Record, (set for release March 6, UMe) is a classic yet modern take on the Motown hits that influenced generations, featuring songs originally made famous by artists like the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder.  Human Nature brings their fresh soulful vocal style to classics like  “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “My Girl,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and “Stop! In The Name Of Love.” Paying tribute to the Motown sound, Human Nature’s distinctive and authentic performances of these ever-popular favorites represent everything audiences love about the songs, delivered by four supremely talented young men who sing and dance their way through the Motown hit list.
 
Hailing from Sydney, Human Nature features brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and fellow high-school classmates Phil Burton and Toby Allen. While still in school, they were captivated by the harmonies of soul, gospel and R&B.   Since forming Human Nature, these four friends have forged one of the most successful careers in Australian music history, releasing nine albums, five of which went to No. 1. They have toured internationally, and opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia. 
 
Human Nature opened the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and their 2005 Motown tribute, “Reach Out,” went platinum five times over, attracting the attention of Smokey Robinson. The legendary singer recorded “Get Ready” with Human Nature and now presents their celebration of the Motown sound in an exclusive run at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace, where they consistently have played to sold-out crowds for more than two years. Their PBS special, a telecast of the group’s impressive show produced by longtime Grammy Awards and multi-Emmy Award winning producer Ken Ehrlich, features the group singing their spectacular interpretations of Motown hits, dancing and sharing stories that delight and entertain audiences.

Now, this international pop sensation embarks on their first-ever U.S. National tour, performing in 33 cities.

www.humannaturelive.com
www.facebook.com/humannatureband

ATLANTA – Do you know a Star of Tomorrow? Variety of Georgia is looking for bright teenagers who fit the bill! The Stars of Tomorrow competition launches on October 25 as Variety of Georgia searches for talented teens. This fall, the non-profit organization lights up its latest initiative with the inaugural talent competition. Brilliant hopefuls 13-19 years old can get in on the vocal action to gain experience, exposure and the opportunity to pursue their dreams as the next Star of Tomorrow.

Stars of Tomorrow benefits Variety of Georgia initiatives across the state and aims to shine a light on Georgia’s promising young talent. Event co-chairs Carolyn Lee Wills and Former Chief Barker Mike Dangerfield help further the organization’s commitment to enhancing the lives of area youth. Through this competition, teens not only showcase their chops for industry leaders but develop skills they will use for years to come.

“Our Stars of Tomorrow competition is a great way for Georgia’s youth the set the stage for greatness,” said Variety of Georgia Executive Director Chase Evangeline Andrews. “These teens are doing big things in their communities, and we want to help them take the next step. The experiences they will have and the connections they will make will allow local youth to go farther, wherever their paths may lead.”

The competition starts with a state-wide talent call. Beginning October 25, eligible teens across Georgia can submit videos of their best performances electronically at www.sonicbids.com/starsoftomorrow. After event coordinators approve each submission, they will upload entries at www.youtube.com/varietyofgeorgia. Contestants can also share their videos among friends and family to leverage their networks and gain exposure.

Judges then select 20 finalists based on their performance videos. Already on board as a celebrity judge is Steve Clements, formerly with Disney’s The Mickey Mouse Club. During his tenure in 1989-91, Clements served as executive producer for this iconic version of the famed show, which introduced to the world such superstars as Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

These top 20 young people take the stage on January 8, 2012, at Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta for a preliminary round of judging. As the evening comes to a close, the top 10 finalists are revealed.

Stars of Tomorrow hosts its final competition at celebrated city landmark the Fox Theatre on March 11, 2012. The showcase raises the curtain on the top 10 vocalists as they perform highly anticipated acts for an eager audience. Friends and family join show-business veterans and community influencers for an evening of fun, philanthropy and dream-chasing as Starts of Tomorrow crowns its champion.

The winner of the Stars of Tomorrow singing competition will enjoy a trip for four to Universal Studios Hollywood, including accommodations, park access and transportation. The talented teen also receives an audition for the Theater of the Stars series in Atlanta, a professional photo shoot, a custom-made demo CD and tickets to an upcoming performance at The Fox Theatre.

The first and second runners-up each receive an audition for the Theater of the Stars series in Atlanta, a professional photo shoot, a custom-made demo CD and tickets to an upcoming performance at The Fox Theatre.

Georgia residents between the ages of 13 and 19 are eligible to enter the Stars of Tomorrow competition. Contestants must be amateur, unsigned, individual talent and have no professional experience. Contestants over 18, or legal guardians of contestants under 18, must sign a waiver before the contestant is allowed to compete. Video submissions will be reviewed to ensure they showcase singing talent without any harsh language.

For more information, contact Chase Evangeline Andrews at 678.994.4210 or chase@varietyofgeorgia.org.

About Variety of Georgia, Tent 21

Tent 21 was established in Atlanta in 1939 as the 21st chapter of Variety Clubs International, commonly known as the World's Greatest Children's Charity. Variety of Georgia is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

The charity’s mission is to aid and enhance the lives of children in need who may be challenged by physical and/or mental disabilities, poverty, abuse or neglect. Echoing the first Variety fundraising event, a circus-themed affair held under a big-top, clubs are often called "Tents" and members "Barkers.”

Following the tradition of the founders of the first Tent in Pittsburgh, Pa., 80 percent of the members of Tent 21 hail from the motion picture industry, though membership is open to all who care about children.

Tickets can be purchase at The Box Office, on ticketmaster.com, or call 800-745-300, and at Publix Supermarkets.
Date & time subject to change. Phone, internet & outlet orders subject to convenience fee. Produced by AEG Live / The Messina Group

Clarkson first appeared on the public’s radar in 2002 during the first season of American Idol. “When I auditioned, my apartment in Los Angeles had recently burned down and I had a box of photographs to my name,” Clarkson says. “I figured I’d get to sing and make some money to pay the bills. Nobody thought that show was going to be what it is now.” Of course Clarkson won and went on to become an international pop icon, selling over 20 million albums worldwide and notching seven singles on the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The vibrant, musically diverse ‘Stronger’, which Clarkson says was influenced by Tina Turner, Prince, Sheryl Crow, and Radiohead, will thrill those who love Clarkson for her resilience. “The whole album is very much about strength and empowerment, so ‘Stronger’ felt like the perfect title,” Clarkson says. “Plus that song is just a gold mine — it's a little bit pop, a little bit pop-rock, a little bit urban, a little bit dance, and it ties everything in. And everybody loves that message. ‘What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.’ It's a perfect representation of my life.”

And how does she think her fans around going to react to Stronger? “I have an indication that they know they're going to love it,” she says. “I ran into a fan the other day in Target. It was a mom and her daughter and they were just like, ‘Oh my God, we don't even care what you put out if you could just put something out.’ It's funny they didn’t even care what it was. I love that people still get excited about new music.”

NASHVILLE, TN – The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will return to the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA for the second year in a row to host the 2012 event. Mitchell Solarek, chairman of the board of The Gospel Music Association (GMA), made the announcement at a Dove Awards kickoff reception hosted by CCM Magazine held earlier this week in Nashville.

The GMA Dove Awards is Gospel music's biggest night of the year, featuring top artists from the many different genres of Gospel and Christian music. The event will be an evening of music and celebration held at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, April 19, 2012, and will be televised nationally on GMC (www.watchgmctv.com) on Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Mitchell Solarek, speaking to record label executives, recording artists and other industry VIPs, said, “Following last year’s outstanding event, we are excited to return to the Fox Theatre for another diverse program showcasing the most talented group of artists from within the Gospel and Contemporary Christian music genres.”

The decision last year to move the industry event to Atlanta marked the first time ever the GMA Dove Awards had been held outside of Nashville in more than four decades. The sold-out show at the Fox Theatre also garnered the highest ratings for the event to date on GMC, with more than 1.5 million viewers tuning in to watch Sherri Shepherd host the broadcast and to see an array of leading artists perform and take home honors at the annual awards show -- including Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August, and stars such as Third Day, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and Kenny Rogers.

“The Fox Theatre is thrilled to host this prestigious national event honoring the top artists in Gospel music again this year,” said Allan C. Vella, General Manager of the Fox Theatre. “Last year’s event sold out quickly, which speaks to the enthusiasm and support of the Atlanta community. The GMA Dove Awards is already becoming a much anticipated event on the Atlanta entertainment calendar and the Fox Theatre is proud to be a part of it.”

In 2012, Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories. The Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011 and voted on by the members of the GMA.

Tickets to the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will go on sale in early 2012.

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community consists of members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Dove Week and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376.

About GMC:
GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ recently awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, including DISH Network on channel 188, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

About the Fox Theatre:
The fabulous Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta's premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox's 4,678-seat theatre is booked more than 300 performances annually. An impressive range of events from Broadway to concerts to comedy, operas, ballets and movies continue to attract over 750,000 visitors per year. In addition, the Fox is host to wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings and association functions in its fabulous ballrooms, lounge and outdoor terrace. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected National Historic Landmark and a nationally acclaimed theater, and it proudly celebrates its 82nd year in 2011. Tickets for all events are available at The Fox Theatre box office or for group sales information contact the Fox Theatre at (404) 881-2000, or visit the Fox Theatre group sales web page. The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Street NE. Atlanta, GA 30308.

For information and updates on The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, please follow us:
Twitter: @GMADoveAwards
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation
Website: www.doveawards.com

Media Contact:
Dera, Roslan & Campion Inc. Public Relations
(212) 966-4600

Expanding its commitment to enriching communities, Fifth Third Bank announces its title sponsorship of the 2011-12 Broadway Across America – Atlanta series. Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities, and the Atlanta series is now billed as Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta. In 1948, Fifth Third Bank became the first financial institution in the United States to establish a charitable foundation. Today, it continues to invest the time, resources and people to nourish the communities it serves.

The Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta series welcomes theatre sojourners to discover Broadway through magical lands, bustling towns and cultural epicenters. Featuring four Tony Award®-winning musicals, the 2011-12 season lineup of Broadway sensations brings a series of imaginative worlds to Atlanta theatergoers. Audiences will travel across the globe – and beyond – with the debuts of DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, MEMPHIS and BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL paired with award-winning fan favorites WICKED, MAMMA MIA!, LES MISÉRABLES and JERSEY BOYS.

“We are thrilled to partner with Broadway Across America,” said Randy Koporc, Fifth Third GA President. “We are committed to supporting our communities and look forward to helping bring such a strong cultural asset to Atlanta and its surrounding areas.”

“With the support of Fifth Third Bank, we are able to provide highly anticipated arts experiences for our local community,” said Russ Belin, vice president of Broadway in Atlanta, part of the Broadway Across America network. “Their involvement allows us to bring Broadway’s best straight from New York to Atlanta.”

As part of the three-year partnership, Fifth Third Bank will receive a combination of marketing, hospitality and promotional elements to cultivate business, engage customers and employees and build its corporate brand in the marketplace.

The Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2011-12 season at the Fox Theatre includes:

• DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL- November 29-December 4, 2011
• MEMPHIS - January 31-February 5, 2012
• BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL - March 13-18, 2012
• LES MISÉRABLES - April 24-29, 2012
• JERSEY BOYS - May 22-June 10, 2012
  

The 2011-12 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta season specials include:

• WICKED - September 14-October 9, 2011
• MAMMA MIA! - November 2-6, 2011
  

About Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of June 30, 2011, the Company had $111 billion in assets and operated 15 affiliates with 1,316 full-service Banking Centers, including 103 Bank Mart® locations open seven days a week inside select grocery stores and 2,456 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Investment Advisors. Fifth Third also has a 49% interest in Vantiv, LLC, formerly Fifth Third Processing Solutions, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of June 30, 2011, had $276 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $25 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ(R) National Global Select Market under the symbol "FITB."

About Broadway Across America
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (producer), part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com, is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities.  Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales.  Under the supervision of Beth Williams (COO and Head of Production), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current Broadway productions include How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette, Million Dollar Quartet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jerusalem, Memphis, La Cage Aux Folles, the West End production of Million Dollar Quartet and the touring production of Dreamworks’ Madagascar Live!  For more information, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

For more information:
Jennifer Walker / Kristin Cowart
BRAVE Public Relations / 404.233.3993
jwalker@bravepublicrelations.com
kcowart@bravepublicrelations.com

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical - TM & 1957, 2011 Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P.

The League of Historic American Theatres, Inc., celebrating excellence in the preservation, restoration and sustainable operation of historic theatres throughout North America, presented its 2011 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award to Fox Theatre/Atlanta Landmarks, Inc. in Atlanta, GA and its 2011 Outstanding Individual Contribution Award to Jeff Greene, President of EverGreene Architectural Arts, Inc. in New York, NY.

League President James Boese, Vice President of Nederlander Producing Company of America, New York, NY, announced the awards during a luncheon on July 13, 2011, opening the League’s 35th Anniversary Conference, hosted by Proctors in Schenectady, NY, a community transformed through the efforts of a single historic theatre.

Presenting the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award to Molly Fortune, Director of Restoration, Boese acknowledged the Atlanta Fox Theatre’s significant accomplishments and excellence in community impact, quality of programs and services, quality of physical restoration and ability to inspire excellence among other historic theatres. John Bell, President & CEO of the Tampa Theatre in Tampa, FL, who nominated the Fox for the annual award, praised the “Fabulous Fox” as “a monumental success story in our field.”

“Atlanta’s storied landmark theatre,” said Bell, “is an exemplary institution in which community, preservation, and theatrics come together to create a project worthy of celebration and recognition by the field of historic theatres. Perhaps no other theatre in America has had such a direct and indirect impact on so many other historic theatres as the Fox. One of the early success stories in America’s historic theatre movement, the Fox inspired countless communities across the South and the nation to rediscover their own community’s historic theatres, which were often abandoned, neglected and endangered. Its high profile dramatic rescue galvanized the resolve of many other communities to save and restore their own historic theatre treasures.”

The Fox and Atlanta have benefited from savvy management teams which have recognized how to optimize the facility’s assets to maximize income and community access. With 4,678 seats and two full sized ballrooms in a large city, the Fox generates significant box office and event revenues, posting net profits for the past 30 years that have been reinvested in the non-profit theatre’s programs and restoration.

The Fox has recently recognized and built upon its unique capacities by creating The Fox Theatre Institute (www.foxtheatreinstitute.org) to foster arts development, preservation standards, community building, and economic development for historic theatres as well as arts communities throughout Georgia. This first of a kind program is free of charge, funded solely by Atlanta Landmarks, and includes a partnership network of more than 200 organizations throughout the state. The Fox, by example and through the Fox Theatre Institute, serves as a model of success for American historic theaters in programming, in restoration and in financial management.

Presenting the Outstanding Individual Contribution Award to Jeff Greene, President of EverGreene Architectural Arts, Inc., League President Boese praised Greene’s vision, dedication and significant contributions, materially assisting in the restoration and preservation of nearly 200 historic theatres, contributing to their continued service to their communities. Donald Telford, President and CEO of San Diego Theatres in San Diego, CA, in his nomination described Jeff Greene’s and his company’s key role in the study, research, investigation, planning and restoration of historic theatres in at least 32 states. “In many of these projects,” Telford said, “Jeff helped community leaders and theatre managers who possessed passion and vision for the restoration of their theatre, but needed expertise, experience and knowledge to realize their dreams.”

Since founding his company in 1978, Jeff Greene has led its growth into one of the largest and most prominent painting and decorative arts studios in the U.S. Throughout his career, Greene has revived nearly forgotten artistic and decorative techniques by learning from aging masters in the U.S. and abroad, including decorative painting, fine art and architectural ornament, ornamental plaster, scagliola, marble and metals. With extensive knowledge of both the formulation of historic and modern paints, as well as the history of their application, Jeff Greene often serves as a consultant for the restoration of historic interior finishes, including scientific conservation testing and the preparation of paint and plaster analysis.

A long-time League member and former board member, Greene has contributed generously to the national association, including creating the award statues that the League presents each year, acknowledging excellence in the field of historic theatres. “It is fitting,” said Telford, “that after all his many years of service to the League, Jeff receives one these awards, as proper recognition of his outstanding individual contributions to our field.”

About the League of Historic American Theatres, Inc.
The League of Historic American Theatres, Inc., a non-profit association dedicated to sustaining America’s historic theatres for the benefit of their communities and future generations, is a growing network of more than 325 historic theatres across the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1976, the League has been making a strategic transition from an organization best known for a membership that helps save historic theatres to a membership increasingly concerned with the tools, techniques and technologies of sustaining historic theatres.

The League serves members through educational programs, publications, specialized services and an annual conference and theatre tour, facilitating the exchange of information and resources for improving their historic theatres, their business and their communities.

For additional information, visit the League’s web site at: www.lhat.org.

The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Tourism Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), and the Fox Theatre Institute announce that they have jointly awarded five grants totaling $10,000 for heritage tourism theater projects located throughout the state. The partnership grant program was created in response to the increasing interest Georgians have in the preservation and promotion of historic theaters located within their communities. This special Historic Theater Heritage Tourism Grant Program is funded by GDEcD and will be administered by HPD, with technical support from the Fox Theatre Institute.

The six award recipients are:

• The Statesboro Arts Council - $2,500 for a puppet show history of Bulloch County at the Averitt Center for the Arts
  
  
• The President Theatre, Inc. - $2,000 for a brochure, signage and marketing to promote the theater.
  
  
• The City of Toccoa - $2,000 to produce a historic structure report for the Schaefer Center (formerly the Ritz Theater).
  
  
• The Springer Opera House Arts Association, Inc. - $1,715 to produce a brochure for the opera house.
  
  
• The Theatre Guild Valdosta - $960 to produce a brochure and slideshow on the history of the Dosta Theater.
  
  
• The Washington Little Theater, Inc. - $825 to produce a promotional brochure and upgrade the theater’s website.

HPD Director David Crass said, "This 50%/50% matching grant program was created by the three organizations to promote and raise awareness of Georgia’s historic theaters through heritage tourism. Even though these are modest ‘seed’ grants, their ripple effect often spurs other preservation/tourism projects at the theater, as well as at other historic resources within the community. ” GDEcD’s Tourism Product Development Director Bruce Green said, "Georgia's historic theaters represent one of the more significant landmarks within a community. We are pleased to have been able to offer this funding, thereby providing the 'seed' capital to assess and promote the cultural infrastructure found in our local communities." Fox Theatre Institute Director of Restoration Molly Fortune said, “This grant program reinforces our mission to assist historic theater throughout Georgia.”

The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources serves as Georgia’s state historic preservation office. Their mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia. HPD’s programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, the National Register of Historic Places, community planning and technical assistance.

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.

The Tourism Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development

The Fox Theatre Institute is the only comprehensive theatre preservation organization in the United States and is the premiere resource for historic theatre restoration and revitalization in Georgia. By offering break-through mentoring programs, preservation expertise, operational counseling, and educational opportunities, we can motivate and nurture those theatres seeking guidance. Our goal is to create a movement of progress that will foster arts development, preservation standards, community building, and economic development for historic theatres as well as sustain arts communities throughout Georgia.