MEDIA RELEASE (revised) For Immediate Release May 12, 2010 Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment - Nineteen on the Park Announces 2010 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES! Following the success of its 2009/2010 Professional Series, the Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment – Nineteen on the Park is proud to announce the lineup for its 2010 Summer Concert Series. Focusing on emerging singer-songwriters, this series is a rare opportunity to experience three remarkable young talents in a very intimate setting. Years from now audience members will be able to say “I saw them when”. Tickets for each of these concerts are now on sale at the Nineteen on the Park Box Office as well as online at www.townofws.com/nineteen. JUSTIN HINES – Saturday, June 26 / 8pm Tickets: $35 regular / $20 student Sponsored by The Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Charitable Foundation Emanating a musical message of universal love and soulfulness, Justin Hines is a brilliant emerging singer- songwriter. Despite coping with a rare genetic condition called Larsen Syndrome that keeps him wheelchair bound, Hines embodies an unflagging spirit and inspiring "glass-half-full" world view. It has been said of Justin Hines that he was carrying a tune before he was talking. Listening to songs on his father's jukebox, Justin was inspired by artists such as Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Willie Nelson and Harry Chapin. At 14, Justin competed against hundreds of entrants for the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Toronto Raptors game. His first gig was in front of 17,000 people. Showcasing the more intimate elements of Hines' artistry, his first CD titled Sides was released in 2007 and propelled Justin to success, leading him to travel and share his story and music in several parts of the world including the US, Asia and Dubai. In 2009, Justin released Chasing Silver which features heart-warming and powerful songs such as Say What You Will and Courage (Come Out To Play). He also released his first full length album of holiday songs on Season's Greetings. Propelled by critical acclaim and audience satisfaction, numerous TV appearances and strong web presence, his single Wish You Well was a # 1 hit on iTunes. ALEX J. ROBINSON – Thursday, July 22 / 8pm Tickets: $30 regular / $20 student Since taking the stage at the age of 11, Alex J. Robinson has taken every opportunity to showcase her singing talent. Her first single Breakin' On The Love Thing was a top 20 hit and won a Canadian Radio Music Award. With two releases under belt and a CCMA nomination for New Female Artist, it seems like Alex's bio is being re- written daily. While more and more TV viewers were being captivated by Alex's rendition of the province's signature song, "There's No Place Like This", the Sudbury native was hard at work writing and recording the 10-song follow-up to her debut, Never Say Never. That disc spawned 4 singles, one of which made it to number 7 on CMT's Cross Canada Countdown. Her second release, The Getaway (February 2010), confirms to her rapidly growing audience she's a woman with a powerful voice and a talent to match. Alex describes the new CD as hopeful, positive and more mature - looking beyond that songwriter standard, romantic relationships. With much live performing under her belt since the last CD ("I still can't believe I was on the same stage as Randy Travis and met Kenny Rogers - I learned so much watching how they work the crowd"), Alex is set for the next round of touring. "I just want to keep playing more and more," says Alex. "I've done 2 consecutive performances at the CCMAs (Canadian Country Music Awards) and opened for some pretty big acts. Last year I was nominated for the top new female talent at the CCMAs so my confidence has really grown." Country music fans can be confident that The Getaway will make them happy to hear more. THEO TAMS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL – Thursday, August 19 / 8pm Tickets: $30 regular / $20 student When asked about the title of his debut album Give It All Away, Theo admits, “In a way that’s what I’ve done with this record.” With a musical background, previous writing experience and a desire to put out an album he was truly proud of, the Canadian Idol Winner was given the gift of time to be more involved in the process to create a debut that truly reflects the talents of this young artist. Released in 2009, Give It All Away features Theo’s top ten hits “Lazy Lovers” & “Wait For You”, as well as his latest new single “Manhattan Blue”. Interested in music from a young age the self-taught piano player admits "I never thought music could be a career until high school when a few very inspirational teachers taught me that I could pursue music for a lifetime. After high school Theo went on to study music at the University of Lethbridge. In 2008 Theo auditioned for Idol out of conviction, "I just had a gut feeling that I should audition for Canadian Idol this season". And sure enough, Theo blew audiences away with his soaring vocals and compelling performances. After taking the Canadian Idol title Theo remembers "I was so excited about a new beginning: to just get into the studio, be creative and really just step up and assume the role and maybe prove people wrong who have misconceptions about the show and about the winners. For me it's really important to just say we're all musicians and we can be artistic, and we do have things to say.” After touring as part of "The Top 3 Tour" and writing, the next step was to begin the recording process for Give It All Away. Sticking true to the style that earned him so many fans, Theo stayed true to the piano driven sound on his first single 'Lazy Lovers'. "I think the most important piece of advice I received so far is to trust my gut, be myself and to never compromise the things I truly believe in.” TICKET INFORMATION Tickets can be purchased by: . Calling (905) 640-2322 . Online at www.townofws.com/nineteen . Visiting our Box Office (19 Civic Ave., Stouffville), Wednesday to Saturday / 1pm – 6pm For more information on events taking place at the Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment - Nineteen on the Park visit www.townofws.com/nineteen. The Lebovic Centre for Arts & Entertainment - Nineteen on the Park is Whitchurch-Stouffville’s new, multifaceted arts, culture and entertainment centre located in the heart of downtown Stouffville. Created by the careful restoration and redevelopment of one of the Town’s most historic landmarks, Nineteen on the Park is a hub of activity. The flexible programming space accommodates a variety of community-based arts and culture programming, such as: . Exhibitions, films, live dance and musical performances . Concerts and rehearsals . Corporate and social receptions, meeting and workshop space . Community events (horticultural, craft, cooking, etc.) -30- For further information, please contact: Steven Foster, Cultural Facility & Programming Coordinator Telephone: 905-640-2322 Fax: 905-642-1941 E-mail: [email protected] .