ROCKWORKS Launches Online Music Competition As Powerful Tool for The Gulf Coast [Re]Build

ROCKWORKS Launches Online Music Competition As Powerful Tool for The Gulf Coast [Re]Build

Competition launches on anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, taps new music community to raise funds and awareness

'Rebuilding the Gulf Coast, one fan at a time'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- ROCKWORKS Foundation, a first-of-its-kind charitable "construction-production" organization, announced today the launch of ROCKWORKS Showcase, a revolutionary fundraising campaign for its Gulf Coast [Re]Build program. This unique online 'battle of the bands' platform utilizes the powerful sub-culture of new music to raise funds and awareness for ROCKWORKS, and offers undiscovered talent a tremendous opportunity for exposure. The competition launches on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's assault on the Gulf Coast, to raise funds for ROCKWORKS' mission to rebuild the community of Forest Heights, Mississippi.

"The ROCKWORKS Showcase is designed to be a win-win program, through which emerging artists are given exposure for their music, while raising money for charity," said Scott Kramer, Executive Producer for the ROCKWORKS Foundation. "In turn, ROCKWORKS builds a community of dedicated fans of new music, while educating them on new ways to become a 'giver in life.' We believe it's not how much you can give, just the fact that you gave, so all we're asking for is one dollar with this campaign."

ROCKWORKS Showcase -- How it works:

Artists register for free at www.rockworks.us/showcase, and their songs are streamed on ROCKWORKS Showcase's Online Radio Network. Bands accrue "nominations" from fans to be sent to the final round of competition. As the official charity of CMJ Music Marathon 2006, ROCKWORKS Showcase offers four (4) finalists a chance to perform live at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City, for a room of music industry professionals.

In an effort to mobilize and empower youth in the philanthropic arena, ROCKWORKS emphasizes the necessity for fans to engage and donate even at a minimal level. In order to nominate their favorite artists for this opportunity, fans are asked to donate $1 to ROCKWORKS' Gulf Coast [re]Build Program.

ROCKWORKS' status as Official Charity of CMJ Music Marathon 2006 is an integral element in the strength of their campaign. "CMJ Network is honored to embark on this groundbreaking partnership", said Robert Haber, CEO of CMJ Network. "The Rockworks mission is not only a critical one but its philosophy and strategy are redefining what it means to be a charity. I have no doubt that Rockworks will inspire thousands of young adults to get involved."

About ROCKWORKS Foundation

ROCKWORKS Foundation, a California 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is a first-of-its-kind "construction-production" organization that engages the entertainment community to actually do the work, not just raise funds. Inspired by the efficiency, reliability and ingenuity of "Roadies," ROCKWORKS revitalizes communities and rebuilds lives by working side-by-side with those affected by disasters and extreme poverty to achieve sustainable, long-term solutions. For more information or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.rockworks.us or www.myspace.com/rockworks.

Currently, ROCKWORKS and its partners (Brett Favre Fourward Foundation, Force of Nature Aid Foundation, Operation Hope, and The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast) are working to rebuild the community of Forest Heights, a suburb of North Gulfport, MS, starting with a state-of-the-art Boys & Girls Club Hope Center.

Celebrated architect, Daniel Libeskind (master planner of the new World Trade Center campus) has designed the revolutionary new Boys & Girls Club 'Hope Center' that will replace the facility destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. All proceeds from the ROCKWORKS Showcase will benefit this first project of ROCKWORKS' Gulf Coast [re]Build Program.

About CMJ Music Marathon: For 5 days and nights, CMJ Music Marathon will rock the "Big Apple" taking over NYC's hottest night clubs, ballrooms and theaters with the best new bands and recording artists. In addition to keynote speakers and an exhibition area with a live performance stage, Music Marathon also features dozens of panels covering topics affecting all corners of the music industry. In addition, CMJ Music Marathon celebrates film and music with CMJ FilmFest. More information on the marathon can be found online at http://www.cmj.com/marathon.

Source: ROCKWORKS Foundation

CONTACT: Katherine Severs for ROCKWORKS Foundation, +1-310-476-2600,
ksevers@rockworks.us

Web site: http://www.rockworks.us/showcase
http://www.rockworks.us/
http://www.myspace.com/rockworks
http://www.cmj.com/marathon

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