Jim Beam(R) and Montgomery Gentry to 'Toast the Troops' at 2nd Annual 'Beam Bash' Benefit Concert

Jim Beam(R) and Montgomery Gentry to 'Toast the Troops' at 2nd Annual 'Beam Bash' Benefit Concert

Proceeds to benefit Operation Homefront Florida Chapter

DEERFIELD, Ill., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- It was nearly one year ago when multi-platinum duo Montgomery Gentry and NASCAR(R) driver Robby Gordon, as well as 5,000 screaming fans, gathered to celebrate the beginning of the NASCAR race season while honoring America's troops.

Jim Beam(R), the world's No. 1-selling bourbon, is proud to once again host "Beam Bash," the 2nd annual charity concert featuring country-rock duo Montgomery Gentry on Friday, Feb. 13, at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona. A portion of each ticket sold will go to the Operation Homefront(R) Florida Chapter. Operation Homefront provides support and morale to U.S. troops, to the families they leave behind while they serve, and to wounded warriors when they return home.

"This is a fantastic organization to support, and we're proud to be here with Jim Beam for another year," said Eddie Montgomery. "It's an unbelievable feeling to know, in addition to performing for an audience, you're also performing for an important cause."

Jim Beam's first-ever "Beam Bash" raised $18,000 for the Operation Homefront Florida Chapter. The event was highlighted by a spontaneous "toast to the troops" as Montgomery Gentry, Robby Gordon and Jim Beam seventh-generation distiller Fred Noe gave a shout out during the concert.

"This event is significant for Operation Homefront because it raises public awareness about our programs and services, and has delivered significant funding for the Florida state chapter," said Amy Palmer, chief operating officer, Operation Homefront. "This year, we're hoping to raise $25,000 for the military families throughout Florida."

A giant check will be presented to Operation Homefront during the concert, denoting the total charitable contribution from the evening's event.

"We often overlook the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women in uniform," said Fred Noe, seventh generation distiller and bourbon ambassador for Jim Beam. "'Beam Bash' is not only an opportunity for race and country music fans to be entertained, but also a chance for these fans to thank our troops for defending the very freedoms that enable us to enjoy our favorite pastimes, such as racing."

Montgomery Gentry, nominated for a Grammy award in 2008, expressed great enthusiasm for being selected to headline the event for a second year. The band's association with Jim Beam dates back to 1994, when Troy Gentry won the Jim Beam National Talent Contest. For the past eight years, Jim Beam has sponsored the Kentucky-born duo, helping to bring Montgomery Gentry's live shows to thousands of concert goers across the country.

"We're grateful Jim Beam is giving us this opportunity to entertain, and at the same time show our support for the men and women of the United States armed forces," said Troy Gentry. "Knowing the great reception we received last year, it's an honor to help Jim Beam kick off the 2009 NASCAR racing season with this event."

Robby Gordon, veteran driver of the No. 7 Jim Beam Toyota(R) Camry(R) in NASCAR's top series, will attend the concert and introduce the band. Two days later, Gordon will get behind the wheel of the Jim Beam Toyota and race against 42 drivers in the season-opening NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway.

"Our race team is thrilled to have Jim Beam back as our primary sponsor for the fifth consecutive season," said Gordon. "Jim Beam is known for celebrating true character and things that are 'real.' No group embodies that spirit better than Montgomery Gentry, and our team is honored to be a part of the second annual 'Beam Bash'."

Tickets for "Beam Bash" go on sale Monday, Jan. 26 and will be available at Destination Daytona Hotel & Suites and The World's Largest Harley Davidson(R) Store in Ormond Beach, Fla. or by calling 866-642-3464. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and a limited number of tickets are available.

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront(R) provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c) (3), Operation Homefront served more than 33,000 military families in 2007 with the help of 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide. Operation Homefront also hosts the Web community Operation Homefront Online, www.homefrontonline.com. For more information, please visit www.operationhomefront.net and www.homefrontonline.com.

About Robby Gordon Motorsports

Based in Charlotte, N.C., and owned by Gordon, will enter its fifth season of competition in 2009 in the NASCAR(R) Sprint Cup Series, and will continue to operate successful racing programs in the SCORE(R) International Off-Road desert series and the A.S.O.'s Dakar Rally.

About Montgomery Gentry

With 15 Top 5 singles and 5 Number One hits to their credit, including their latest smash, "Roll With Me," and recent chart-topper, "Back When I Knew It All," Montgomery Gentry has proven time and again - rocking the house on disc and on stage - that what they do is about a lot more than luck. They are one of the most successful duos in country music history, performing to millions of fans worldwide. Back When I Knew It All, their current Columbia Nashville disc, has delivered the duo's first back-to-back #1 singles. Troy and Eddie continue to rack up airplay and accolades, recently earning a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for their inspirational hit "Lucky Man" as well as being named Radio & Records and Billboard Country Airplay Charts #1 Duo of 2008. For more information on Montgomery Gentry, please contact Wes Vause at Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Nashville, 615.301.4373 or wes.vause@sonymusic.com.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam(R) Bourbon, Sauza(R) Tequila, Canadian Club(R) Whisky, Courvoisier(R) Cognac, Maker's Mark(R) Bourbon, Laphroaig(R) Scotch Whisky, Cruzan(R) Rum, Larios(R) Gin, Whisky DYC(R), Teacher's(R) Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper(R) Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek(R) Bourbon and Starbucks(TM) Liqueurs. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

(C) 2009 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, IL

Source: Jim Beam

CONTACT: Kate Laufer of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, +1-847-736-6452,
Kate.Laufer@beamglobal.com; or Joey Lomicky, +1-612-239-1823,
jlomicky@psbpr.com, or Whitney Mares, +1-612-508-4602, wmares@psbpr.com, both
of Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc., for Jim Beam

Web Site: http://www.operationhomefront.net/

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