Sheryl Crow, Fergie, The Black Crowes, John Legend, and Natasha Bedingfield Among National Acts to Perform at SunFest 2008

Sheryl Crow, Fergie, The Black Crowes, John Legend, and Natasha Bedingfield Among National Acts to Perform at SunFest 2008

New Music Night features one night mini-festival of rising talent

Early Bird, multi-day discount offers best music value of the year

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- SunFest, Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival, will be held April 30-May 4, along one of the most scenic sections of Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. National headline entertainment scheduled to perform include Sheryl Crow, Fergie, The Black Crowes, John Legend, Natasha Bedingfield, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Steel Pulse, Hellogoodbye, Stephen Marley, The Academy Is, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Little Feat, Hot Tuna, The Rippingtons, Classic Albums Live, Little River Band, Mindi Abair, and Morris Day & the Time. Additional entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed.

"SunFest is a kick-off to the summer festival and touring season," said Paul Jamieson, Executive Director of SunFest. "We're excited about our line-up and believe it is one of the best in years."

New Music Night at SunFest

New to the SunFest line-up this year is New Music Night at SunFest. As a part of SunFest's "Make it Your Own" theme, New Music Night at SunFest will feature 15 bands in one night including Good Charlotte, Finger Eleven, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Rue Melo, Carney, Cerveza, The Blakes, Postmarks, The Whigs, The Drive Home, Chris McCarty Band, Landon Pigg, and Gabe Dixon Band. The final two acts are pending contract approval and will be released as confirmed.

Scheduled for Thursday night, May 1, New Music Night brought about an interactive way for the public to be a part of the festival, by helping organizers decide which hot new talent to consider. Festival organizers took suggestions, and then put it to a vote; based on that feedback the night includes some of the best up-and-coming talent. More than 4,000 people submitted bands, and three times as many voted. Cerveza, The Whigs, The Drive Home, Chris McCarty Band, Gabe Dixon Band and The Blakes were among the top vote getters.

The night includes a special promotion for Thursday night admission -- 15 bands for $15 courtesy of Commerce Bank. To receive a 15 for $15 code visit sunfest.com/newmusic for an exclusive web offer.

"There is a lot of excitement surrounding New Music Night, and we are looking forward to showcasing hot new music makers in this mini-festival within the festival," said Jamieson. "Commerce Bank's 15 for $15 deal makes this an unbelievable value and experience for anyone who loves music and likes to discover new talent."

SunFest Early Bird Discount and Multi-Day Ticket Value

Compared to the area's average cost of a single concert hovering around $40, and the cost of a single concert ticket to a Sheryl Crow, Fergie or The Black Crowes concert at $45 to $96 SunFest multi-day tickets are a considerable value with the Early Bird discount, offering even more savings.

The average cost of a multi-day pass for other South Florida music festivals such as Langerado, Ultra Music Festival and the Riviera Beach Jazz Festival is $115.10. Based on recent ticket prices for scheduled SunFest 2008 performers, the cost to purchase the line-up individually could potentially be $1,253.49.

"We know people are looking for affordable ways to enjoy themselves," said Jamieson. "At $54 for 5 days of concerts, there isn't a better deal to be had in the music scene. The best deals are the ones people can get early and for multiple days. If you buy a 5-day Early Bird pass, you're paying less than $12 per day."

   2-day pass with Early Bird Discount: $39*  -- only $19.50 per day, save     $10 per day off 1-day regular festival ticket   2-day pass (regular price): $44    5-day pass Early Bird Discount: $54* -- less than $12 per day, save $18     off 1-day regular festival ticket   5-day pass (regular price): $59   *Early Bird discount ends April 12.    Make It Your Own  

The theme of this year's ad campaign is "Make it Your Own." "The idea of 'Make it Your Own' is that we do the work and you make it your party," said Melissa Sullivan, Marketing Manager for SunFest. "Meet up with friends and enjoy the things that you love about a great party -- people, music, art and food, and of course the with SunFest -- the waterfront location. All the arrangements are taken care of by us and a few thousand volunteers, all you have to do is gather your friends and enjoy."

This year SunFest is offering new ways to enjoy SunFest including selling to the public for the first time a limited number of VIP Hospitality tickets and a new seating area -- WaMu Stage Right. This intimate seating area is one of the ultimate ways to experience your favorite SunFest artist. Other additions include: a skybox in the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage area and the Gold Back Stage Pass returns with single day options. These added experiences provide many of choices for unique experiences for a given entertainer.

National Entertainers

Free-spirited Sheryl Crow will perform on the WaMu Stage, Wednesday evening April 30. Sheryl Crow's lyrics touch (relate) personal issues that she has struggled with through life. Her new album, Detours, touches on the world around us and how it is changing. She is a three-time Grammy winner, with featured hits, "All I Wanna Do," "Strong Enough," "First Cut is the Deepest" and "My Favorite Mistake."

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Wednesday evening April 30. Clinton is internationally known as one of the fathers of funk and performs with Parliament Funkadelic.

Michael Franti & Spearhead will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Wednesday evening April 30. Michael Franti is an American poet and musician. The band Spearhead is a mix of hip-hop, funk, reggae, jazz, folk, and rock. The band's hits include "Everyone Deserves Music," "We Don't Stop," and "Bomb the World."

Good Charlotte will perform on Thursday evening May 1 during New Music Night at SunFest. From the opening sounds of Good Charlotte's fourth album Good Morning Revival -- which launches with an artful, innovative sound collage that slides into the irresistible "Misery"-- the world-famous band has sold over nine million albums. Good Charlotte includes singer Joel Madden, guitarist Benji Madden, bassist Paul Thomas, guitarist/keyboardist Billy Martin, and new Good Charlotte drummer Dean Butterworth.

Finger Eleven will perform on Thursday, May 1 during New Music Night at SunFest. Finger Eleven originated from Ontario as Rainbow Butt Monkeys. Their music varies from Rock to Country and dance to funk. They are known for their hits "Paralyzer" and "One Thing."

Fergie will perform on the WaMu Stage, Friday evening May 2. Fergie is best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas. Her first solo album, The Dutchess, went triple platinum, featuring hits songs "Glamorous," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Clumsy."

Hot Tuna will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Friday evening May 2. Hot Tuna has led American music with their acoustic and electric blues sound. Hot Tuna has been accompanied by some of the greatest musicians such as Erik Diaz and Barry Mitterhoff.

Little Feat will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Friday evening May 2. Little Feat's music goes beyond boundaries with a freewheeling combination of California rock and Dixie inflected funk boogie. Little Feat also expresses blues, country, folk, rock, and jazz in the mix of their music. The band's hits include "Rocket in My Pocket," "Rock and Roll Doctor," "Let it Roll," and "Easy to Slip."

Steel Pulse will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Friday evening May 2. Steel Pulse is a well-known reggae band from England. Their music sends a message of hope, education, and activism to listeners. Their hit "Babylon the Bandit" earned them a Grammy Award.

The Black Crowes will perform on the WaMu Stage, Saturday evening May 3. The Black Crowes' music is a mix of rock, blues, country, gospel, and soul. Their just releases seventh album includes the hit "Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution."

Classic Albums Live will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Saturday afternoon May 3. Classic Albums Live is a Canadian classic rock group that performs tributes to Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and more. At SunFest, they will perform music from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Doors.

Little River Band will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Saturday afternoon May 3. Little River Band is an Australian rock group that named themselves after a road sign, Little River. They are the first Australian band to make it big in the United States, with over 25 million records sold. Little River is known for their hits, "Take it Easy on Me," "Lady" and "Reminiscing."

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Saturday evening May 3. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones' music mixes third wave ska and hard-core punk sounds. They have released seven albums, three EP's, and one live record. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are best known for their hit "The Impression That I Get."

The Academy Is will perform on the WaMu Stage, Saturday evening May 3. The Academy Is has a sound that mixes rock, indie and emo. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, The Academy Is was ranked one of the top ten artists to watch. Featured hits of The Academy Is include "We've Got a Big Mess on our Hands," "Neighbors" and "Sleeping with Giants."

Natasha Bedingfield will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Saturday evening May 3. Natasha Bedingfield is a pop singer and songwriter known for her albums Pocket Full of Sunshine and Unwritten.

Stephen Marley will perform on WaMu Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Stephen Marley, son of Bob Marley, is a producer, singer, songwriter, and a multi-instrumentalist. He won five Grammy Awards, which is more than any reggae artist. His latest album Mind Control features hits "Mind Control" and "Chase Dem."

Mindi Abair will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Mindi Abair is a soul, jazz, and pop saxophonist with stellar melodies, insinuating rhythm and seductive vocals. Her album Life Less Ordinary includes hits "Do You Miss Me," "Ordinary Love" and "Long Ride Home."

The Rippingtons will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. The Rippingtons are considered a contemporary, smooth jazz group. In 2006, The Rippingtons celebrated their 20th anniversary and released their greatest hits album. The Rippingtons hits include "Let It Rip" and "Wild Card."

John Legend will perform on the WaMu Stage, Sunday evening May 4. John Legend is a five-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and performer whose with his debut studio album Get Lifted featured the hit song "Ordinary People." His sophomore album Once Again, featured hit single "Save Room."

Morris Day & the Time will perform on the AT&T Real Yellow Pages Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Morris Day is an American composer, musician, drummer, and lead singer of the band The Time. The Time is a funk and dance ensemble band formed in the 80's known for hits "Jungle Love" and "The Bird" and appearance in the movie Purple Rain.

Hellogoodbye will perform on the Tire Kingdom Stage, Sunday afternoon May 4. Hellogoodbye is a punk rock group that started out as a small band in California. Their single "Here (In your Arms)" went platinum and helped launch their career.

More entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed. Reserved seats for the WaMu national headline performances will go on sale to the public on March 20. The purchase of reserved seats is available now to Club SunFest members.

2008 Ticket Information

Tickets for SunFest 2008 are on sale now online at www.sunfest.com, at the SunFest store located at 525 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach, and by calling 1-800-SUNFEST or (561) 659-5980.

Tickets will be available beginning April 13 at participating Publix Super Markets in Palm Beach and Martin counties.

   1-day festival ticket: $29    2-day pass with Early Bird Discount: $39*   2-day pass (regular price): $44    5-day pass Early Bird Discount: $54*   5-day pass (regular price): $59   

Seniors 65 and older: 1-day festival tickets are $19 (available only at the gate)

   Children 6-12 with Early Bird Discount: $8*   Children 6-12 (regular price): $10    Children 5 & under: Free    *Early Bird discount ends April 12.    2008 Festival Days/Hours   Wednesday, April 30: 5-10 pm   Thursday, May 1: 5-11 pm   Friday, May 2: 5-11 pm   Saturday, May 3: Noon-11 pm   Sunday, May 4: Noon-9 pm    National City Juried Fine Art & Craft Show Days/Hours   Friday, May 2: 5-10 pm   Saturday, May 3: Noon-10 pm   Sunday, May 4: Noon-9 pm    Family Activities Tent Days/Hours   Friday, May 2: 5-10 pm   Saturday, May 3: Noon-10 pm   Sunday, May 4: Noon-9 pm    The Verizon Wireless Fireworks Show  

The Verizon Wireless Fireworks Show closes the Festival with a bang on Sunday, May 4 at 9 p.m.

About SunFest

SunFest 2008 will be held from April 30-May 4 along the Flagler Drive waterfront in West Palm Beach, Florida. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in West Palm Beach, is a Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council Funded Project and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the

Florida Arts Council. For more information about SunFest, visit www.sunfest.com or call (561) 659-5980 or 1-800-SUNFEST.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: SunFest

CONTACT: Melissa Sullivan of SunFest, +1-561-837-8065,
msullivan@sunfest.com

Web site: http://www.sunfest.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment