THE ROYS Continue National Media Sweep

THE DAILY BUZZ, DAYTIME & MOBY IN THE MORNING
Nashville, TN (October 22, 2012) - Multi-award winning duo THE ROYS continue to promote their latest EP, NEW DAY DAWNING, with a sweep of national television and syndicated radio appearances that include THE DAILY BUZZ, DAYTIME and syndicated radio show, MOBY IN THE MORNING.

Tuesday, October 23, MOBY IN THE MORNING / 7-8 a.m. EDT. Listen online at www.mobyinthemorning.com

Wednesday, October 24, DAYTIME / 9-10 a.m. EDT. Check local listings at http://www.daytimeonline.tv
This morning the siblings performed their current single, "Still Standing," on THE DAILY BUZZ. Fans who missed the duo's appearance can view it now at http://thedbz.com . Later today, viewers can also catch Lee and Elaine's feature on Nashville's NEWS & MORE AT MIDDAY; click on http://www.wsmv.com/category/211166/more-at-midday .

The ongoing media exposure is in support of NEW DAY DAWNING, THE ROYS' sophomore disc for Rural Rhythm Records. Their television schedule follows a busy Inspirational Country Music Week (October 14-18). The duo kicked off the 20th Anniversary of the ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards Show with the evening's first performance and took home the Bluegrass Artist of the Year honor for the second year in a row. Lee Roy received a plaque from Power Source Magazine for his Number 1 Inspirational Country Single, "I Wonder What God's Thinking," from their previous CD, LONESOME WHISTLE.


ABOUT THE ROYS
Born in upstate Massachusetts and raised across the border in Canada, THE ROYS come from a unique musical family. Surrounded by song from their earliest memories, Lee and Elaine are now hailed for their superb sibling harmonies, "Rootsy" sound and compelling original tunes. A vibrant and progressive instrumental attitude complements THE ROYS' vocal style, and their music has enchanted fans since the duo's first release. With over 150 dates booked so far this year, they have shared the stage with George Jones, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Ricky Skaggs, John Rich, Darryl Worley, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson, Janie Fricke, The Oak Ridge Boys and Chris Young. LONESOME WHISTLE earned them a spot on BILLBOARD'S Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 Chart and gave them two hit singles: "Coal Minin' Man" and "Trailblazer." Recently named Inspirational Country Music's Bluegrass Artist of the Year (2012), the siblings were previously honored with that award in 2011 and dubbed the organization's Duo of the Year in 2010 and 2009. THE ROYS have aligned with Team RealTree™ Outdoor Energy Drink for a strategic partnership of their tour.

Fans can follow Lee and Elaine online at THEROYSonline, FACEBOOK and on Twitter @theroysonline.

IBMA Grant Application Deadline Extended

FOUNDATION PLANS GRANTS IN MEMORY OF WARREN HELLMAN AND EARL SCRUGGS
Application Deadline Extended To August 22, 2012

Earl Scruggs was perhaps one of the only musicians in any genre who created the definitive sound of his instrument in the genre; banjo players around the world will forever identify the sound of the three-finger style of bluegrass banjo playing as “Scruggs style.” Warren Hellman was a visionary who created, funded and grew his California-based “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass” free event into one of the largest of its kind in the country. Mr. Hellman passed away on December 18, 2011, and Mr. Scruggs passed away on March 28, 2012.

“In remembrance of these two highly creative individuals—both who have left huge footprints in the performance and presentation of American music---we will allocate funds to foster innovation in the world of bluegrass music,” said Foundation president Greg Cahill. “We are very pleased to honor the memory of these brilliant men in this way.”


A fund of $8000 has been earmarked to support public projects that foster innovative development in the world of bluegrass music. Individual grants ranging from $2000-4000 will be given in memory of Earl Scruggs and Warren Hellman. Of special interest are bluegrass music-related projects and programs that involve education or youth.

This is a competitive application process and candidates must meet the Foundation’s Grant Application Guidelines. Grants awarded will be announced no later than October 1, 2012 with funds available after January 1, 2013.

Donations to the Foundation for these and related efforts are welcomed in any denomination, and these grants will be funded regardless of donations received.

The Foundation for Bluegrass Music is a non-profit (501c3) organization created to serve as an “umbrella” under which funds may be placed and disbursed to support educational, literary and artistic activities related to bluegrass music, of public benefit. Examples of programs that can grow under this umbrella include Bluegrass in the Schools (grants, workshops, programs); academic conferences; literary works and related efforts; public artistic presentation of an educational nature; historic preservation; and other works of a charitable nature.


For more info, please visit http://bluegrassfoundation.org/Grants.

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FUNDS IS AUGUST 22, 2012

New Music From the Harper Family

What is so great about family bands? They always seem to have a natural chemistry and the ability to fit together just right.

Bluegrass has a tradition of great family groups, from the Carter Family to Cherryholmes. In this tradition, where great music is the norm, The Harper Family rises to the top.

They exemplify what is so magical about a fine family Bluegrass outfit; seamless playing and singing and an effortless blend that make complex music seem easy.

But this group from Missouri has something extra. They can do all of the above better than most in the business. This first major release, Changes, is a stunning recording with a perfect mix of all Gospel songs that spotlight the incredible talent of this group.

Changes grabs your attention immediately with the opening mandolin/guitar duel on “Salt and Light.” From an epic rendering of “King’s Ransom” to a creative remake of the classic “I’ll Live Again,” this project will make Southern Gospel fans love their sound and bluegrass fans love their message.

We think you will agree—the Harper Family is the future of Gospel Bluegrass!

Changes will be available August, 21 at Crossroads, iTunes, and Amazon. You can preview samples here.

Doyle Lawson Scores Three Nominations on ICM Awards Top 10 Ballot

Doyle Lawson has garnered three nominations on the 2012 ICM Awards Semi-Final Ballot.

The Top 10 Nominees were announced by the Inspirational Country Music Association (ICM) on July 30 in Nashville.

Doyle is nominated as Musician of the Year, while Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are nominated as Inspirational Bluegrass Artist and Vocal Group or Band of the Year.

The 2012 ICM Faith, Family and Country Awards will be held at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Thursday, October 18, 2012, while the coinciding ICM convention will be held October 15-18 at the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville.

A special 20-Year Homecoming Concert Celebration will also be hosted this year by ICM as a free event open to the public. The Homecoming Concert will be held on October 14 at the Cornerstone Church Madison Campus in Madison, TN.

A full listing of ICM nominees may be found at: http://www.icm-awards.com/press.php?nid=352&a=
Congratulations to DLQ on being nominated in the ICM Awards Top 10, and warmest thanks from Doyle to ICM for the nominations!

THE ROYS Are Candidates For Nomination in Three ICM Awards Categories

The Roys Are Candidates For Nomination In Three Inspirational & Christian Country Music™ Award Categories

Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Duo, Inspirational Bluegrass Artist

Nashville, TN (July 31, 2012) -- The reigning Inspirational Country Music Bluegrass Artist of the Year, THE ROYS, are candidates for nomination in three ICM award categories for 2012: Entertainer, Vocal Duo and Inspirational Bluegrass Artist. The Roys have enjoyed "blessed good fortune" in 2011, and their hard work continues to pay off for them in 2012 with hit records as well as high-profile appearances on stage, television and radio. Says Lee Roy, "We are so lucky to do what we love best. It's an honor to be in the next round of voting. We are excited to be in such great company." The organization's second round of balloting begins soon, and more information about the October 18 ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards Show can be found at www.ccma.cc

In their career, Lee and Elaine have shared the stage with George Jones, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, John Rich, Darryl Worley, Janie Fricke, The Oak Ridge Boys and Chris Young. This year to date, they have over 150 concerts booked. They were recently featured in the PBS television special Pa's Fiddle: Charles Ingalls, American Fiddler and have hosted seven episodes of the Bluegrass Mountains television show. THE ROYS are in-demand guests who have enjoyed high-profile TV appearances that have included performances on Fox & Friends, Daytime, The Daily Buzz, ABC's What's The Buzz, GAC's Headline Country, RFD's Campfire Café, Larry's Country Diner, Praise The Lord with Jason Crabb and more.

THE ROYS' newest single, "Still Standing," from their upcoming (August 28 issue) Rural Rhythm Records' CD, NEW DAY DAWNING, is already drawing praise from industry and fans alike.

The duo's first CD for the label, LONESOME WHISTLE, earned them a spot on BILLBOARD'S Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 Chart and gave them two hit singles: "Coal Minin' Man" and "Trailblazer." In addition to chart success, the siblings have also received accolades from their peers and were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year award in 2010 and 2009. Lee and Elaine have toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada and made their debut in Australia this past January.

This year INSIDE EDITION correspondent Megan Alexander and GAC HEADLINE COUNTRY host Storme Warren will return to co-host the Awards show at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Tickets for the ICM Faith, Family & Country™ 20th Anniversary Awards Week are on sale now.

For all the latest news on Lee and Elaine, click www.theroysonline.com. Fans can pre-order their copy of NEW DAY DAWNING now from AMAZON.

The Roys Sign Production Deal With ValCom Studios For A New, Music-Driven Television Variety Show

Bluegrass dynamos, The Roys, have signed a production deal with ValCom Studios for a new, weekly music-driven variety show. Lee and Elaine Roy will appear and perform on the 30-minute show titled, Roots And Music With The Roys, with the inaugural 13 episodes to be taped in Nashville early next year. The show has already been picked up by over 120 stations nationwide, landing The Roys a potential 40 million cable and broadcast household viewers.  Vince Vellardita, CEO-President of ValCom Studios says, "Elaine and Lee are incredibly talented. There are no shows on the air like this one, and it's the perfect vehicle to expand The Roys’ career.”

 

"Our mission has been to spread the 'joy' of Bluegrass, and this show will certainly help us bring this iconic American musical style to many new listeners," says Lee.  The duo has enjoyed enormous success at radio and at retail, and Elaine calls the new show "an incredible opportunity." 

The episodes will be presented in true "variety" format, with each show including a performance by The Roys, humanitarian features, a festival event highlight segment, plus a guest musical artist, interview, and a closing jam session. Roots And Music With The Roys will focus on Bluegrass and Acoustic Roots formats.

 

The Roys are uniquely qualified to act as ambassadors for their genre; the duo was recently named 2011 Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year at the ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards show, and were previously honored with the ICM's Duo of the Year Award in 2010 and 2009. Their recent hit, "Coal Minin' Man" rocketed up the Bluegrass charts, landing at #1 on Power Source's Bluegrass Top 35 Chart, #1 on HotDiscInternational Top 40 Chart, #3 on Bluegrass Unlimited’s National Bluegrass Survey and #4 on Bluegrass Music Profiles’ Top 30 Singles Chart.

The Roys start 2012 with their first-ever shows in Australia:
01/25/2012      Tamworth, Australia /Tamworth City Council Outdoor Show
01/26/2012      Tamworth, Australia /The Family Inn
01/27/2012      Tamworth, Australia /Tamworth Country Music Festival, Toyota Stage
01/29/2012      Tamworth, Australia /Tamworth City Council Outdoor Show

Following their return from Australia, The Roys will launch a busy U.S. touring season, which includes festivals and fairs and co-hosting duties at the Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament with Tennessee Titans’ Rob Bironas in April.

Fans can learn more about Lee and Elaine at www.theroysonline.com.

ABOUT ValCom, Inc. (Ticker Symbol: VLCO)
Formed in 1983 and based in Clearwater, Florida, ValCom, Inc. is a diversified, fully-integrated, independent entertainment company. Through its operating divisions and subsidiaries, ValCom, Inc. creates and operates full-service facilities that accommodate film, television and commercial productions.  The company's four divisions comprise television and film production, broadcasting (My Family TV Network), distribution, and live theatre. ValCom's client list consists of major industry players such as MGM, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Disney, CBS, Sony, NBC, Phantom of the Opera, HSN and more.

Helmed by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince Vellardita, ValCom, Inc. has acquired property and studios in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs. Vellardita has been instrumental in acquiring over 10,000 titles of Film and Television series, and ownership of television station KVPS (Palm Springs). ValCom, Inc. maintains long-term relationships with Paramount Pictures, CBS television’s “JAG” and “NCIS” series, andWalt Disney’s Sabans “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.”  Vellardita began his career as a fast-paced music producer and promoter of over 200 live events and concertswith some of the biggest acts in the world.  He has also produced a  Special White House Presidential Campaign, the Super Bowl 2006 Motown Rap Show, The Beach Boys 40th Anniversary Special, an MGM Grand Special, and the 50th Anniversary of Michel Legrand and Friends show.