Drummer for Recent Two-Time Grammy Winner Bon Iver and his project S. Carey

Milwaukee, WI (April 16, 2012) - Union Drums introduces their UnionX Recording Series with two Sean Carey Signature Snare Drums. Carey is drummer and supporting vocalist for indie folk band and two-time Grammy Award winner Bon Iver, as well as being leader of his solo effort S. Carey.

These new UnionX Recording Series Snare Drums are as unique as Sean Carey's drumming, both in-studio and on-stage. The walnut-ply construction produces a unique sound that is as rich and warm as it is powerful. Sean says "I like my Union snare a lot, it sounds great, has great snap and good body. I am very attached to this drum and find it very versatile, both onstage and in studio."

The Sean Carey models utilize an 8-ply, 10mm shell with inner and outer plies of walnut, plus 6 inner plies of maple, with 45° bearing edges. Chrome vintage-style tube lugs add a very classic look. The die-cast hoops on top and bottom offer solid, accurate tuning. The Nickelworks snare strainer and Puresound snare wires team up to provide effortless variations of snare response.

Two shell sizes are available on these snare drums, a 14" x 5.5" and a deeper 14" x 7". Both can be tuned easily to accommodate live and recording situations. And both feature a beautiful, high gloss natural walnut finish. Known for producing affordable student to mid-line drumsets and sturdy hardware, these UnionX snare drums are Union's first entry into producing individual component drums.

Sean Carey, who grew up in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin "got the gig" with Bon Iver by studying its first album, For Emma, Forever Ago. For two weeks Sean spent hours learning all of the percussion parts, and even the singing and all harmonies. When the band Sean was in opened for Bon Iver, he approached leader Justin Vernon, and told him he knew all of his songs and wanted to play with him. Carey played for part of Bon Iver's show, and was officially signed to the band that same night. Bon Iver has reached a level of success as For Emma, Forever Ago has reached gold record status in the UK, Australia and Denmark.

Bon IvBon Iver's latest 2011 release, "Bon Iver," was reviewed by Washington Post music critic Chris Richard, calling it "amorphous and triumphant - a haze of acoustic guitars, airy synthesizers and tumbling drums floating beneath Vernon's hallucinogenic yowl, like two stratus clouds overlapping in a dream." In August 2010, Sean Carey released his first solo album as S. Carey, All We Grow, on the indie rock label Jagjaguwar, the same label that Bon Iver is signed to. The song "In The Dirt" from that album appears in the last scene of the episode The Dig from the Season 7 of the TV series House M.D.

During September of 2010, S. Carey toured North America with The Tallest Man On Earth, featuring Swedish folk singer Kristian Matsson, and also performed at CMJ Music Marathon in New York in 2010. In 2011 S. Carey opened for indie rock singer-songwriter David Bazan before joining the Bon Iver tour as band director and one of two drummers.

Union Drums are designed and performance-tested in the USA, and come with everything needed to start playing, right out of the box. They offer value-priced intermediate, student and kid's drum sets, plus quality drum hardware and hand percussion. Read more about at http://www.uniondrums.com/.

New Berlin, WI (March 9, 2012) - Wisconsin´s largest music store, Cascio Interstate Music of New Berlin, is providing electric guitars to Milwaukee's Discovery World, to be used in their most popular teen workshops and camps during the summer of 2012. The one-week workshops and camps, "Custom Electric Guitar Designer" and "Custom Electric Guitar Designer Pro," allow teens from southeastern Wisconsin to obtain their own guitar and create custom graphics and designs during the workshop's and camp´s week.

"We are proud to partner with Discovery World to present this unique learning opportunity. Collectively, we hope to inspire attendees to use their creativity to customize a one-of-a-kind electric guitar. We expect this community effort will bring young musical enthusiasts together and help them develop their musical talents," says Christopher Houser, Marketing Manager of Cascio Interstate Music. Discovery World's Executive Director, Paul Krajniak agrees, and states that "Discovery World is grateful for our collaboration with Cascio Interstate Music. We are excited to create a new wave of innovators during this summer experience. The best way to teach about the future is to build it and our collaboration with Cascio Interstate Music is helping us do just that."

"Custom Electric Guitar Designer" is a summer camp for students going into grades 6 - 8, offered in two sessions from June 25-29 and July 30-August 3. This workshop provides the guitar, and has the camper create custom graphics, screenprint on the guitar, and laser etch images onto the pickguard. The cost for this camp is $325 for Discovery World members, $350 for non-members, and includes a $50 materials fee. The other workshop, "Custom Electric Guitar Designer Pro" is offered for teens heading into grades 9 - 12, offered from June 18-22. This workshop includes everything in the first workshop, and adds the ability for teens to modify the electronics for custom tones, along with adding LEDs to light up the guitar. Both the workshops and the camps offer an expert tuneup and lesson from the professionals at Cascio Interstate Music.

Cascio Interstate Music is awarding a FREE $10 Gift Card for anybody who signs up for either of these workshops through Discovery World, useable for any of the thousands of items available in their New Berlin SuperStore. Gift Cards may also be used online at www.interstatemusic.com or via the call center at (800) 462-2263. Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan. Discovery World is committed to educational, cultural, and environmental development. The 120,000-square foot facility that includes interactive science, technology and freshwater exhibits, learning labs, theaters, television and audio studios, and fresh and saltwater aquariums. Their exhibits and programs are designed to inspire exploration and creation, and provide lifelong learning for visitors. Visit them online at www.discoveryworld.org. Cascio Interstate Music is among the nation´s top independent musical instrument retailers, and the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrated 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free in-store educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at www.interstatemusic.com, or visit www.facebook.com/Cascio.Superstore.

New Berlin, WI (January 24, 2012) - Cascio Interstate Music, 13819 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, presented a free concert recently with performances from the three participating bands in the second session of the "Band Together" group lesson program. The bands Seven Seas, Strive and Outsourced did a fantastic job performing for the enthusiastic, standing-room only audience. Cascio offers a special thanks to the sponsors - Evans, Pro-Mark, D'Addario and Planet Waves - as well as to the students, parents, and people who helped make the second session of Cascio Band Together a great success.

Lead instructor Ryan Schiedermayer, local drummer/percussionist and member of the band Streetlife, offers a big congratulations to all "Band Together" students on a job well done. He sees how this program is making an impact for students outside of the traditional school band or orchestra setting, stating, "We've seen that there exists a real demand for our Band Together program, which connects the dots between private instruction and group performance. At the end of the day it's not how good a student sounds by themselves at home, but rather how they can perform within a group setting." This interactive and collaborative learning experience has been an inspiration for young musicians, teaching them how to play together in an ensemble other than their school band. Instruments covered include guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals and more. Cascio instructors organize students into "bands," based on ability, to rehearse and learn together. Students learn inside secrets, marketing techniques, and tools to become successful musicians in working bands!

This unique 10-week session includes instruction from expert musicians on group dynamics, form, harmony, tonality, melody and phrasing, plus tips on music marketing, promotion, and networking. In addition, the topics of commitment, dedication, drive, and self-confidence are emphasized as they relate to the band environment. Live performance opportunities are offered, including a chance to perform live on Milwaukee's WMSE 91.7 FM "Frontier Radio," also a supporter of "Band Together." Additional savings on products at Cascio Interstate are also offered. To be eligible, a student must: (a) understand basic music theory, (b) own an instrument, (c) be able to read music, and (d) be committed to attend all scheduled sessions. The cost of the 10-week program is $250.

The audition date for the next session of Band Together will be held on Saturday, April 14, with the 10-week instructional course/rehearsals beginning on Saturday, April 28. Following the 10-week session students will showcase their skills in a final concert at Cascio's Soundstage.

For more information, please contact Mary Rodgers, Cascio Interstate Music's Lesson Coordinator at (262) 789-7600 ext. 116, at mrodgers@interstatemusic.com, or stop in at Cascio's service counter for more information. Be sure to also see http://www.facebook.com/CascioBandTogether. Cascio Interstate Music is among the nation's top independent musical instrument retailers, as the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrated 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free in-store educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at http://www.interstatemusic.com.

New Berlin, WI (February 28, 2012) - Cascio Interstate Music, 13819 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, presents Milwaukee's own esteemed guitarist/singersongwriter Willy Porter in a live, Free Singer/Songwriter Performance Clinic on Saturday, March 10 from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Cascio's SoundStage inside of the store. Sponsored by Cascio Interstate, this FREE Cascio clinic will give local musicians the chance to learn and interact with the high quality musical talent of Willy Porter. Willy is a Guild® Guitars and D'Addario national artist.

In this clinic, Willy plans to showcase and discuss the songwriting process - and his ability to craft a song is highly regarded and respected among his peers and the public. He will answer questions about songwriting, performing, his guitar technique, and anything else that clinic attendees want to know. And as always at Cascio´s FREE Clinics, there are free giveaways and prizes. Please arrive early for best parking and seating availability.

Porter's career as a published singer began in 1990 with his album The Trees Have Soul with Paul Perrone. His popularity began to rise in 1994 with the release of his critically acclaimed album Dog-Eared Dream, which had the successful single Angry Words, and led to his touring as an opening act for artists including Jeff Beck, Tori Amos, Paul Simon, and The Cranberries. Porter later opened for Jethro Tull, forming a long lasting friendship with Tull's guitarist, Martin Barre.

Willy was most recently involved with Canadian Pacific's cross-country and cross-border food shelf drive as a performer on the 2011 CP (Canadian Pacific) Holiday Train, North America's longest-running rolling fundraiser, an annual holiday tradition for many food pantries. Two freight trains, both decked out in thousands of feet of festive lighting, rolled into communities on both sides of the border with entertainers performing from a boxcar, converted into a mobile stage. Willy traveled on the U.S. Holiday Train with Nashville country-music recording artist Sydney Grigg on a unique journey across eight U.S. States in the Northeast and Midwest, wrapping up at Carpio, North Dakota on December 16, 2011. For many food pantries along the way, this annual food drive is their major fundraiser for the next 12 months. Locally, the beneficiary was the Hunger Task Force.

"How To Rob A Bank," the latest release from esteemed guitarist/singersongwriter Willy Porter, showcases his continued growth as a songwriter and recording artist. Porter offers a rich blend of salt and sugar with tracks that move easily from roughhewn electric edges into soulful irony with equal aplomb. Jeff Giles of Popdose.com says, "It's another solid entry in a discography full of them, and one of the smarter, more durable albums of grown-up music we're likely to get this year." Having toured with artists as diverse as Jeff Beck and Tori Amos, Porter capitalizes on his experience as a seasoned live performer on How To Rob A Bank.

Cascio Interstate Music is among the nation´ss top independent musical instrument retailers, and the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrated 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free in-store educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at http://www.interstatemusic.com.

New Berlin, WI (January 26, 2012) - Cascio Interstate Music, 13819 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, presents the Greg Koch Trio with a LIVE and FREE interactive clinic/performance on Saturday, February 11 at 2:30 pm inside the store on Cascio´s SoundStage. The Greg Koch Trio features Milwaukee´s own amazing guitarist Greg Koch with Tom Brechtlein (Chick Corea, Robben Ford) on Drums and Roscoe Beck (multi-Grammy Award winning record producer, founding member of Robben Ford and the Blue Line) on Electric Bass.

Sponsored by Cascio Interstate, Fender and Yamaha, this free clinic gives musicians the chance to learn and interact with high quality musical talent. There will be special one-day only deals on Fender Guitars, EC (Eric Clapton) Amplifiers (Cascio is one of 10 exclusive dealers, nationwide), plus Yamaha Drums. And as always at Cascio´s FREE Clinics, there are free giveaways and prizes. Please arrive early for best parking and seating availability.

Native Milwaukeean Greg Koch has established himself within six-string circles as a masterful technician, internationally renowned guitarist, recording session ace, and in-demand guitar clinician for Fender Musical Instruments and music publishing giant, Hal Leonard Publishing. Koch has described his guitaristic approach as "Chet Hendrix meeting the Kings (BB, Albert and Freddie) at the first annual Zeppelin-Holdsworth Coffee Guzzlers Hoedown." Contemporary blues/rock artist Joe Bonamassa considers Koch to be "pound for pound the best guitar player in the world today." Tom Wheeler from Guitar Player magazine has hailed him as "fiendishly talented" while other critics have called him everything from "a twisted guitar genius" to "the best kept secret in the guitar firmament." Greg´s relationship with Hal Leonard has resulted in an extraordinarily successful catalog of guitar instructional materials including the rewrite of the Hal Leonard Guitar Method with original author Will Schmid, which has become the top-selling guitar method in the world. His current CD with the Greg Koch Trio is titled "From The Attic." Read more about Greg at gregkoch.com/wordpress/.

Drummer Tom Brechtlein picked up his first pair of drumsticks at age 5 after seeing marching bands at a Memorial Day parade. Later, he studied privately with percussion educator John O'Reilly. While performing with the Jazz ensemble at east Meadow High School on Long Island he received the prestigious NAJE (National Association of Jazz Educators) Award for Musical Excellence. At Hofstra University, he was asked to audition for Chick Corea. This was an exciting start to a professional music career and an end to his college days. Tom has now toured and recorded with many great artists including: Chick Corea, Allen Vizzutti, Christopher Cross, Wayne Shorter, Robben Ford, Jean-Luc Ponty, Dave Samuels, Eric Johnson, Joe Farrell and host of others. Read more about Tom at http://www.tombrechtlein.com/.

Bassist Roscoe Beck is a multi-Grammy Award winning record producer and bassist. He has recorded and played with Leonard Cohen, Robben Ford, Jennifer Warnes, Eric Johnson, The Dixie Chicks, and others. The Cohen/Warnes/Beck partnership culminated in Warnes´ classic 1986 recording Famous Blue Raincoat/The Songs of Leonard Cohen (produced by Beck and Warnes), which sold more than a million copies. Beck has played on and/or co-produced five Cohen discs to date. Beck is also a founding member of Robben Ford and the Blue Line; playing on and/or co-producing the group´s five discs to date. Beck has made three instructional videos for REH/Warner Brothers Publications-Blues Foundations and Beginning Blues Bass, Volumes 1 & 2 and has been a regular contributor to Bass Player magazine with a bimonthly column, "Mastering Five-String Bass." Read more about Roscoe at http://www.roscoebeck.com/.

Cascio Interstate Music is among the nation´s top independent musical instrument retailers, and the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrated 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free in-store educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at http://www.interstatemusic.com.

Next Session´s Auditions Scheduled for April 14

New Berlin, WI (January 24, 2012) - Cascio Interstate Music, 13819 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, presented a free concert recently with performances from the three participating bands in the second session of the "Band Together" group lesson program. The bands Seven Seas, Strive and Outsourced did a fantastic job performing for the enthusiastic, standing-room only audience. Cascio offers a special thanks to the sponsors - Evans, Pro-Mark, D´Addario and Planet Waves - as well as to the students, parents, and people who helped make the second session of Cascio Band Together a great success.

Lead instructor Ryan Schiedermayer, local drummer/percussionist and member of the band Streetlife, offers a big congratulations to all "Band Together" students on a job well done. He sees how this program is making an impact for students outside of the traditional school band or orchestra setting, stating, "We've seen that there exists a real demand for our Band Together program, which connects the dots between private instruction and group performance. At the end of the day it´s not how good a student sounds by themselves at home, but rather how they can perform within a group setting."

This interactive and collaborative learning experience has been an inspiration for young musicians, teaching them how to play together in an ensemble other than their school band. Instruments covered include guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals and more. Cascio instructors organize students into "bands," based on ability, to rehearse and learn together. Students learn inside secrets, marketing techniques, and tools to become successful musicians in working bands!

This unique 10-week session includes instruction from expert musicians on group dynamics, form, harmony, tonality, melody and phrasing, plus tips on music marketing, promotion, and networking. In addition, the topics of commitment, dedication, drive, and self-confidence are emphasized as they relate to the band environment. Live performance opportunities are offered, including a chance to perform live on Milwaukee´s WMSE 91.7 FM "Frontier Radio," also a supporter of "Band Together." Additional savings on products at Cascio Interstate are also offered. To be eligible, a student must: (a) understand basic music theory, (b) own an instrument, (c) be able to read music, and (d) be committed to attend all scheduled sessions. The cost of the 10-week program is $250.

The audition date for the next session of Band Together will be held on Saturday, April 14, with the 10-week instructional course/rehearsals beginning on Saturday, April 28. Following the 10-week session students will showcase their skills in a final concert at Cascio´s Soundstage. For more information, please contact Mary Rodgers, Cascio Interstate Music´s Lesson Coordinator at (262) 789-7600 ext. 116, at mrodgers@interstatemusic.com, or stop in at Cascio´s service counter for more information. Be sure to also see http://www.facebook.com/CascioBandTogether.

Cascio Interstate Music is among the nation´s top independent musical instrument retailers, as the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrated 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free in-store educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at http://www.interstatemusic.com.

New Berlin, WI (November 11, 2011) Cascio Interstate Musics 11th annual DrummerFest once again continued its tradition of providing world class talent with performances from Bill Bruford, Chris Pennie, Aaron Spears and Horacio el Negro Hernandez!!

DrummerFest 2011 was held on Saturday, October 22nd inside the store on Cascios SoundStage and proved once again to be one of the Midwests premier drumming showcase events. The all-day extravaganza started at 11:00am and went until 6:00pm, with attendance at 1,000+ in the course of the day.

Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson) started out the day with a lecture and slide show presentation in support of his new book Bill Bruford: The Autobiography. Bill covered all aspects of his drumming career, from his early childhood musical influences, to his innovative and ground-breaking work with Yes and King Crimson. Bill explained how events, other artists, equipment and technology all combined to help create his signature style and mastery of off-meter time.

Chris Pennie (Coheed and Cambria) was the second artist of the day, and started out with a long solo, demonstrating his many influences and styles ranging from speed metal, rock, jazz and his improvisational mathcore, a style of rudimental polyrhythmic free-form. Chris is a lucid speaker and Berklee grad, and this helps him to relate his playing into words and descriptions. His message for drummers is to play with as many musicians, and in as many styles as possible, to gain versatility and opportunity.

Aaron Spears (Usher, Alicia Keys) was the next artist up and dazzled the crowd with his funk, groove, and hip hop styles. Aaron plays with power, ease and grace all at once. Aaron described his early days playing Gospel and church gigs, and cutting his teeth with The Gideon Band. Combined with his love and passion of music, there is no doubt why he has earned the drum chair with artists like Usher, and the musically demanding American Idol band. Aarons play-along with Radioheads 15 Step was truly incredible and brought the house down!

Closing the day was master drummer Horacio el Negro Hernandez (Michel Camilo, Santana). Horacios personality and joy of life are evident with the first beat he plays. His opening solo combined jazz, rock and Cuban styles into one, with dynamics ranging from soft whispers to ferocious thunderclaps. When he settles into Latin grooves, its amazing to watch his footwork... playing clave beats, hi-hat and bass patterns, all alternating simultaneously. Add contrasting patterns being played with his hands, and youd swear there were three percussionists on stage! Horacio demonstrated step-by-step practice techniques to gain that kind of independence.

Many thanks go to national drum brand companies Mapex, Pearl, Tama, DW, Sabian, Evans, LP, Vater and Zildjian. This FREE all-day event also featured prize giveaways, the Fastest Hands Contest, food and beverages, special sale pricing on drum gear, plus photo and autograph opportunities.

Cascio Interstate Music is among the nations top independent musical instrument retailers, as the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrates 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free in-store educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at http://www.interstatemusic.com.

New Berlin, WI (August 30, 2011) - Cascio Interstate Music, 13819 W. National Ave. in New Berlin, presents its 7th annual GuitarFest 2011 on Saturday, September 10, LIVE and FREE with interactive clinic/performances from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Cascio's SoundStage inside of the store. GuitarFest 2011 will feature an outstanding line-up - Andy Timmons (former member of Danger Danger), Don Alder (world-class fingerstyle guitarist), John Jorgenson (American gypsy jazz, former member of the Desert Rose Band) and Rick Heins (Fender amp product specialist).

Sponsored by Cascio Interstate, with featured suppliers Archer Guitars, Yamaha Guitars, Vox Amps, and Fender Guitars & Amps, GuitarFest 2011 is a FREE event, open to the public with live and free interactive clinics and performances. In addition, there will be free swag & prizes, with factory reps on-hand from a variety of manufacturers, food & drink, plus an extra 10% off participating brands. Those planning to attend should arrive early for best possible seating and parking arrangements. For more information please call (262) 789-7600. The following greats from the world of guitar will appear:

Andy Timmons ~ As guitarist for pop-metal band Danger Danger, he toured the world opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper, sold over a million records worldwide, and had two #1 videos on MTV, plus amassing a discography that includes 7 solo releases that range from blazing guitar instrumentals, to blues, and even a Beatles/Elvis Costello-inspired collection of pop tunes.

As a session player, he's been highly featured on CDs by drumming legend Simon Phillips, a live CD with Olivia Newton-John (Andy has been her music director/guitarist for several U.S. tours), two internationally acclaimed CDs by Kip Winger, recording sessions for Paula Abdul, Paul Stanley, and countless radio and television jingles. He has also played alongside many of his heroes such as Steve Vai and Joe Satriani (as a regular guest on their G3 tours in Dallas), Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, Mike Stern, Ace Frehley, Ted Nugent, and Pierre Bensusan, as well as some of his fave '60's singing stars such as the Beach Boys, Lesley Gore, and Gordon Waller (of Peter and Gordon fame.)

The Andy Timmons Band (featuring Mike Daane on bass and Rob Avsharian on drums) will return to Italy in October 2011 for 10 shows to celebrate the release of their new CD "Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper." Andy has been consistently voted a "Top 20 Favorite Guitarist" in most of Japan's rock music magazine's reader polls. He also has become one of the most respected and sought after clinicians representing Ibanez Guitars, touring the world on their behalf. Read more about Andy at http://www.andytimmons.com.

Don Alder ~ Don plays acoustic fingerstyle guitar with a passion that has quickly earned him a reputation as Vancouver, Canada's "best kept little secret." He is a world-class fingerstyle guitarist with a unique style of playing incorporates fingerpicking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a wall of sound. He is often referred to as sounding like a four piece band. Don's music is his own unique weave of deeply textured melody and story. Lyrical and compelling, his original songs are notes of exploration - some passionate and haunting, some hard-driven, others light and teasing. In quiet pieces or pushing right to the edge, Don's phenomenal fingerstyle playing and rich voice captivate.

Alder has participated in and won various guitar competitions, including winning first place in Guitar Player magazine's sixth annual Guitar Superstar Competition on September 18, 2010. Alder's confident, entertaining, and technically flawless performance of his song, "The Rogue," wowed the capacity crowd at Livermore, California's Bankhead Theater, and garnered the only standing ovation of the night.

Chris Seldon, Marketing Manager for Yamaha Guitars Canada states, "We are extremely proud to have Don as a National Endorsee. Don chose our handbuilt L-Series flat tops as his weapon of choice. We recognize that Don is at the forefront of the 'new fingerstyle' movement and look forward to a long relationship with this mind blowing guitarist." Read more about Don at http://www.donalder.com/.

John Jorgenson ~ John is known as one of the pioneers of the American gypsy jazz movement. His articles and lessons on gypsy jazz have appeared in prominent guitar magazines and he has given master classes around the country, having performed with some of the most respected European proponents of this style, including Bireli Lagrene and Romane.

John is best known for his guitar work with groups such as the Desert Rose Band and The Hellecasters. The Desert Rose Band charted 8 singles in the Top 10 on Billboard's US Country Charts from 1987-1989, and received two Grammy nominations for Best Country Performance by a Group. While a member of the Desert Rose Band, Jorgenson won the Academy of Country Music's "Guitarist of the Year" award three consecutive years. Jorgenson has also recorded or toured with many artists including Elton John, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr., Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavarotti, Roy Orbison, Patty Loveless, Michael Nesmith and Bonnie Raitt.

Although John Jorgenson is well-renowned in the pop, country and rock world, gypsy jazz is the style of music closest to his heart. Because of his international reputation as a gypsy jazz player, John was twice asked to recreate Django Reinhardt's music for feature films, Gattica and Head in The Clouds. The latter, released in early 2005 and starring Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz, features John on camera as Django Reinhardt, complete with burned hand and gypsy moustache. Jorgenson is also proficient in the mandolin, mandocello, Dobro, pedal steel, piano, upright bass, clarinet, bassoon and saxophone.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin and currently living in Nashville, John tours worldwide playing gypsy jazz with The John Jorgenson Quintet. He also performs in the UK with his electric band, John Jorgenson & Friends, and continues to collaborate with other artists live and in the studio. Read more about John at http://www.johnjorgenson.com/.

Rick Heins ~ Rick is amplifier product specialist for Fender Musical Instruments. As such, he plays a pivotal role in the design, development, testing and marketing of Fender guitar amps. As an adept and highly skilled clinician, he also educates dealers and consumers worldwide by demonstrating Fender's broad range of guitar amps.

Heins' extensive amplifier knowledge and expertise is well informed by his exceptional talent and wide-ranging versatility as an accomplished and active guitarist with more than 25 years of playing experience. Notably, he actually uses the products he works with. A Wisconsin native, Heins moved to Arizona with his family during childhood. He arrived at Fender in 2004 and served as a graphics and packaging designer before assuming his current role in 2010. Heins is based at FMIC's corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., and resides in neighboring Phoenix.

Cascio Interstate Music is among the nation's top independent musical instrument retailers, as the 12th largest musical instrument dealer in the United States. Cascio celebrates 65 years as a music retailer in 2011, and is headquartered in the suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin marketplace, which houses its retail Superstore, Call Center, Web Center and corporate offices. Its Distribution Center in Waukesha, WI handles over 60,000 items. Cascio Interstate offers a wide selection of musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, private music lessons, free instore educational clinics, rentals, repairs, and more. More information on the Company is available at http://www.interstatemusic.com.