Alumni Showcase
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nashville, Tenn.—(July 28, 2009) —
On Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 7 p.m. Belmont University welcomes alumni artists Ricky Braddy, SHIROCK, and Brittini Black to the Curb Event Center stage for the 2nd annual Alumni Showcase, co-sponsored by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and the Office of Alumni Relations. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Everything Burns, a non-profit organization founded by SHIROCK that is dedicated to raising awareness about how individuals can make a difference in their local communities.
“We chose to open up the opportunity for students and community members to make donations to Everything Burns because we want people to walk away from this concert with a renewed sense of what it means to participate in community life and donate time genuinely and generously,” explains Amanda Shoffner, Producer of the 2009 Alumni Showcase. The organization partners with charities in the various cities on SHIROCK’s tour and promotes them to concert goers, encouraging the audience members to take part in making a difference in the lives of the homeless and impoverished.
“From this show, you can expect high energy entertainment that crosses genres and connects communities,” Shoffner comment, “Ricky Braddy, SHIROCK, and Brittini Black are all stunning examples of the talent that emerges from Belmont.”
ABOUT RICKY BRADDY: Performer Ricky Braddy, a 2007 Commercial Music graduate, has become widely known throughout the nation as a result of his recent success on FOX’s American Idol 8. Braddy made it to the top 36 contestants on the show and was chosen by the judges to compete in the “wild card” episode, which allowed for eliminated contestants to have another chance of making it to the finals. His return to Belmont for the Alumni Showcase will be his first appearance in Nashville since his national debut.
ABOUT
SHIROCK: The inspirational 5-piece rock band, Shirock, has already made significant strides in the early years of their career with the launch of their non-profit, Everything Burns. In February, they launched the Everything Burns Tour, which is scheduled to stop in 14 major cities and partner with local charities working to solve issues of homelessness and poverty in their areas. All income from their tour goes directly to charity.
ABOUT BRITTINI BLACK: Country singer/songwriter, Brittini Black, began performing with her mother at the young age of 12, opening for noteworthy acts, such as Diamond Rio, Lonestar, and Billy Ray Cyrus. During her time at Belmont University, Black majored in Commercial Music and was selected to perform at the Best of the Best Showcase alongside fellow alum Brad Paisley at the Ryman Auditorium. This year, her debut album Good Happens received the ACM Award for producer Chuck Ainlay’s work, and PBS’ “Legends and Lyrics” recently showcased her as a “rising star.” Black’s song “Life is Good” will be featured in the upcoming Renée Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. movie, New In Town.
