ARTISTS BRING DYNAMIC MUSIC & WORSHIP WHILE COMPETING FOR $20,000 AT "BEST OF THE BEST" COMPETITION

(Overland Park, KS – March 21, 2006) Up and coming Christian artists from all over the country are auditioning now for a chance to be showcased to major Christian labels and win $20,000 at the ultimate Christian talent competition, Connection 2006 presented by Tom Jackson Productions, Depot Music and Hearken Studios. Connection 2006, featuring an impressive list of industry professionals, will grace the Overland Park Convention Center on Thursday, May 25 through Sunday, May 28.

Christian artists will get connected with other artists and industry professionals while showcasing for agents, managers, promoters, producers, labels, radio promoters, distributors, and organizations looking to book Christian talent.

Electrifying performances by the best Christian artists are expected to generate a large turnout for the “Best of the Best” competition finals at the Overland Park Convention Center on Sunday, May 28 beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to the public, and tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, call Hearken Studios at 866.894.2122.

“Connection 2006’s variety of genres, including rock, contemporary, inspirational, praise and worship, rap, hip hop, country, traditional, gospel, rhythm and blues, Latino and instrumental, appeals to every generation, spreading the timeless news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Connection 2006 Production Director Andy Johnson. “This event is a perfect opportunity for musicians of all ages to congregate and share the power of the Lord.”

For a schedule of events, workshop summary, bios of industry professionals attending the event, videos, photos and more, visit www.hearkenstudios.com.

Hearken Studios is a Christian organization designed to be a launch pad for independent Christian artists with a vision to further the kingdom of God through the power of music. Hearken Studios connects singers, songwriters, musicians and industry professionals who are seeking to glorify God through their talents.

The OPCC sits on a 26-acre site in the heart of Overland Park, the largest suburban city in the Kansas City metropolitan area and the second largest city in Kansas. The mid-sized convention center features a 60,000 square-foot exhibition hall that connects to the 25,000 sq. ft. Edwin C. Eilert Ballroom. Additionally, the OPCC provides an additional 15,000 sq. ft. of event space and 40,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space that proudly houses a collection of selected works of art created by renowned midwestern artists.

Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 50 facilities throughout the United States and Canada, manages the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, KS, and Kemper Arena in Kansas City, MO. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Comcast SportsNet, a regional sports programming network, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company. Comcast-Spectacor owns three minor league baseball teams - the Bowie Baysox, the Delmarva Shorebirds and the Frederick Keys - all affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles.
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Contact:
Brandi Yoxall
Marketing Manager
Global Spectrum-managed Overland Park Convention Center
(p) 913.339.3067
(f) 913.339.3098
byoxall@opconventioncenter.com

Friday, March 17, 2006