CONTACT: Rebecca Whitlinger
Cancer Caring Center
(O) 412-622-1212 (C) 412-418-7486
[email protected]
RELEASE: Immediate
SAVE THE DATE: PITTSBURGH ROCK N ROLL LEGENDS AWARDS SET FOR
APRIL 23; SECOND ANNUAL EVENT TO INDUCT WINNERS IN THREE
CATEGORIES
Rock N Rolling Over Cancer Moves from January to April in
Anticipation of Larger Turnout;
Expanded Voting Process Engages Music Industry Pros and Fans
PITTSBURGH JANUARY 22, 2015 The Second Annual PITTSBURGH ROCK N
ROLL LEGENDS AWARDS,**
is set for Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Hard Rock Caf,
Station Square. UPMC and UPMC Health Plan are once again title
sponsors for this rockin awards celebration and fundraiser that
honors the tremendously talented individuals and organizations that
have contributed to the rich history of rock and roll music in
Pittsburgh, while raising money for the Pittsburgh-based Cancer
Caring Center. The event, dubbed Rock N Rolling over Cancer, was
first held in January, 2014, with the induction of legendary
concert promoter Rich Engler.
To build on this solid foundation, a comprehensive nomination
and voting process has been instituted, whereby a class of three
individuals or groups will be inducted as Legends this year and
beyond. A prestigious panel of local music industry professionals,
including producers and promoters, educators, historians, industry
executives, media and others has been assembled as the Legends
Nominating Committee. Their charge is to identify the categories to
be honored, develop the criteria for each category, research a
lengthy list of local candidates who meet the criteria, and to
ultimately put forth the slate for voting.
The Legends categories to be honored are:
1. Modern Era Legends (Groups or solo artists with 20+ years in
the business)
1. Non-performer/music professional (Individuals with 20+ years
in the business)
1. Legacy Legends (Groups or solo artists with 40+ years in the
business)
Note: The most successful iteration of any nominated band will
be the one inducted.
In addition to empanelling the Nominating Committee, the Legends
Awards is assembling an Academy of Voters, comprised of hundreds of
other knowledgeable, local music industry professionals. The
Academy of Voters and the general public will vote on the nominees
put forth by the Nominating Committee. The slate of nominees and
their credentials will be announced in February when voting begins,
along with information on how and where to vote. Voting will be
open for several weeks and winners will be announced in March.
This expanded approach allows us to involve thousands of people
in the voting process from local music industry pros to the general
public enabling everyone to participate in the selection, according
to Rebecca Whitlinger, executive director of the Cancer Caring
Center. We hope all local rock and roll fans will vote and help us
select the next Pittsburgh Rock N Roll Legends.
-more-
Second Annual Pittsburgh Rock N Roll Legends Awards
January 22, 2015/Page Two
Event organizers also moved this years awards celebration to
late April, to accommodate whats expected to be a larger crowd than
last year, allowing for use of the outdoor space behind the Hard
Rock Caf, providing more creative options for the entertainment and
festivities.
The event will feature special VIPs; musical guests and
performances from local all-star musicians; a commemorative Hard
Rock Cafe collectible pin created especially for the event;
specialty cocktails and hors doeuvres and a live and silent
auction. Auction items collected so far include event tickets, gift
certificates and many autographed items from sports and music
legends such as Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, KISS, Tony
Bennett, Rod Stewart, Joe Perry, Santana, Johnny Bench and others.
Additionally, this years event will include a fashion component and
other surprises.
Tickets for the event go on sale online in February. Prices will
be the same as last year: $200 for VIP and $150 for General
Admission. Guests may also call the Center anytime to purchase
tickets in advance at 412-622-1212.
For more information about the Pittsburgh Rock N Roll Legends
Awards, or to learn more about becoming a sponsor or donating an
auction prize, visit www.cancercaring.org or call 412-622-1212.
About the Pittsburgh Rock n Roll Legends Awards
**The Pittsburgh Rock N Roll Legends Awards (initially launched
as the Pittsburgh Rock N Roll Hall of Fame), created as a local
registry rather than a museum, honors the tremendously talented
individuals and organizations that have contributed to the rich
history of rock and roll in Pittsburgh. Given the success of the
first event and its long-term potential, the name was modified
slightly to assure there's no confusion between the event and the
Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is very supportive of
the Legends celebration.
Organizers of the Legends Awards and a team of leading local
musicians and industry experts have created an entity that will,
over time, recognize many individuals who have played an integral
role in making rock and roll music part of the fabric of life in
Western Pennsylvania.
A permanent Legends display, created by Wendell August Forge,
features a painting of the city skyline by highly regarded local
artist Johno Prascak, which hangs at the Hard Rock Caf in Station
Square. It will be updated as new Legends members are inducted.
Follow the Legends on Facebook and Twitter, and watch for the
Legends website coming soon.
About the Cancer Caring Center
Since 1988, the Center has been a Pittsburgh-based charity,
providing free emotional and social support services to patients
and their families. They help those affected by a cancer diagnosis
move forward, by offering a wide variety of programming. Services
include neighborhood support groups throughout the area, individual
and couples counseling, a telephone helpline, a Food Bank for
qualifying patients, Reiki, art therapy, Live Well with Cancer
newsletters, programs and much more. The Center also sponsors Pet
Therapy for children at Animal Friends and support groups for
children who have a family member with cancer.
For more information, visit www.cancercaring.org. Follow on
Twitter at and on Facebook.
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