07/07/07 - Hootie & the Blowfish to headline Institute fundraiser

Date: July 7, 2007

Hootie & the Blowfish to Headline Siskin Children's Institute Fund-raiser

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Two-time Grammy Award winner Hootie & the Blowfish will headline StarNight 2007 Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. StarNight is the annual
black-tie gala benefiting Siskin Children’s Institute.

With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of the band, Hootie & the Blowfish sold more than 25 million records worldwide after their 1994 hits “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna be with You.”

Hootie & the Blowfish formed during the late 80s at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Their heartfelt sound made a huge impact at local fraternity parties and college bars. Word quickly spread, and the band signed to Atlantic Records and released their break-out album Cracked Rear View in 1994. The album remains the 12th best-selling album of all time.

“We are excited that a band as well respected as Hootie & the Blowfish will becoming to Chattanooga for StarNight this year,” said Ward Petty, co-chair of StarNight 2007. “StarNight is one of the best parties in Chattanooga, and the performance this year is sure to draw a large number of music fans of all ages.”

Following the success of Cracked Rear View, the band went on to release several other albums from 1996 to 2005, including Fairweather Johnson; Musical Chairs; Scattered, Smothered & Covered; Hootie & the Blowfish; Best of Hootie & the Blowfish and Looking for Lucky.

Having played to millions of fans, won multiple awards and released several successful albums, the band believes they have a responsibility to use their celebrity status to help improve the lives of those in need—especially children.

StarNight benefits young children with disabilities, as well as typically developing children, at Siskin Children's Institute—a leader in serving children with special needs, their families and the professionals who touch their lives.

StarNight 2007, chaired by Ward and Nancy Petty, includes a cocktail reception, an elegant dinner and performances by Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as opening act Danielle Howle. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests can attend the entire gala evening, including the cocktail reception, dinner and musical performances with dancing for $225 per person. Tables of eight range from $1,800 to $4,000 for the entire gala evening. The Star Attraction option, offered at $100 per person, allows guests to arrive at 8:30 p.m. to enjoy Danielle Howle and Hootie & the Blowfish, as well as coffee and dessert.

The reservation deadline is Monday, August 21. To reserve seats, call (423) 648-1707 or visit www.siskin.org.

For additional information about Hootie & the Blowfish, visit www.hootie.com.

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