Gibson Awards to be web-cast on centerseat.com; First internet-only broadcast of an awards program

Gibson Awards to be web-cast on centerseat.com;
First internet-only broadcast of an awards program

The 10th Annual Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards, which will take place in Los Angeles Tuesday, February 22nd, will be the first awards program to be presented exclusively on the internet on Centerseat.com, an entertainment and information megasite launching in the first quarter this year.

The Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards has become a favorite among major stars in rock, blues, country and jazz, attracting such luminaries as Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Van Halen, Vince Gill, Joni Mitchell, B.B. King, John Fogerty, Emmylou Harris, Jonny Lang, Tracy Chapman, Courtney Love, Shawn Colvin and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

"The goal of our 10th Anniversary ceremony is to bring the work of our winners to a national audience, without jeopardizing the intimacy that has been so attractive to our distinguished group of honored stars," explains Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "We chose to work with Centerseat because of their strong entertainment industry base through their critically acclaimed work with major music artists, including the Rolling Stones, The Corrs and U2."

"The Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards has become an institution among the top artists in the industry," said Mark Haefeli, Centerseat Executive Vice President. "By presenting the awards on Centerseat.com, the ceremony is able to maintain its intimate ambiance, while elevating the event to an international level."

All programming on Centerseat is free and will have Centerseats unique, signature online treatment, including high-quality full motion video, contextually related interactive rich media information and e-commerce opportunities. Programs will be presented on a scheduled and on-demand basis.

The Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards is traditionally a luncheon hosted by the Hard Rock Cafe the day prior to the Grammy Awards. Tickets are available to music industry executives with all funds benefiting the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Clinic.

Centerseat is a vertically integrated global digital media company that produces and distributes original high-quality programming via the internet, cable TV, digital satellite TV, as well as traditional media outlets. The combination of this powerful media platform, with an integrated e-commerce capability, offers unique benefits to members of its audience, its advertisers and partners. Centerseat viewers are immersed in an integrated entertainment, information, and commerce experience that fulfills the promise of the internet. Founded in April, 1999, Centerseat is located in New York City.