CARY ’S BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE NAMES NEW PROMOTER FOR 2009 CONCERT SEASON

Cary , NC – With the start of the 2009 outdoor concert season only a few months away, officials at Cary ’s Booth Amphitheatre announced an exciting change to amphitheatre operations today. Venue owner, Town of Cary , and Management Company, SMG, have decided that Nashville based Outback Concerts will become the venue’s preferred promoter booking performances this year at the 7,000-seat outdoor entertainment facility. For the past seven years House of Blues/Live Nation has performed this responsibility. According to Booth Amphitheatre General Manager, Becky Schmidt, the preferred promoter designation gives Outback Concerts the primary responsibility for booking national talent while not excluding other promoters from working with them and the Amphitheatre to produce the best possible concert line-up for a venue that is second to none.

“Everyone that comes through our gates instantly knows we have a very special and unique venue here in Cary . We’re looking for shows that really complement the style and distinctiveness of the amphitheatre. When we met with a host of promoters over the last few months, Outback Concerts was the one that stood out as the company that best embraced our goals moving forward.”

Mike Smardak, Outback Concerts President is equally enthusiastic about the alliance and said, “Outback Concerts is honored and delighted to be in a partnership with Koka Booth Amphitheatre.  It’s not often you have the opportunity to work with a facility that is so respected in the entertainment industry as well as in their own community.  Booth Amphitheatre is a one of a kind facility where artist and fan share in an unforgettable experience. In 2009 Outback Concerts looks forward to working side by side with the Town of Cary and Amphitheatre Team to bring a wide variety of entertainment both locally and regionally.”

            Founded in 1997 Outback Concerts has climbed to the top of industry charts with accolades that include being named one of the Top Three Independent Concert Promotion Companies per Pollstar Magazine; Top Ten of Concert Companies in the world and consistently ranked in the Top Five Concert Companies in the United States to name a few. In addition, Outback has been nominated for Top Billboard Independent Promoter of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

            Town of Cary Cultural Arts Manager Lyman Collins commended House of Blues/Live Nation for their service to the facility, saying “We have had a great run of outstanding concerts and this change does not reflect any dissatisfaction with our previous preferred promoter.  At the same time, Outback Concerts has a unique perspective on presenting events that compliments the Amphitheatre’s cultural focus and its varied programming schedule.”

            Booth Amphitheatre will kick off the 2009 season in April. For up to date concert announcements log on to www.boothamphitheatre.com.