CONTACT: Rebecca Whitlinger

Cancer Caring Center

(O) 412-622-1212 (C) 412-418-7486

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;

ExpandedVoting Process Engages Music Industry Pros and Fans

PITTSBURGH – JANUARY 22, 2015 –TheSecond Annual PITTSBURGH ROCK ‘N ROLL LEGENDS AWARDS,**

is set for Thursday, April 23, 2015 atthe Hard Rock Café, 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 firstheld in January, 2014,with the inductionof legendary concert promoter Rich Engler.

To build on this solid foundation, acomprehensive 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:

  • Modern Era Legends (Groups or solo artists with 20+ years in the business)
  • Non-performer/music professional (Individuals with 20+ years in the business)
  • 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 isassembling an Academy of Voters, comprised of hundreds of otherknowledgeable,local music industry professionals. The Academy of Voters andthe 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.

“Thisexpanded approachallows us to involvethousands of people in the voting process – from local music industry prosto 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.”

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Second Annual Pittsburgh Rock ‘N Roll Legends Awards

January 22, 2015/Page Two

Event organizers also moved this year’s awards celebration to late April, to accommodate what’s expected to be a larger crowd than last year, allowing for use of the outdoor space behind the Hard Rock Café, providing more creative options for the entertainment and festivities.

The event willfeature 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 d’oeuvres and alive and silent auction. Auction items collected so far includeevent tickets, gift certificates and many autographed itemsfrom sports and musiclegends such asBruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, KISS, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart, Joe Perry, Santana, Johnny Bench and others.Additionally, this year’s 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 sponsoror donating an auction prize, visit 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 wasmodified 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 Awardsand a team of leading local musicians and industry experts have created an entity thatwill, over time, recognizemany 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 JohnoPrascak, which hangs at the Hard Rock Café 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 Follow on Twitter at and on Facebook.

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