.

Minnie Driver Is Not Dead, She Is Hosting the Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Celebration


08/19/2009
.
(Rounder) Rounder Records celebrates 40 years of making music with a special event to benefit NARAS' Grammy in the Schools Programs. Grammy winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck and Irma Thomas will join in this momentous celebration along with musical host, Minnie Driver and special guests (yet to be announced) on October 12 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. "I am excited and honored to be a part of this stellar line-up and historic event that celebrates 40 years of great music while supporting a worthy cause" said Driver.

The show, which will include performances by Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Minnie Driver, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck, Irma Thomas and special guests will be filmed by High Five Entertainment for a PBS television special that will begin airing on the network in March 2010. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to NARAS' Grammy� in the Schools Programs to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture. The Grammy� Foundation influences the lives of young people by opening the windows of opportunity that music can provide for their futures.

Rounder Records was founded in 1970 by Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy and Bill Nowlin. With only their passionate enthusiasm for American roots music lighting the way, the three Boston area college students cast their lot into the perilous music industry. "Before founding Rounder, we were basically music fans," says Rounder Records co-founder Ken Irwin. "None of us," echoes co-conspirator Bill Nowlin, "had any record industry experience whatsoever."

"I doubt that 'industry experience' is a term we would have comprehended at the time we started Rounder!" interjects the third member of the Rounder triumvirate, Marian Leighton.

This untested trio have gone the distance: from humble beginnings 40 years ago, to winning Album of the Year for Raising Sand at the 2009 Grammy� Awards. Rounder is now considered one of America's premier independent record labels, and has emerged as the preeminent source for vital, uncompromised music of all genres.

"Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Celebration" Ticket Information:
Tickets go on sale August 28 at 10:00AM CT at all Ticketmaster locations, The Grand Ole Opry Box Office, The Ryman Auditorium Box Office, the Attractions Desk at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, and by phone at 1-800-733-6779 (Ticketmaster charge by phone � 1-800-745-3000). The show is being produced in conjunction with AC Entertainment.



Click here to read today's full Day in Rock report

Preview and Purchase Alison Krauss CDs



Alison Krauss MP3 Downloads