Nation Beat and Javier Garcia perform in Pittsburgh! Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Carla Andrea Leininger, Promoter Erin Molchany, PUMP carlapitt@aol.com erin@pump.org (412) 608-3946 (412) 338-2133 ext. 10 Global Beats debuts outdoors with live world music at Stay & Play Fridays, in Market Square Pittsburgh, Pa (June 13, 2008) – On Friday, June 27th, Global Beats is providing a night of world music in an outdoor environment as part of PUMP's (Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project) summertime event series, Stay & Play Fridays. This free event is scheduled to take place in Market Square from 5 pm to 9 pm with dynamic performances by Miami's Latin Pop Star, Javier Garcia, plus Nation Beat, from New York City. "Stay & Play is as much about downtown revitalization as it is about introducing unique and diverse artists and performers to new audiences," said Erin Molchany, Executive Director of PUMP. Javier García is a young artist born in Spain from a Cuban father and an Irish mother who made Miami his home at the age of fifteen. In 1997, García got many gold records in Latin America upon the release of "Tranquila", his very first song. His latest release titled "13" feels like classical Cuban son, but is a hybrid where everything has its place and nothing sounds forced, be it boogaloo, rumba, son, hip hop, reggae, ska, Haitian compass, bossa nova, boleros, flamenco guitars or pure American funk. Javier's video clips such as Rumba or Me Gustaria can be seen on MTV in Spanish. At the heart of Nation Beat lies the merging of Maracatú, from the northeast of Brazil, with New Orleans second line rhythms, funk, rock, and country-blues. Since recording their first CD, Nation Beat has recruited Brazilian vocalist Liliana Araújo, whose rich, earthy voice brings a powerful shot of soulful authenticity to their music and a definite Brazilian zest to their stage presentation. Their magnetic performance and pure Brazilian percussion magic transports the audience to the streets of Pernambuco, Brazil. Carla Andrea Leininger, founder of Global Beats and host of the Brazilian Radio Hour on WRCT 88.FM, states that "this will be an excellent opportunity for Pittsburgh to experience the essence of Global Beats, a night of various music genres fused together." According to Leininger, Global Beats on its regular Saturday nights tends to attract a young and eclectic audience who wants to be exposed to something different. On June 27th, however, Global Beats will debut outdoors for the first time with live music hoping to create a cutting-edge world music party on the streets. "It will be a dream come true to bring a bit of Brazilian Carnaval, the biggest street party in the world, to Pittsburgh. Nation Beat and Javier Garcia have the right sound and the dynamic performances to create such an atmosphere. PUMP has the young professional membership that may just be looking for a distinctively groovy event. It's a win-win situation for both organizations." About Global Beats: Global Beats is the name given to an event that creates a venue for world music and cultural diversity. Regular Global Beats nights are on the last Saturday of the month at the AVA Lounge, 126 S. Highland Ave, in the growing East Liberty area. For further details please visit: www.globalbeatspitt.com. About Stay & Play Fridays: Stay & Play Fridays" is a series of Friday evening events that will take place throughout the summer intended to encourage the business community and downtown residents to visit, shop and dine in Market Square. About PUMP: PUMP is a 501 C3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make Pittsburgh a more dynamic and diverse place to live by giving young and young-thinking people a voice and inspiring them to affect change in our community through civic engagement, professional development, recreation and social networking.