Pearl Jam, Ernestine Anderson, Maestro James DePreist, and Norm Langill to Be Honored by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Recording Academy

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 2004--

2004 IMPACT Awards Gala Honors Those Who Have Contributed Significantly to Both the Northwest's Rich Musical Legacy and the International Music Community

“the most stylish and well-produced music awards gala in local history”

GRAMMY(R) Award-winning rock band Pearl Jam, legendary GRAMMY-nominated jazz and blues vocalist Ernestine Anderson, internationally renowned GRAMMY-nominated conductor (Oregon Symphony, L'Orchestre Symphonique de Quebec) Maestro James DePreist, and veteran of music and arts festival production Norm Langill have been chosen by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Recording Academy(R) to receive its 2004 IMPACT Award on April 9. The IMPACT Award honors Northwest music professionals whose creative talents and accomplishments have crossed all musical boundaries and who have been recognized as an asset to the music community. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will take place at the Westin Hotel in Seattle. Highlights include a silent auction, VIP reception, dinner and awards celebration that will feature video tributes and performances by members of Pearl Jam, Ernestine Anderson, El Vez, Norm Durkee and others to be announced.

A night the Seattle Post-Intelligencer has called "the most stylish and well-produced music awards gala in local history," the 2004 IMPACT Awards will raise funds that enable the PNW Chapter to provide ongoing music advocacy, education and professional development programs for recording industry professionals and those who aspire to careers in music. Tickets and sponsorship information can be purchased through the Chapter office at 206-834-1000 or [e-mail]. In addition, a limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include access to the VIP reception in the presidential suite and preferred seating at the event.

Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as the Recording Academy, is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers. An organization of musicians, producers and other recording professionals, the Recording Academy is internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards and is responsible for numerous groundbreaking outreach, professional development, cultural enrichment, education and human services programs. For more information, please visit www.grammy.com.

Photos available upon request.