Sun Country Launches Minnesota Music Campaign with a 'Concert in the Sky!'

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sun Country Airlines is presenting a ‘Concert in the Sky’ onboard a flight on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. The flight will be the first live concert 25,000 feet above in Minnesota and will celebrate the launch of the new artists for Sun Country’s Minnesota Music Campaign. Pianist Lorie Line will open the concert with a performance at the Humphrey Terminal, and Dan Wilson, Tim Mahoney, and George Faber will perform onboard the flight. Upon landing, additional Minnesota bands will be performing in the Humphrey Terminal. The Airline will also host an after-party at Fletcher’s Wharf in the Humphrey Terminal featuring the Maeflies.

“As the hometown airline, we are proud to present the first ever 'Concert in the Sky' featuring great bands originating in Minnesota”

“As the hometown airline, we are proud to present the first ever 'Concert in the Sky' featuring great bands originating in Minnesota,” said Wendy Williams Blackshaw, Sun Country’s Vice President of Marketing. “What better way to showcase these talented artists than to host a concert on-board our Boeing 737-800 aircraft.”

The hometown artists featured in Sun Country’s Minnesota Music Campaign are Dan Wilson, Lorie Line, Greg Brown, Mayflies, George Faber, 8 Switch Assembly, Capestany, and the Teddy Bear Band. These musicians will be rotated through Sun Country’s boarding music for the listening pleasure of all passengers. The Musicians are also given their own channel in the on-board audio programming of every flight. Additionally, they will be featured in Sun Country’s In-flight magazine, Escape, as well as on Suncountry.com.

“As Minnesota’s Hometown Airline, it is important that we utilize Minnesota products at every opportunity,” said Blackshaw “Featuring hometown musicians is an innovative way in which we can show support for the local community.”

Sun Country Airlines, rated #4 Domestic Airline in the top by Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, chose the following top Minnesota Artists from each genre. For more information on the musicians, please see brief descriptions below.

Media Interviews available with Lorie Line and other performing musicians between 4:30-6pm. Interviews also available upon request with Stan Gadek, CEO of Sun Country Airlines.

Dan Wilson

Dan Wilson (danwilsonmusic.com) is a Minneapolis-based singer/guitarist/songwriter and former member of Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic. In 2007, he won the Song of the Year Grammy with the Dixie Chicks for "Not Ready To Make Nice." Wilson's first solo album, "Free Life" (American/Columbia) was released in October 2007.

Greg Brown

Greg Brown (gregbrown.org) is a singer/songwriter whose songs have been performed by Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Michael Johnson and other top artists. Brown has recorded more than a dozen albums including his latest CD, One Night (Red House), a re-release of a 1983 live performance originally on Minneapolis’ Coffeehouse Extempor Records.

Maeflies

What do you get when five long-time friends chronicle the passage from here to there? You get the Maeflies (myspace.com/maeflies)—music-rich harmonies, hot guitars and songs about love and life to savor on that long stretch of prairie road between where you've been and where you're going.

Lorie Line

Lorie Line’s (lorieline.com) ability to play from any genre and create beautiful arrangements has earned her the reputation of “America’s Favorite Pianist”. She has produced over 26 albums and sold more than 6 million copies. Her company is the largest woman-owned independent record label in the United States.

George Faber

George Faber (georgefaber.com) is a longtime singer/songwriter/guitarist/harmonica virtuoso. Known among audiophiles for exceptional depth, balance and clarity in recording, his soulful vocals and acoustic style serve up a Lyle Lovett-meets-James Taylor sound. Faber's music can also be heard at Via Cafe & Bar in Edina, Minn and at iPod demo stations in Target stores.

8 Switch Assembly

8 Switch (myspace.com/8switchassembly) combines talent, creativity and an unmatched love for performing. The group’s tightness and improvisational fluidity create solid, precise grooves that can turn on a dime into something completely fresh and new, keeping audiences on the floor, dancing all night.

Capestany

Across the U.S. and Latin America, Capestany (myspace.com/capestany) moves crowds with his contagious Reggaeton music, phenomenal versatility and honest messages. After the success of his 2006 debut album Desafio (The Challenge), Capestany is currently preparing to deliver the highly anticipated sophomore release.

Teddy Bear Band

The Teddy Bear Band (teddybearband.com) entertains, inspires, and supports children, families and educators. Started by an Early Childhood Teacher and a group of talented musicians (and dads) in 1985, the Teddy Bear Band now plays upwards of 350 shows per year, as well as providing resource materials and Early Childhood Workshops.

About Sun Country

Sun Country Airlines, privately held by Petters Group Worldwide, is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sun Country, which has earned a reputation for offering world class service at an affordable price, recently was named to the top 10 lists of domestic airlines in both Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. The airline flies to popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean including Orlando, Los Angeles, Cancun, Phoenix and San Diego. For a complete list of destinations and more information, please visit www.SunCountry.com.

About Petters Group Worldwide

Petters Group Worldwide is a privately held company with investments in a dynamic collection of over 60 companies around the world. As an active manager, Petters Group supports these organizations by achieving investment synergies with services, financing and leveraging resources to support growth. The core areas of focus for Petters Group are merchandising/sourcing/brand management, emerging technologies, media and marketing, hospitality and entertainment, aviation, real estate and investment capital.