Cincinnati Alternative Rock Band 'The Times' Is Named Zippo Hot Tour National Finalist

Cincinnati, OH (www.thetimesband.com) - In the 2005 Zippo Hot Tour national battle of the bands competition, local Cincinnati alternative rock band The Times has been chosen as one of ten bands to compete for the Grand Prize in this year's Zippo Hot Tour, which includes a $55,000 prize package, major label showcase, and a national tour with The All American Rejects.

The 2005 Zippo Hot Tour began in May with over 1,000 bands from all over the country vying for enough online votes to move into Round 2, where 80 of the chosen bands from 10 cities showcased live for fans and judges. Of those bands only 10 now remain in this Grand Prize Round, and Cincinnati's The Times has made the cut.

The Grand Prize winner will be the band with the most online votes at www.zippohottour.com by October 30th, 2005. The Times (Zach Stutzman - Drums, Kyle Lipps - Bass, Ashley Peacock - Vocals/Guitars, Allan Mayne - Guitars) are hoping to garner the support of Greater Cincinnati with extensive print, radio, and online promotion.

"We believe that the talent in this city is stunning," says frontman Ashley Peacock. "It's a humbling honor to be chosen as Cincinnati's band for this event, and we're going to do our best to draw attention to Cincinnati and help show the country what a musical hot-spot Cincinnati still is."

"We are asking friends, families, supporters and anyone wishing to help us bring our music and our message about the Cincinnati music scene to national attention to vote for us online at www.zippohottour.com ," said Zach Stutzman, The Times' drummer.

For more information about the 2005 Zippo Hot Tour visit www.zippohottour.com . For more information about The Times visit them online at www.thetimesband.com. To buy The Times new CD online, go to www.myspace.com/thetimesband . To arrange for an interview with the band or for bookings, call 513-807-9155.