MUSICIANS TO 'ROCK THE HOUSE' AS U.S. CONGRESS COMES TO SXSW

SANTA MONICA, CA. (Recording Academy) - WHO: Recording Academy Vice Chairman and four-time GRAMMY winner Jimmy Jam, Recording Academy Trustee and nine-time GRAMMY Winner Ray Benson, Recording Academy Vice President, Advocacy & Government Relations, Daryl Friedman, and U.S. Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas), Stephanie Herseth (D-S.D.), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), and Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.)

WHAT: Rock The House: The GRAMMY Town Hall, a unique Town Hall discussion between members of Congress and the music community. The U.S. House of Representatives makes decisions every day that affect musicians, but rarely do musicians have the chance to question and challenge those in power. At the GRAMMY Town Hall at SXSW, a panel of leading members of Congress and musicians will discuss, debate and decide whether Congress is helping or hurting artists. Reps. Blackburn, Gonzalez, Herseth, McCaul, and Sanchez as well as Jimmy Jam and Benson are scheduled to participate.

WHEN: Friday, March 17, 2006
3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

WHERE: Austin Convention Center, Room 18ABC
500 East Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, Texas