Sun Country Airlines will begin featuring Minnesota-based artists and musicians for their In-flight music offerings, beginning March 10, 2008. These eight locally/nationally recognized bands, Tim Mahoney, Quietdrive, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Scarlet Haze, Corey Stevens, Chris Hawkey, Peter Mayer, and The Splatter Sisters were selected to release their latest music on Sun Country! The airline will kick off the In-flight entertainment program with live concerts by Tim Mahoney and Quietdrive on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Humphrey Terminal.
"As a Minnesota-based company, it is important that we utilize Minnesota products at every opportunity, said Wendy Williams Blackshaw, Sun Country's Vice President of Marketing. "Featuring Minnesota musicians is an innovative way in which we can show our support for the local community.
Eight local musicians from different genres 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.
"Minnesota has a phenomenal music scene and we decided it would be yet another wonderful feature we could provide for our Sun Country customers. Our passengers have come to expect a great experience on our flights - listening to artists like Tim Mahoney, Scarlet Haze and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra will enhance the experience even more, said Blackshaw.
Sun Country Airlines, rated the top ten airline 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.
Tim Mahoney
This former frontman for high energy, pop rock Blue Meenies, continues to make his mark on the Midwest music scene. Mahoney has released five solo albums, including his latest, Stay/Leave, distributed regionally in Target. Mahoney was recently featured in Rolling Stone Magazine's 40th Anniversary issue after winning the Ray-Ban "Never Hide contest.
Quietdrive
Quietdrive (quietdrivemusic.com) is a young, Twin Cities band consisting of Matt Kirby, Brandon Lanier, Droo Hastings, Justin Bonhiver and Kevin Truckenmiller. A deal with Epic Records and a heavy tour schedule has helped propel them to national stardom.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (theSPCO.org) is widely regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world. In collaboration with five Artistic Partners, the 35 virtuoso musicians present over 150 concerts and educational programs annually and tours frequently across the U.S., Europe, Asia and South America.
Scarlet Haze
Scarlet Haze's (scarlethaze.com) debut CD "Out of the Dark won the 2006 Minnesota Music Award for "Best Hard Rock Recording and a nomination for "Best Artist Group of the Year. Scarlet Haze has performed with Bon Jovi, Candlebox, Dropping Daylight, Bret Michaels of Poison, Ian Gillian of Deep Purple, Molly Hatchet and more.
Corey Stevens
Likened to Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Corey Stevens (coreystevens.com), along with Norm Steffen (drums), Mark Johnson (bass), Jim Stark (rhythm guitar and harmonica) and Paul Testa Hammond organ) just released a new double live album, "Myth Live in January 2008.
Chris Hawkey Band
This American guitar-driven rock band, led by Chris Hawkey (chrishawkey.com), producer/ co-host of the KFAN Powertrip Morning Show, has opened for acts such as Collective Soul, Counting Crows, Cheap Trick,
Molly Hatchet, Quiet Riot and more. They have also played numerous local celebrations including the Minnesota Vikings Party on the Plaza.
Peter Mayer
Minnesota native Peter Mayer (petermayer.net) writes songs for a small planet”songs about interconnectedness and the human journey; songs about the beauty and the mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, Mayer's music starts from a place of wonder at the very fact of life itself.
Splatter Sisters
The Splatter Sisters' (splattersisters.com) sassy-folk and jazz-based vocals and upbeat, interactive act have made them a favorite Twin Cities show band among families and children. Since 1990, the Splatter Sisters have performed at hundreds of locations including the 3M Company, Mall of America, Minnesota State Fair, Children's Hospital and countless schools and parks.
About Sun Country Airlines
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 has increased frequency to its popular destinations including New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco and will start service to West Palm Beach and Tucson beginning December 2007. 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.
