MUSIC MATTERS "LIVE!" 2012 MATTERED!

First Music Specialty Plates Sell- Deliver Over $12,000 to Fund School Music Programs

Seattle WA, July 2012 - The Washington State Department of Licensing has delivered the first proceed check in the amount of $12,549.60 from the sales of 498 Music Matters specialty license plates to fund music programs in Washington schools. In addition, Music Matter "LIVE!" Sponsor Carter Subaru has donated $5000.00 to Music Matters for the first 500 plates sold bringing the the total to $17,549.00! Over 200 plates were sold following the "Music Matters LIVE!" concert.

Bartell Drugs, the Puget Sound region's premiere family owned and locally operated pharmacy for over 120 years, was the Title Sponsor of the event and provided multi-media advertising support. Sponsor BECU had special promotions and discounts for its employees and members. Media Sponsors were NBC affiliate King 5 TV and Seattle’s top radio station, Warm 106.9 FM. Meeghan Black, host of KING 5's Evening Magazine, served as the evening’s emcee.

Synergia Northwest's Music Matters "LIVE!" marked the third benefit concert for Washington State Youth Music Education. The efforts of Synergia Northwest events over the past few years have helped Music Aid Northwest in bringing its "Music Matters" license plate fundraising proposal to fruition by raising capital needed to create a music-themed license plate that helps support school music programs through its sales. As the Music Matters campaign gains momentum across the state, Music Aid Northwest hopes to generate at least $200,000 per year through the license plate program, and at least $400,000 in additional funding per year through matching funds. Music Matters license plates can be purchased through any Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office or online at www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/spmusic.html.

"We definitely are making an impact and as we grow this thing year to year we foresee more opportunity for young kids to be involved in music programs." said Executive Producer and Music Director Michael McMorrow. "The absolute uniqueness of this event coupled with the vast talent and business leaders of community right here in the northwest are creating the perfect storm for success. We are already in the planning stages of year four. 2013 will be a banner year for Synergia Northwest." Seattle musician McMorrow also has hinted to other projects involving student musicians that are in various stages of development.

Synergia Northwest's Music Matters "LIVE!" 2012 proved again to be a completely unique and enriching experience featuring some of the Northwest's most talented and diverse artists performing along side the 50 piece Synergia Northwest Orchestra. Highlights of the evening included performances by BRAD featuring Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and Shawn Smith; Vicci Martinez; Alan White and White; LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends; Howard Leese; Star Anna and The Laughing Dogs; Geoffrey Castle with 11 year old guitarist Caspian Coberly; dance and music by Dora Oliveira's Samba Reggae Revolution;  Somar Macek and a surprise appearance by Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell. The concert also included special performances of selections from Elton John's rock classic Madman Across The Water. The original orchestra scores were donated to Synergia Northwest especially for the event on behalf of Sir Elton John. The orchestra included selected high student musicians from area schools, a tradition started with the first Synergia Northwest concert.

During the concert sound check, Synergia Northwest joined with GRAMMY University to present an exclusive performance and Q&A session with Vicci Martinez and LeRoy Bell. The students were from local high schools, youth organizations, and members of the GRAMMY University (GRAMMY U) network. And a pre-show gathering at the Paramount Theatre included sponsors and invited guests with the entire Music Matters "LIVE!" artist line-up.

With the help and depth of its talented and far-reaching music community, the concerts produced by Synergia Northwest have aided Washington State's music in the school programs and become one of Seattle's most gratifying collaborative experiences and talked about music productions.