SOULSVILLE AND 103.5 WRBO DO IT AGAIN WITH 2nd ANNUAL SOULATHON

Annual fundraiser for The Stax Music Academy and The Stax Museum of American Soul Music set for October 16-17,2002 in Memphis, TN. SOULATHON is a two-day, 32 hour event featuring legendary music artist appearances, call-ins and guest dj. A 43,000 square foot campus features an state-of-the-art academy (OPENED)and museum (OPENING APRIL 29 - MAY 1, 2003). Kickoff party at Isaac Hayes restaurant September 25, 2002.

Memphis, TN, September 20, 2002 -- WRBO Soul Classics 103.5 Radio and Soulsville present the 2nd Annual Soulathon to benefit The Stax Music Academy and The Stax Museum of American Soul Music on October 16 - 17, 2002. Scheduled to air from 6:00 am to 10:00 p.m. each day, the radiothon will feature 103.5's Soul Patrol air personalities Henry Nelson, Mother Wit and Chuck Woodson. Legendary composer and STAX artist, David Porter, returns as guest host for the annual fundraiser.

September 25th kickoff at Isaac Hayes

The festivities begin with a fundraiser kickoff at Isaac Hayes restaurant at 6:00 p.m. -- 12:00 p.m. on September 25, 2002 at Peabody Place downtown. With great food and live music, the party will feature 103.5 personalities and live entertainment from ACT II (Stax Music Academy) and Preston Shannon. Donation addmission is $5.00 for the evening with all proceeds going to Soulsville for the academy and museum.

State-of-the-art facilities help children through positive programming

The Stax Music Academy, which has already provided music programming for over 750 urban youth, recently opened its 27,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility near the original site of the legendary recording studio of Stax Records. The Museum slated for its grand opening April 29, 30 & May 1, 2003 will present the historical roots of American soul music with emphasis on Memphis music.

"Last year's event was a wonderful testimony to the generosity of WRBO and the greater Memphis community," expressed Deanie Parker, president and executive director for Soulsville. "People from all walks of life paid tribute to the legendary music and recognized the importance of music in the lives of our young people."

"We were overwhelmed by the warm wishes from the Mid-South as people came with coffee cans, lunch money, piggy banks and big checks to make this important institution a viable one in our community," stated Henry Nelson, program director for Soul Classics 103.5. "It is so important that this community takes ownership in the academy, museum and Soulsville USA. We want to do it
again so Memphis can honor its musical heritage and the children can create new legacies"

As a nationally recognized and award-winning radio station, WRBO 103.5 features Memphis music and soul classics. It is part of the Memphis Radio Group of stations which include Smooth Jazz 98.9, WSRR 98.1 and WGKX 105.9.
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Soulsville is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that oversees the development and operation of the Stax Musem and Stax Music Academy. Donations can be sent in care of Soulsville, 870 E. McLemore, Memphis, TN 38106. For more information call (901) 946-2535 or visit the website www.soulsvilleusa.com.