New Music Grant Program for Emerging R&B Songwriters Launched by the ASCAP Foundation and The Heineken Music Initiative.

Entertainment Editors

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--May 13, 2002

Marilyn Bergman, President of the ASCAP Foundation confirmed today that The ASCAP Foundation and The Heineken Music Initiative have teamed up to launch a newly-created grant program for emerging R&B songwriters in key music markets across the country.

The Heineken Music Initiative/The ASCAP Foundation Grant program will benefit up-and-coming songwriters in the New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami music communities. The songwriter (or songwriters) of the winning song applying from each of the markets will be selected to receive a $3500 grant.

The Heineken Music Initiative/The ASCAP Foundation Grant program is designed to assist emerging R&B songwriters further their careers, in line with The ASCAP Foundation's longstanding commitment to developing new musical talent and The Heineken Music Initiative's efforts to support performing arts. The grant program complements the ASCAP Presents.... Heineken AMPT Music Series by spotlighting deserving R&B songwriters for special recognition.

"There is so much wonderful music that remains unheard because those who create it do not have the means to bring their songs to the attention of music publishers and record companies, says Marilyn Bergman. "I am delighted that The ASCAP Foundation and The Heineken Music Initiative are joining together to assist new talent in the R&B genre."

"The Heineken Music Initiative is excited to build off the great work Heineken and ASCAP have already done together and develop a grant program that recognizes and encourages local music talent," says Scott Hunter Smith, president of The Heineken Music Initiative. "We are happy to be in a position to give emerging artists in the urban communities the opportunity to further develop their careers in music."

To apply for The Heineken Music Initiative/The ASCAP Foundation Grant, entrants must be members of ASCAP and 21 years of age or older. All applications must be postmarked by June 28, 2002.

Complete details of The Heineken Music Initiative/The ASCAP Foundation Grant program (application materials and eligibility information) are available by logging onto www.ascapfoundation.org. To ensure eligibility, interested entrants should review the program requirements before applying.

Since 1975 The ASCAP Foundation has been dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education and talent development programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards and public service projects for senior composers and lyricists. The programs of The ASCAP Foundation are supported by contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers throughout the United States.

The Heineken Music Initiative (formerly The Heineken Foundation) was founded as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization by Heineken USA Inc. Its board includes representatives from Heineken USA and the music industry.