Guitar Center's 'King of The Blues' Announces Grand Finals - Featuring The Black Crowes Plus a Special Collaborative Performance by Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Blues Legend Hubert Sumlin

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Guitar Center 'King of The Blues') - Guitar Center, the nation's leading music instrument retailer, today announced "King of The Blues" '07 Grand Finals - the culmination of the world's largest guitar competition. Taking place on Saturday, June 16th at the historic Music Box @ Fonda Theater in Hollywood, California, finalists from around the country will compete for the honor of being crowned "The King of The Blues" and a prize package valued at more than $50,000. Geared towards promoting players with deep passion and commitment to the craft, "King of The Blues" is an annual celebration of a genre that is the root of today's music. Tickets to the event are $25 and go on sale Saturday, May 12th exclusively at www.ticketweb.com.

For the Grand Final Competition, the talent has been narrowed down from more than 4,000 participants to the four finalists from over 200 Guitar Center locations across the country. In addition to showcasing the nation's top undiscovered talent, the "KOTB" Grand Finals will feature performances by The Black Crowes as well as a special collaborative set by Kenny Wayne Shepherd & blues legend Hubert Sumlin. Additionally, the four finalists will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform live with Grammy Award-winning producer Pete Anderson and his band as they compete for the crown.

"We've seen some of the best blues players in the world and it all comes down to what's guaranteed to be a great evening," said Dustin Hinz, Manager of Event Marketing and Promotions. "We're excited to have The Black Crowes onboard for the 'King of The Blues' finals as they personify the impact the blues has had on today's most well respected artists. Additionally, we're honored to pay tribute to Hubert Sumlin, a true blues legend, who helped pave the way for artists like Kenny Wayne Shepherd and our finalists. This is definitely a night not to be missed."

This year's grand prize winner will receive:

- 7 days in the studio with Grammy Award-winning producer and guitar aficionado Pete Anderson
- 2007 Ford Mustang
- Gibson '59 VOS re-issue Les Paul
- 1-year Gibson endorsement deal
- Write-up in Guitar World magazine
- Gibson GA40 Amplifier
- Apple MacPro 2.66 GHz computer with 23-inch Cinema HD monitor
- $2500 Levi's Shopping spree