Performing Songwriter Names Sister Hazel One Of Most Influential Independent Performers

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Performing Songwriter Magazine) - Performing Songwriter magazine has named the band Sister Hazel as one of their Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years in their June issue (on stands now). Sister Hazel was included in the "Organizers" category, which focuses on artists who provide opportunities for others. Said Performing Songwriter of Sister Hazel: "The Gainesville, Fla., band, known for devoting to their fans and charity events, has built an entire community of like-minded individuals. In 2001 they launched the Rock Boat, a first-of-its-kind floating festival that was the model for all fan cruises that followed. The 2009 event will feature a dozen acts including Carbon Leaf, Cowboy Mouth and Aslyn. In 2004 they created the Rock Slope, a ski and snowboarding music fest in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Sister Hazel's 10th CD, Before The Amplifiers, Live Acoustic, will be released in June."

"Before The Amplifiers, Live Acoustic" features sixteen tracks, including the band's hits, fan favorites, and live concert staples, all in a stripped-down, acoustic format. The album was recorded in front of 100 lucky fans who were chosen at random from over five thousand entries. "Before The Amplifiers" is the perfect collection for both the hardcore band fans (a.k.a. Hazelnuts) and for listeners just discovering the band for the first time. It was released on June 17th. The band continues on the road this summer in support of the new album (see tour dates below).

Sister Hazel has sold over two million albums and co-founded the Rock Boat (www.therockboat.com), the world's largest floating music festival, with Sixthman in 2001, which they also host annually. In 2001, the band established the charity, Lyrics for Life, which benefits children with cancer. Sister Hazel is: Ken Block (vocals, acoustic guitar), Drew Copeland (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ryan Newell (lead guitar), Jett Beres (bass), Mark Trojanowski (drums).