Republic Records Announces "#firstfans" Mentoring Program In Conjunction With A Place Called Home

New York, NY (Top40 Charts / REPUBLIC RECORDS) REPUBLIC RECORDS has joined forces with A PLACE CALLED HOME (APCH), a safe haven in South Central Los Angeles where underserved youth are empowered to take ownership of the quality and direction of their lives through programs in education, arts, and well-being to launch "#firstfans" - a new program developed to further Republic's commitment to support and mentor the aspiring artists of APCH year round.

In conjunction with APCH's music department, this year-long initiative will kick off at the center on March 5, 2013 guided by Executive Vice President Charlie Walk and featuring a one hour session on new music and artist development with host Julie Pilat of Clear Channel.

"#firstfans" will give underserved youth at APCH the chance to learn the inner-workings of the music industry firsthand from some of the business's most influential, insightful, and inspiring figures. Walk will spearhead the debut of this crucial program with an in-depth and engaging seminar of new music and artist development, allowing attendees a behind-the-scenes peek at the process. More "#firstfans" sessions will be announced very soon and in the future, REPUBLIC RECORDS artists will visit APCH to provide mentoring, and students will also participate in field trips to the label's Santa Monica office throughout the year.

In addition, Akon, Jay Sean , DJ Havana Brown, Dev, Ariana Grande , Katy Tiz , Youngblood Hawke , and more will join other prominent industry figures at the 7th annual "Stars and Strikes" Celebrity Bowling and Poker Tournament to benefit APCH on Wednesday March 6, 2013, 7:00pm-11:00pm at the PINZ Bowling & Entertainment Center in Studio City, CA. Other personalities scheduled to appear include Pete Wentz , T Mills, The Wanted, and more.

Tickets are available for the benefit now, www.starsandstrikesforapch.org. Guests can bowl on one of 34 lanes, play "No-Limit All-in" Texas Hold'em, enjoy delicious food, and drinks, prizes and experience the energy of the star-studded red carpet.

REPUBLIC RECORDS is excited to launch "#firstfans" and continue its commitment to give back.