June 14, 2000 – They've got the hair, the look, a name and a lineup they can all live with. They've spent thousands of dollars on equipment and endless days and nights crafting their sound. They've done the CDs, the road, the press packet, the Web site. Now what?

Beginning June 16th, Mars Music, the nation's hottest seller of musical instruments, recording equipment and pro audio gear, and the Box Music Network, the only interactive, 24-hour, all-music network, will offer emerging bands an opportunity to take their talent to the next level through "The Big Deal $100,000 Music Search," a nationwide competition that will offer unsigned bands a shot at more than $112,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 recording contract for the top winner. The Box, currently available in 20 million U.S. households, will provide on-air and on-line support for the promotion.

"This is a great chance for an up-and-coming band to take that next step forward in becoming a major recording artist," says Mark Begelman, Mars Music CEO and founder. "Mars has always been about trying to promote music and those that make it, regardless of their style. A band can play rock, pop, metal, punk, rap, R&B, funk, jazz... it doesn't matter. If they have what it takes, then this could be their big break."

"The Box is continually credited for breaking new artists through early video support both regionally and nationally," said Michael Gannon, Director of National Promotions for The Box. "The Big Deal is a natural fit as we are a destination location for viewers looking for the next big act."

Prizes in The Big Deal $100,000 Music Search contest include:

• A recording deal with Mars Music Records/Palm worth $50,000
• Endorsements from Fender products, Yamaha, Pearl Drums and Zildjian Cymbals valued at $10,000, $5,000 and $1,000, respectively
• A complete live PA stage performance system consisting of, among other things, a Mackie live-sound console, JBL speakers, Crown power amp and Shure mikes valued at over $30,000
• Home recording studio package from Roland valued at over $6,000
• A CD duplication package from Disc Makers valued at over $3,000

For just entering The Big Deal $100,000 Music Search, a band's CD will receive free, worldwide distribution. The Orchard (www.theorchard.com) will offer non-exclusive worldwide digital and physical distribution to over 100 Internet stores including CDNow.com, Amazon.com, and Barnes&Noble.com, to name a few.

The Big Deal $100,000 Music Search is open to all bands and musicians not currently under contract with a major or independent record label. Official entry forms can be picked up at a Mars Music superstore. If there is not a Mars Music store within 50 miles, an entrant can visit www.MarsMusic.com for a complete list of rules and an entry form. All submissions must be turned in by September 1, 2000, and consist of a CD containing a minimum of 3 original songs (no cover material). Winners will be announced on November 17, 2000.

Sponsors for The Big Deal $100,000 Music Search include Fender, Yamaha, Pearl, Mackie, JBL, Crown, Roland, Shure, Zildjian, Whirlwind, Ultimate, Lyte Quest, Ashly, Cadence, Furman, Disc Makers, SFX, Palm and Mars Music Records.

The Box Music Network is television's only interactive 24-hour all-music channel that caters to the musical tastes of any audience, market by market. The hub where music meets cable, digital and Internet technology, The Box presents the newest and most diverse selection of music on television through the use of 190 digital file servers across the country. The network, currently available in 20 million U.S. households, originates programming uniquely tailored to each market it serves. It provides viewers the option to watch videos on The Box free of charge, or to choose a video from a current menu of up to 125 selections, updated weekly. Web savvy viewers can preview and order videos from The Box Online (www.thebox.com) or visit Box Fusion, the world's only convergent technology which synchronizes music videos with the Internet in real time, 24/7. This service allows viewers to watch their favorite videos as they read artist bios, concert schedules, make purchases and interact with a virtual community.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Mars Music was founded in 1997 by Mark Begelman, and currently operates 36 stores in 19 states. Each "concert-sized" superstore is filled with more than 200,000 name brand musical instruments and recording & pro audio products. All Mars Music stores also have a full-sized stage and Entertainment Center, recording studio and Learning Center. Through a variety of innovative programs (the Learning Centers, the Mars Music Foundation, Rock U, Be A Player), Mars Music is already the largest provider of private music instruction in the United States, having given more than 500,000 lessons in the last two years. The new Web site, www.MarsMusic.com, includes everything from in-depth interviews to post-mod performance videos, from basic how-to tips to interactive music lessons, from the latest drummer jokes to a dynamic, full-service e-commerce component offering more than 10,000 brand name instruments and performing products.