Queensryche Guitarist, Mike Stone, Joins Little Kids Rock’s Honorary Board of Directors

Rocker works to bring music education back to public schools

January 18, 2007 – Anaheim (NAMM Show, Booth #2004 in Lobby D) - Little Kids Rock (LKR), an innovative non-profit program that provides free instruments and instruction for public school students, announced today at the annual NAMM trade show that Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone has accepted a seat on its Honorary Board. Mr. Stone joins other notable Honorary Board members Bonnie Raitt, BB King, Brad Delson of Linkin Park, Joe Satriani, Paul Simon, Jason Newsted, James Burton, Les Paul, Steve Vai, Dave Mason, and pitcher Al Leiter.

"On my eighth birthday, my Aunt Lynda gave me a brand new acoustic guitar. I have been hooked ever since," said Mr. Stone. "I know firsthand the impact one musical instrument can have on a child's life, and I am proud to help Little Kids Rock give thousands of kids across the country the same gift my Aunt Lynda gave me."

"When Mike Stone called me last month to ask how he could help support our organization, I could tell immediately that he was someone with a deep interest in giving kids access to music," said Dave Wish, Executive Director and founder. "His support really underscores the importance of keeping music where it belongs – in our schools! We are proud to team up with a member of the music community who understands the significance of 'giving back'."

As an Honorary Board member, Mr. Stone will help raise awareness for the plight of music education across the U.S. He will officially accept his seat on the board at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA on January 20, 2007, 1:00 pm at Little Kids Rock booth #2004, Lobby D. Media are invited to attend.

About Mike Stone
Since 2003, Mike Stone has been a guitarist for Queensryche, one of the world’s most famous and successful progressive metal bands. Mr. Stone has a history of raising funds in support of music education, and Little Kids Rock is proud to add him to its Honorary Board of Directors.

The band’s most recent album, 2006’s "Operation: Mindcrime II," debuted at #14 in Billboard’s Top 200 and revisits the themes and storylines of its celebrated predecessor, 1988’s "Operation: Mindcrime," a critically and commercially successful narrative concept album. Queensryche is also well known for its Grammy-nominated single "Silent Lucidity," which won an MTV Viewers Choice Award in 1991. In total, the band has earned three platinum and three gold records. More information can be found at: www.queensryche.com.

About Little Kids Rock
Little Kids Rock believes that music is a critical component of first-rate education. Many elementary schools have been stripped of their music programs. These cuts have had a disproportionately large impact on children from low-income backgrounds. Little Kids Rock restores music to its rightful place in the academic lives of kids in our public schools by providing a rich music education program including instrument instruction, free instruments and trained mentors. Founded by a single elementary school teacher in 1996, Little Kids Rock is now serving thousands of students in CA, NY, NJ, TN, LA and GA. More information can be found at: www.littlekidsrock.org.

Note to Media:
Interviews with spokespeople and b-roll available upon request

Media Contact:
Allison Neves, PR Director
Little Kids Rock
415-948-1200
allison@littlekidsrock.org