TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES FINAL PERFORMANCES OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ROCK OPERA "THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE"

2013 WINTER TOUR PLAYING ARENAS NATIONWIDE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 | 7:30pm
iWireless Center

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will celebrate their first 15 years of touring with an encore and final performance of their multi-platinum rock opera, "The Lost Christmas Eve." TSO's 2013 Winter Tour will begin on November 13th, playing over 100 shows in 67 cities across North America, presented by Hallmark Channel.

TSO, whose phenomena has grown year after year, has played over 1,500 shows for more than 10 million fans in the past fifteen years, and quietly became one of the world's biggest arena rock acts. The unprecedented fan driven growth is a testament to TSO founder Paul O'Neill's vision of "Rock Theater," the perfect amalgamation of Broadway storytelling with the spectacle of rock, delighting audiences of all ages year after year.

For one final year, audiences will get to experience the modern Charles Dickens-like classic, "The Lost Christmas Eve." Following the 2012 premiere of this acclaimed rock opera, critics were raving, calling it "...a must see for any music lover" , "...a rock 'n' roll holiday celebration worth seeing !" and an "unrivaled spectacle of sight and sound." "The Lost Christmas Eve" features a diverse soundtrack fusing elements of rock, classical, folk, R&B, and theatrical-styled music, with the story taking you on a journey into the "Capra-esque" world of TSO creator / producer, Paul O'Neill. The critically acclaimed rock opera encompasses a rundown hotel, an old toy store, a blues bar, a Gothic cathedral, and their respective inhabitants all intertwined during a single enchanted Christmas Eve in New York City. "The Lost Christmas Eve", performed in its entirety for the final time, will feature the hit single "Wizards in Winter" as well as longtime crowd favorites, "Christmas Nights in Blue" and "Siberian Sleigh Ride." It will be followed by songs from last years EP release from Lava/Republic, "Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night)", classics from TSO's debut album, "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" and the rest of the heralded catalogue of rock operas.

While off the road, TSO is constantly stockpiling new projects in their Rock Theater arsenal, including the rock operas "Gutter Ballet and the New York City Blues Express," "Letters from the Labyrinth" and "Romanov: When Kings Must Whisper", an epic story set amidst the Bolshevik Revolution.

Since their debut in 1996, TSO has defied the rules of an ever-changing music industry being regarded as a mix of The Who's "Tommy", Andrew Lloyd Weber's musicals, and Pink Floyd's expansive light show.. Year after year, the group has ranked in the Top 10 for both gross revenues and attendance, according to Pollstar magazine. Having played live to over one million fans each year TSO saw a 15% increase in sales alone in 2012, transforming them into a year round tradition that's here to stay.

PEORIA, Ill. (Sept. 3, 2013) ? Many patients need a one-time blood transfusion, but the estimated 100,000 Americans with sickle cell disease face a lifetime of them. During September, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages blood donations from donors of all types.

Most people with sickle cell disease are of African descent, but many are of Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Mediterranean and other descents. Because recipients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with the same ethnicity, a diverse supply is important.

Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form an abnormal shape. Regular blood transfusions can help reduce the risks of stroke, damage to major organs and other complications. While better management of the disease has increased life expectancy in recent years, there is still no cure.

Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to learn more and make an appointment to donate blood for patients in need like those with sickle cell disease.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County

Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 147 Broadway St. in Charlotte, Iowa

Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ashford University, 400 N. Bluff in Clinton, Iowa

Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1364 Washington St. in Andover, Iowa

Henry County

Sept. 17 from 1:30-5 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 201 First St. in Colona, Ill.

Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kewanee High School, 1211 E. Third St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Sept. 24 from 1-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 214 NW Second Ave. in Galva, Ill.

Sept. 25 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County

Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.

Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aledo Genesis Medical Center, 409 NW Ninth Ave. in Aledo, Ill.

Rock Island County

Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moline Country Financial, 3709 16th St. in Moline, Ill.

Whiteside County

Sept. 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill. -Platelet donations only. Platelet donations are taken by appointment only.

Sept. 18 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Sept. 19 from 12-6 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway in Morrison, Ill.

Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 Fourth St. in Fulton, Ill.

Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Sept. 28 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Illinois State Police District 1 HQ, 3107 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Celebrate the autumn harvest by building your own scarecrow for display on Brucemore's historic 26-acre property during the Scarecrow Invasion. Scarecrow armatures are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (319) 362-7375 or visiting the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor Center. Armatures are $15 per individual, family, class, or non-profit organization; or $25 per for-profit business. Delivery is available for a fee to Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha addresses on October 1; all other scarecrows must be picked up at the Brucemore Store. The public is invited to witness the invasion, October 14 through 28, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Vote for your favorite scarecrow October 14 through October 24. Winners will be announced on October 25.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

(DES MOINES) - The Connect Every Iowan initiative is drawing wide praise following this morning's announcement by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. The following are statements put forth by organizations representing thousands of Iowans across the state:

Iowa Telecommunications Association:

Dave Duncan, President of the Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA), said "Governor Branstad's announcement today rings so close to the guiding principles our association has promoted over the past four years - that we need 'broadband for all Iowans.'

"Broadband connectivity is an essential service when you are looking to advance Iowa's economic growth opportunities," Duncan said.  "Whether you are a small business looking to connect to customers around the world, a farmer checking global markets, or a student doing homework, you cannot afford to be without high-speed broadband internet access."

Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association:

The Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association (RIITA) announced its support for Governor Terry Brandstad's initiative today, "Connect Every Iowan" and efforts to increase the access, adoption and use of broadband technology.

"Iowa has a unique position in that our state has the most Independent Telecommunication Companies (ITCs) in the country. Over 140 companies have been instrumental in deploying broadband and working with their communities relating to the adoption and use of this technology," noted Sheila Navis, RIITA Executive Director.

CenturyLink:

"CenturyLink appreciates the efforts of Governor Branstad to further strengthen Iowa's broadband climate, which will ultimately grow Iowa's economy and enhance educational opportunities. We look forward to working with all stakeholders and policymakers to increase broadband adoption and access."

Technology Association of Iowa:

"Access to larger bandwidth is essential to connect Iowans to each other and for businesses to connect to Iowa customers. TAI will engage in the process that Governor Branstad has established and will work with the legislature to put in place policies that make sense for Iowans."

Heartland Technology Alliance:

The following statement is attributable to Heartland Technology Alliance Executive Director John Stineman:

"The Heartland Technology Alliance is excited to learn of Governor Branstad's 'Connect Every Iowan' initiative.  Broadband connectivity, adoption and deployment can be a game changer for the Midwest.  Whether Iowa's metros or rural areas, broadband helps us compete with the world.  We are hopeful the STEM Advisory Council's Broadband Committee examines not only the issues of adoption and connectivity, but the regulatory environment Iowa ought to pursue in order to attract private sector investment in broadband deployment in all forms across the State.  The Heartland Technology Alliance looks forward to being an active participant in these important discussions and appreciates Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds' leadership in this critical area."