RAY CHARLES, REUNITED GUNS N' ROSES PERFORM
WITH BLUES LAB WINNERS

—Yamaha Provides Instruments for Recording—

BUENA PARK, CA (June 13, 2003)—Winners of the third annual Sir Charles Blues Lab "Blues Off 2002" were given the opportunity to record with R&B legend Ray Charles and a reunited Guns N' Roses during a jam session at the soul man's studio in Los Angeles.

Dave Kushner (Guitar), Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Slash of Guns N' Roses join Ray Charles, Sir Charles, and students at the recent Blues Lab.

The Sir Charles Blues Lab, a non-profit organization founded in 1998, provides an opportunity for kids to learn the blues as an enriching after-school activity, and to jam with some of the world's greatest musicians. Programs are inexpensively implemented through schools, camps and community centers, thanks to generous contributions from individuals and artists such as Tom Hanks, Britney Spears, No Doubt, Mick Jagger, The Doors, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Steven Tyler, Macy Gray, Flea, Roger Waters, The Rolling Stones, Chuck D and Brian May. Corporations which include Yamaha, Line 6, West LA Music, AOL Time Warner and Gibson have been able to provide free instruments to qualifying schools that join the growing Blues Lab network.

Yamaha Corporation of America provided a HipGig drum kit through West LA Music, while Ray Charles used a Motif 8 Synthesizer and S90 Music Synthesizer during the recent recordings, which included an eight-minute extended jam session of the classic R & B song "Let The Good Times Roll."

"We are fortunate to have the support of generous allies like Yamaha in our quest to provide young people across the nation with instruments and opportunities to learn to play the Blues," says Blues Lab founder Sir Charles. "The Blues Lab exists as a place where young people of all backgrounds can learn to play and appreciate the Blues as an American cultural treasure, and an effortless stepping stone to the wonders of all music."

In related news, the Sir Charles Blues Lab recently launched the "Three Chords and the Truth" National Songwriting Contest. Throughout the first half of 2003, young people across the nation, between the ages of 12 - 25, were invited to submit an original blues song for consideration. Winners will receive an educational recording session with Ray Charles, Sir Charles and members of Guns N' Roses. Working side by side with Ray Charles and special musical guests, a handful of talented students will produce full arrangements of their songs onto CD, as well as perform them with guest musicians during a June event in Hollywood. Additional prizes are being sponsored by Yamaha.

Prospective entrants can log on to www.blueslab.org to find out more about the Blues Lab Songwriting Contest, as well as view lessons and hear stream recordings of modern artists, children and legends performing the Blues.

"This contest is for everyone—including anyone who never thought they could write a song," says Sir Charles. "All you need for the Blues is three chords and the truth."

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622, telephone (714) 522-9011, e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.