Washburn Develops Innovative Partnership with
Mid-west Rockers, Rockit Girl

Chicago, September 13, 2004 – Washburn International is proud to announce a partnership with emerging Chicago “Power Pop” trio, Rockit Girl. In an innovative plan to promote emerging bands and expand Washburn’s notoriety as a creator of quality guitars, Washburn developed their "Washburn Emerging Artist" program. Rockit Girl is their first Chicago artist.

Washburn is sponsoring Rockit Girl’s record release party on September 14 th at Ten 56 in Chicago, as well as their show on Friday September 17th, 2004 at The Note on 1565 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. Washburn will also be sponsoring all of Rockit Girl’s upcoming tours in support of their new record “Bright Lights.”

While on tour, Rockit Girl guitarist and lead signer, Gina Crosley, will be playing the Washburn Idol. In regard to the Idol, Gina stated, “I LOVE LOVE LOVE them….. they are so pretty and they play reallllly well. I love the fact that the weight is so evenly distributed.”

Washburn recognizes the marketing need inherent for emerging artists and believes that partnerships such as the one developed with Rockit Girl will assist them in reaching a broader audience and increasing public awareness for their art. Washburn is a company that believes in the advancement of creativity through music and is committed to assisting artists in meeting this goal.

Washburn Guitars is a division of US Music Corporation, located in Mundelein , Illinois . Also distributed by US Music Corporation are Eden Electronics, Randall Amplifiers, Parker Guitars, Vinci Strings, Oscar Schmidt and SoundTech Pro Audio. For more information contact US Music Corporation at 444 East Courtland St. , Mundelein Illinois 60060 Telephone (800)877-6863; Fax (847)949-8444 or visit our website at www.usmusiccorp.com. Information about Washburn guitars can be found on the Washburn website at www.washburn.com.