NEWS RELEASE

NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PERFORMANCE – BB&T BLUE SKIES AND GOLDEN SANDS AT BROOKGREEN GARDENS

March 25, 2009, Murrells Inlet, S.C. Tickets are on sale now for the North Carolina Symphony Concert - BB&T Blue Skies and Golden Sands at Brookgreen Gardens on Friday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the performance range in price from $20 to $35 for Brookgreen members and $20 to $ 40 for non-members and are available at Brookgreen or by calling (843) 235-6016.

More than 24 guest artists will share the stage with the 70-member North Carolina Symphony in BB&T Blue Skies and Golden Sands, a celebration and musical journey of the coastal Carolinas. The Symphony, conducted by Grand Llewellyn, will be joined by an all-star cast that includes Legends of Beach, a band comprised of five former members of The Embers; the Monitors; the Gospel Jubilators; Native American flutist Arnold Richardson; vocalist and concertina player Jeff Warner; vocalist Laurelyn Dossett; and dancers Heidi Kulas and Tyler Mercereau. National Public Radio’s Frank Stasio will narrate the performance.

“The coastal region has been alive with music for centuries, whether played and sung by its original inhabitants or brought over from Europe and Africa,” said Scott Freck, vice president for artistic operations and general manager of the North Carolina Symphony. “We look forward to sharing our adaptation of this musical genre with the people of the Carolinas.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host such a talented symphony of performers,” said Helen Benso, vice president of marketing for Brookgreen Gardens. “This event will be most delightful for both our members and guests and we look forward to an evening of music perfection.”

The North Carolina Symphony’s BB&T Blue Skies and Golden Sands performance is sponsored in part by WBTW TV-13 and WRNN 99.5.

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily.