STUDIO CITY, Calif., July 22, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Tix Productions, Inc. (TPI), a subsidiary of TIX Corporation (Nasdaq:TIXC), and Mannheim Steamroller today announced a two year touring producing partnership. Mannheim Steamroller is one of the largest selling Christmas artists of all time and is a holiday tradition for many families. The group has recorded seven Christmas albums, which have sold more than 35 million copies. The agreement will cover the 2008 and 2009 U.S. tours. Additionally, the agreement provides TPI with the exclusive ticket distribution and merchandising rights for the tour. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis, the creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will continue as the director and co-producer of the live show.
Tix Corporation produces and promotes live entertainment throughout the United States and Canada via its newly-formed subsidiary Tix Productions, Inc. TPI is led by longtime business partners and 24-year industry veterans, Co-CEOs Lee Marshall and Joe Marsh.
In announcing the deal, Lee Marshall stated, "Chip Davis has built an incredible brand with the most loyal fans. We are excited about the opportunity to work with the entire Mannheim Steamroller team."
"Lee Marshall and Joe Marsh produce the highest quality touring productions on the road," said Chip Davis. "We are excited to partner with them and look forward to bringing the show to our fans later this year."
"Mannheim Steamroller is a premier show and a national family favorite, further extending our theatrical lineup as well as our network of producers, promoters and theater managers; one of our stated goals," stated Mitch Francis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tix Corporation. "Through the addition of Mannheim Steamroller and other popular productions, we are able to leverage our two other key business platforms of ticket sales and branded merchandising."
In addition to Mannheim Steamroller, TPI currently produces the North American tours of "Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance", "The Magic of David Copperfield", "Jesus Christ Superstar", starring Ted Neeley and "Rain, The Beatles Experience". The company is also producing the upcoming tours of "Bob The Builder Live" and "101 Dalmatians! The Musical!"
About TIX Corporation
Tix Corporation is an integrated entertainment organization offering ticketing services, event merchandising and concert and theatrical productions. It currently operates five prime locations in Las Vegas under the Tix4Tonight marquee -- offering up to a 50 percent discount for same-day shows, concerts, attractions and sporting events. It also offers discount products for golf and dining at its sales locations in Las Vegas. The company also offers premium tickets to concerts, theater and sporting events throughout the United States. Its Exhibit Merchandising operation is engaged in branding, product merchandise development and sales activities related to museum exhibitions and other events -- including the King Tutankhamen and Real Pirates tours, selling themed souvenir memorabilia and collector's items in specialty stores in conjunction with the specific events and venues. The company's newest division is dedicated to concert and live theatrical promotion and production of events throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
About Mannheim Steamroller
Founded by Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller is a musical fusion of acoustic, analog, digital and electronic sounds. Named after an 18th Century musical term that now translates as "crescendo," the group first exploded on the scene with their album Fresh Aire. Davis went on to produce seven more in the Fresh Aire series, culminating in a Grammy Award for Best New Age Recording for the seventh in the series. The group is also active in environmental issues. After fire devastated Yellowstone National Park in 1998, Davis created a two-hour concert tour, a gold album Yellowstone: The Music of Nature and raised more than half a million dollars for park rebuilding projects. The Mannheim name extends out from music to include a collection of products-bath and body, home, selected food items and clothing-to complement the musical experience.
Except for the historical information contained herein, certain matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in the company's various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.