Benefiting

Buckeye Cruise Entertainment

EMERSON DRIVE: (www.emersondrive.com)

We are proud to announce that for the second year in a row, Grammy and two-time Country Music Association nominated artists Emerson Drive will join us for two performances. The first performance will be an exclusive acoustic performance at Sloppy Joe’s in Key West on Friday, February 13. Emerson Drive will once again close out the cruise on Sunday night with their 2-set performance in the Palladium Theater followed by a live auction of band autographed items.

About Emerson Drive:
From their humble beginnings in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, the members of Emerson Drive have carved themselves a very impressive career in country music that has no boundaries. Having recorded three full length albums including, EMERSON DRIVE, WHAT IF and COUNTRIFIED that spawned hits such as “I Should Be Sleeping,” “Fall Into Me,” “Last One Standing,” “November,” “A Good Man” and their #1 hit “Moments.” They’ve received numerous nominations and awards -- from the Academy of Country Music, the County Music Association, the Canadian Country Music Association, the Christian Country Music Association, the JUNOS (Canada’s Music Awards) and their very first GRAMMY nomination in 2008 for “Best Country Performance By a Group or Duo With Vocal,” for their song “Moments” -- and the accolades keep adding up. The band was also awarded a “Reader’s Choice Award” from College Campus Activities for two successful college market tours during 2006 and 2007. Emerson Drive is currently nominated for a 2008 Canadian Country Music Association “Fan’s Choice Awards” nomination as well as “Group or Duo of the Year.”

See highlights of Emerson Drive’s performance on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer 2008 and an exclusive Emerson Drive interview discussing the cruise with host Suzanne Alexander of GAC Nights

MIKE ALBERT (www.mikealbertsings.com)

Mike Albert will again be gracing us with “The Ultimate Tribute” to Elvis Presley as well as lending his talents as auctioneer and Buckeye Idol judge. Mike will be performing in the Palladium Theater on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14. You won’t want to miss this exclusive “From Elvis with Love” performance from the world’s best Elvis impersonator.

About Mike:
Mike Albert's "Ultimate Tribute" show has become known worldwide for the respectful portrayal of the late Elvis Presley. The show had its beginnings with Mike using sing-a-long tapes of Elvis' hits. Mike won several major world "Elvis" contests, and demand for his shows resulted in putting together a seven piece Big "E" Band, to emulate the sound Elvis' band had in the Vegas shows and on tour. An appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show and being featured in six music videos on the national show "A Current Affair", with Maury Povich, further exposed audiences to Mike's talent.

The actual vocal groups that backed Elvis (the legendary Jordanaires and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps quartet) have toured across the U.S., Europe and as far as Australia and New Zealand with Mike's show at many large conventions and theaters. Mike's style and charisma and his ability to get the audience involved in the show have proved to be quite the crowd pleaser.

CHRIS LOGSDON (www.chrislogsdon.com)

Yes, Chris Logsdon is back too. The ultimate solo entertainer and Buckeye Fan. Chris will be performing at various times and locations around the ship during the cruise as well as Sloppy Joe’s while we are at port in Key West on Friday, February 13. He will also be performing at Sr. Frog’s on Cozumel on Saturday, February 14. You’ll have the opportunity to hear him perform songs from the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer CD 2009. I would anticipate that many of the athletes will be joining in as well.

About Chris Logsdon:
Chris is an entertainer. He is more than just a musician or simply a performer…he is an entertainer. He has been blessed with the ability to spin his musical yarns with charisma and wit in such a way that few people can resist getting caught up in a contagious web of merriment. His manner is easy-going and relaxed and his love for people is reflected in his performance.

His musical repertoire tends to lean toward acoustic classic rock; however, it is as broad and varied as the people he entertains. “Besides,” he says, “It’s not really about the music.” As he puts it:

“The music I play is nothing more than the key I use to unlock their inhibitions and turn them on to a good time. I refuse to settle with being background music. I believe that my job as an entertainer is to move my audience to respond to me. That response – be it a smile or a tear, a curse or a cheer – is my reward. At that point I am one with them and they with me. What a way to make a living!” — Chris Logsdon —

KARLI WHETSTONE (www.karliwhetstone.com)

Karli Whestone who grew up in Warren, Ohio and now residing in Nashville, TN will open for the Emerson Drive show at the Palladium on Sunday night, Feb. 15. Karli has a great lineup of songs from her most recent CD, including “Brand New Day”, “Climbing Up Mt. Everest”, “God Whispers” and “Hey Cowboy” which features Bobby Carpenter in the music video:

About Karli Whetstone:

Classically trained in vocal performance in her preteen years along with a passion for country music, Karli’s voice resonates power, passion and vulnerability. Since her first lesson with renowned Nashville vocal coach Renee Grant-Williams in 2000, Karli has continued to refine and develop into an accomplished artist.

“I always knew I would be a singer. I have never believed I would be anything else. I feel so blessed that I grew up in a home that was constantly filled with music and I have parents who have always believed in me and given me undying support. I began playing out when I was 15. I would sing at wedding receptions and lounges. My dad would take me and be a stagehand if we needed him. These experiences gave me the opportunity to grow as a singer and the confidence I needed to perform live shows.