Is Schenectady’s Mariaville Cattle Company Band the World’s Hottest Unsigned Band?

Schenectady, NY, June 6, 2008 – Schenectady own Mariaville Cattle Company Band is competing to be named the world’s hottest unsigned band. The local artists have entered The Gretsch Company’s Next Gretsch Greats, online battle-of-the-unsigned-bands celebrating the drum and guitar maker’s 125^th anniversary. If Mariaville Cattle Company wins, they’ll represent Schenectady at Gretsch’s 125^th Anniversary concert in New York City and take home $15,000 in new drums and guitars.

Fans can vote for Mariaville Cattle Company band’s song, "County Line", or other favorite songs at www.gretsch125th.com every day from June 15 through July 16. Ten finalists will be selected by popular vote and then judged by an expert panel that will select the grand, first and second prize winners.

"We’re excited to be a part of the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition," said Mariaville Cattle Company’s Pat Attanasio. "We know we’ve got the greatest fans in the world – now we just have to show it. We encourage our fans and all of Mariaville to vote for our song."

The Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition is open to unsigned and independent label recording acts residing in the United States, U.K., Canada, Spain, Germany, France and Japan. No purchase will be necessary to enter or win. The complete contest rules are available for review at www.gretsch125th.com/contest.

More information about The Gretsch Company’s 125^th Anniversary celebrations can be found at www.gretsch125th.com and www.myspace.com/gretsch125th.

About Mariaville Cattle Company Band

Mariaville Cattle Company band started the summer of 2007 when Bob Chandler (bass) , Pat Attanasio (Vocals, Guitar, fiddle and Pedal Steel) and Lars Breckenridge (drums) Got together to play local clubs and festivals. Spring of 2008 we added Frank Cross (keyboards) and Chuck "Nashville" Lebrecht (Guitar) for a total of 172 years of making music. We play everything from blues, bluegrass, southern rock, country, and classic rock.

About The Gretsch Company

Founded in 1883 as a small musical instrument shop in Brooklyn, N.Y., The Gretsch Company, now based in Savannah, Ga., has produced some of the world’s greatest drums and guitars over the span of four generations. With its emphasis on hand-craftsmanship and commitment to quality, Gretsch has pioneered new designs and manufacturing techniques, winning endorsements from some of the music industry’s most respected artists, including Chet Atkins, Charlie Watts, Neil Young and Phil Collins. Gretsch also owns and manufactures some of the other most popular and historic music industry products and brands including Bigsby^® Vibratos and Sho-Bud^® Pedal Steel Guitars. The company has strong worldwide ties with musical giants Kaman and Fender, placing the Gretsch name in concert halls and recording studios around the globe.