12.18.02  - For Immediate Release        
Local Music Organization, Austin Music Foundation, Awarded a $2,000 Grant from Jim Beam� Bourbon to Support Efforts - B.E.A.M. Program Awards $100,000 in Financial Grants in 2002

Deerfield, Ill., December 18, 2002 - Possessing the required resources such as talent and drive to make it as an emerging band is a tall order, not to mention having the money or business experience to back your efforts.  Just ask the Austin Music Foundation (AMF) of Austin, Texas - it knows a thing or two about it.
Similar to the AMF, Jim Beam Bourbon� is committed to supporting emerging music communities.  Jim Beam created the B.E.A.M. (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music) Grant program to give a financial, no-strings-attached lift to independent musicians and music-business aspirants.  With its $2,000 B.E.A.M. grant, the AMF will continue its mission to help artists within the Austin music community through seminars, mentorships, and marketing- and distribution-assistance campaigns for musicians.

The AMF is the best big brother an up-and-coming musician in Austin could hope to have.  With four different musician-assistance programs and an all-star team of music-industry and business professionals at the
non-profit's helm, the AMF is leading the charge to make sure "the live music capital of the world" maintains its mantra.  Less than a year old, the AMF's membership has soared to over 1,100 members - just one of the many testaments that this big brother is doing his part.

 "As an epicenter for a variety of musical styles, about the only thing missing from Austin's music community was a way to ensure its longevity," said Colin Kendrick, Executive Director and co-founder of the AMF.  "Our programs offer musicians the opportunity to learn from other musicians' experiences - in turn, strengthening what exists and paving a road for future contributing artists."

The support awarded to B.E.A.M. Grant recipients reaches well beyond the grant money.  Through the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board, grant recipients have access to an eclectic collection of music industry professionals ranging from tour managers and record label execs to nationally recognized musicians. 
Co-chaired by Matthew Sweet and Pat DiNizio, frontman for The Smithereens, the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board ensures that each grant recipient meets the level of creativity, professionalism and originality the program's criteria requires.
"Organizations such as the AMF are crucial to maintaining the purity and imagination in emerging artists' work," said Pat DiNizio.  "We are honored to assist a group with goals so close to the heart of the B.E.A.M. Grant program."

The AMF may use its B.E.A.M. grant for any music-related financial need, including offering additional "Music Industry Boot Camp" seminars, mentoring additional musicians through the "Austin Music Incubator," or developing more local marketing and distribution campaigns through "Buy Austin Music" (BAM!).

Throughout 2002, Jim Beam Bourbon awarded three rounds of grants, totaling $100,000, to approximately 40 aspiring musicians.  Finalists were selected and interviewed by a panel of seasoned music-industry professionals, including DiNizio, via a conference call.  To date, Jim Beam has awarded a total of $325,000 in B.E.A.M. Grant funds to 130 artists across the U.S.  Jim Beam will continue the B.E.A.M. Grant program in 2003, inviting musicians and music business aspirants from the United States who demonstrate a dedication to their work to apply for a B.E.A.M grant.  Interested musicians can get more information by visiting www.jimbeam.com or by writing to the B.E.A.M. Advisory Board at P.O. Box 5439, New York, NY 10150.  All applicants must be U.S. residents at least 21 years of age or older.  No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.  Subject to complete and official rules.

"We are proud to support such an admirable foundation that truly places musicians before the money," said Stephanie Moritz, director, public relations, Jim Beam Brands Co.  "The AMF has established a tremendous model for music communities across the country."

Jim Beam Brands Co. is an operating company of Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc., an international distilled spirits and fine wines company that manufactures and markets more than 80 brands in 160 countries.  Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. has leadership positions in bourbon, with Jim Beam� and Jim Beam� Black, the number one selling bourbon worldwide; Knob Creek� bourbon and The Small Batch Bourbon Collection�; and cordials, with DeKuyper�, the number one cordial line in the United States.  In addition to spirits, the Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. portfolio includes Geyser Peak� and Canyon Road�.  A joint venture between Jim Beam Brands Co. and The Absolut Spirits Company, Incorporated, called Future Brands LLC, provides sales and distribution services in the United States for the company's spirits and wine brands.  Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), the consumer products company.

Jim Beam  Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 40% Alc./Vol. � 2002 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY
www.jimbeam.com   B.E.A.M. program is correctly pronounced as individual letters B-E-A-M, not as one word.