Contact: Andrea Ebeling, Public Relations Assistant, 920-832-6585 or andrea.ebeling@lawrence.edu
For Immediate Release
December 21, 2006

Lawrence Conservatory of Music Faculty Member and Group Nominated for Independent Music Award

APPLETON, WIS. —Lee Tomboulian, instructor of music at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, and his Uruguayan-Brazilian jazz group, Lee Tomboulian and Circo, have been nominated for an Independent Music Award for their song "Weather Ornette" from their upcoming album Return to Whenever, scheduled for release on January 1 on the TBS label.

The groups' first album, released in 2001 also on the TBS label, is North/South Convergence. Both albums are available for purchase on CdBaby.com and Amazon.com.

The six-member group includes Elizabeth (Betty) Tomboulian on vocals, Pete Brewer on saxophones, flutes, and bass clarinet, Lee Tomboulian on keyboards, accordion, and vocals, Uruguayan native Ricardo Bozas on percussion and vocals, Brian Warthen on electric bass, and Dennis Durick on drums and vocals.

Unlike any other music industry contest or competition, the IMAs deliver real career opportunities for Indie artists, labels, and releases. Co-sponsored by Border's Books and Music, the program's yearlong marketing campaigns, partnerships, and distribution alliances put IMA winners and finalists in front of millions of music fans and industry decision makers around the world. The IMAs recognize excellence in music, music promotion, packaging, and merchandise design.

For more information on Lee Tomboulian and Circo, visit their website at www.circomusic.com. For more information on the IMAs, visit www.musiciansatlas.com.