YouTube Sensations Megan & Liz and Special Guests to Give Free New York Concert to "Band Against Bullying" on Friday, July 20

NEW YORK, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Teen music sensations and YouTube stars Megan & Liz are joining forces with digital video network Akoo, leading music discovery destination OurStage.com and Secret Mean Stinks to battle against bullying. The 19-year-old fraternal twin sisters from Nashville, whose songs have received more than 160 million views on YouTube, including the anti-bullying anthem "Are You Happy Now?," will headline "Band Against Bullying," a free concert to be held Friday, July 20 at 12noon at New York's B.B. King Blues Club that aims to raise awareness of the national bullying epidemic. The concert, sponsored by Secret Mean Stinks, the deodorant brand's anti-bullying program, and hosted by Z100's Trey Morgan and Carla Marie ("Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show") will also feature chart-topping band Hot Chelle Rae fresh from their performance that morning on the "Today" show's summer concert series. Additional special guests are still to be announced. The concert is all ages, free and open-to-the-public on a first-come, first serve basis, but those interested in attending should go to the Band Against Bullying microsite at www.bandagainstbullying2012.com to RSVP, get the chance to win VIP passes and more.

Said Megan & Liz "We've always felt very strongly about anti-bullying and we've been working really hard to spread awareness about it. We can't wait to take it to the next level on a bigger scale with this awesome free concert for our fans! Plus the fact that Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show are helping us out makes it that much cooler!"

In addition to raising awareness about bullying at the "Band Against Bullying" concert, OurStage.com, Akoo, and Secret Mean Stinks have also committed to the cause in other ways. First, all partners will promote a pledge against bullying across their digital presence including their websites and social media sites. OurStage.com will run a nationwide competition for emerging artists to show they are a band against bullying and vie for a chance to open up for Megan & Liz at the concert.  Bands who wish to be considered should go to Ourstage.com.

"Megan & Liz are great examples of talented young artists utilizing social media to mobilize their fan bases...and in this case, around a very important cause.  OurStage.com is proud to be involved," said Benjamin Campbell, OurStage.com Founder and CEO.

For its part, Akoo will run a series of anti-bullying artist messages on its digital video network reaching more than 46 million viewers each month and offer a mobile version of the pledge that users can text to sign.

"Akoo is connected to its viewers all the time with social and mobile interactions, which gives us the opportunity to know what's on their minds in real-time.  Bullying is a big concern for our audience and we're thrilled to partner with Megan & Liz and OurStage.com to 'Band Against Bullying,'" said Niko Drakoulis, CEO, Akoo.

Said executive producer and entertainment consultant Bruce Tyler, who conceived the event, "I wanted to create a unifying platform that banded people together against bullying and in my opinion, nothing brings people together better than music." Tyler continued, "Teaming the amazing Megan & Liz with my friends at OurStage and Akoo became a mission. Together, we'll be joining those who genuinely hope for a cure against this devastating and deadly social disease."

"Secret Mean Stinks is committed to bring an end to girl-to-girl bullying by empowering girls – giving them tools and resources, helping to start important conversations and supporting them as they fearlessly tackle the issue in their own way," said Jason Palasz, Brand Manager for Secret Deodorant. "Megan & Liz embody our brand's fearless spirit and Secret Mean Stinks is thrilled to be a presenting sponsor of 'Band Against Bullying' as they inspire their fans to rise above being mean and help to spread a movement of nice. Fans can visit Secret's Mean Stinks Facebook page throughout the summer for more ways to get involved."

About Megan & Liz:
Megan & Liz, the Michigan-born, Nashville-based 19-year-old fraternal twin sisters pen pop anthems that are as infectious as they are inspiring. The girls have resonated with an entire generation of fans via social media. They've racked up more than 160 million views and over 825,000 subscribers on YouTube and their music channel is ranked #30 overall.  Megan & Liz have charted on Billboard's Top 50 Social chart and trended worldwide on Twitter multiple times (#1 on Dec 28th 2011), a testament to their impassioned social media power. On the strength of their current hit single "Are You Happy Now?" which features a compelling and inspiring anti-bullying message, and their recent victory in the Macy's iHeartRadio Rising Star Contest, 2012 is certainly their year. Megan & Liz will release their debut full-length album in late summer.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MeganandLiz
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/meganandliz
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MeganandLiz

About Akoo:
Akoo International, Inc. is a global media and technology innovator. The Company's flagship digital video network "Akoo" delivers a premium audience of 46 million*across

62 DMAs that reach 77% of the U.S. population. Akoo's audience is highly engaged, socially savvy, and connected through a participatory music video and entertainment experience whereby viewers can use their mobile devices to make on-demand content requests, connect with friends via Facebook and Twitter, and access exclusive special offers. As a result, Akoo drives unmatched marketing effectiveness and ROI for its clients and partners.

In recognition of its innovative technology, Akoo International holds several patents in major global markets, including the U.S., China, and Japan.  The company is based in

Rosemont, Illinois, just outside Chicago, where its namesake Akoo Theatre attracts some of the world's biggest stars and performers for sold-out performances all year-round. In 2012, Akoo International was named one of the Best Places to Work in Media and Marketing by Advertising Age magazine. Find out more at www.akoo.com.
*Source: Nielsen Activity Report, Q1 2012

About OurStage.com:
Founded in 2007, OurStage.com (www.ourstage.com) is a leading destination for music listening, discovery, and quality editorial content. With more than 200,000 artists from 40 styles of music, OurStage.com receives 4 million visits each month from 170 countries. OurStage.com's most acclaimed feature is its proprietary judging engine where the site's listeners rank the music of emerging artists for competitions that reward major opportunities to the winners—such as the chance to open for headlining acts and/or record with major label performers. To date, OurStage.com has provided opportunities for artists to open, be mentored by, or collaborate with celebrity artists such as Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Drake, Goo Goo Dolls, HANSON, Train, John Legend, Lilith 2010, John Mayer, Monica, T-Pain, Trey Songz, Keith Urban, Travis Barker, Jane's Addiction, Hot Chelle Rae and many others. OurStage.com has also partnered with a wide range of media giants over the last few years, including: Clear Channel, Guitar Center, BET, CMT, Digital Broadcasting Group, AOL Music, MTV, and Radio One. For more information:  http://www.ourstage.com

About P&G Beauty & Grooming:
P&G Beauty & Grooming products help make beauty dreams real for women worldwide and help men look, feel and be their best everyday. With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G's beauty and grooming products delivered sales of nearly $28 billion in fiscal year 2007/08 , making it one of the world's largest beauty and grooming companies. P&G Beauty & Grooming offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs, including Pantene®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Max Factor®, Cover Girl®, DDF®, Frederic Fekkai®, WellaFlex®, Rejoice®, Sebastian Professional®, Herbal Essences®, Koleston®, Clairol Professional®, Nice 'N Easy®, Venus®, Gillette®, Sk-ii®, Wella Professionals®, Braun® and a leading prestige fragrance division that spans from point of market entry consumers to high end luxury with global brands such as Hugo Boss®, Lacoste®, and Christina Aguilera®. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G (NYSE: PG) and its brand.

SOURCE Akoo

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