Rewind the Rhythm debuts on Love 97 FM

Jay Michaels launches a new radio program in the Bahamas

(MAY 18, 2006 – Nassau, Bahamas) The top adult contemporary radio station in the Bahamas, Love 97 FM, provided the launching pad for a new radio program from media veteran, Jay Michaels. After years of working in every facet of the broadcast industry, Michaels decided it was time to spread his wings and fly through the airwaves of one of his favorite places in the world, the Bahamas. Jones Communications Ltd. powerhouse station, Love 97 FM, covering most of the Bahamas, was the perfect spot to set this rocket called “Rewind the Rhythm” into orbit.

At first, Jay was questioned by his media friends in the U.S. on why anyone would do a program that featured the “deeper cuts” of rhythm and blues and classic hits artists. Today many programmers who have tight play lists and strictly adhere to formats can’t afford to take risks. However, at Love 97 FM, Wendall Jones, at the helm of Jones Communications Ltd. and Assistant General Manager, Tony Williams enjoy the success of their multi-faceted adult format. Williams shared Michaels vision upon hearing a demo of “Rewind the Rhythm” and instead of the usual placement of a syndicated program in the late night weekend slot it is being programmed into the weekdays.

Love 97 FM has had great success featuring “oldies,” a term that makes Michaels cringe, on Nostalgic Tuesdays and Old School Thursdays. “Rewind the Rhythm” runs on those days at 6pm. The program is also featured for Sunday Brunch at 3pm. “Rewind the Rhythm” went from the dream of this entertainer from the city that was the birth of much of the music, Philadelphia, to reality thanks to his old media friends who kept Jay focused on developing the program. And what better fit: Jay has done more for the Bahamas through his American programs in touting it as the best vacation destination in the world, so why not have “Rewind the Rhythm” as the birthplace of his passionate program?

Jay Michaels is not a man of ego to take all the bows, he gives props to all of the recording artists and stars who he is still proud to call his friends and to his partners in what was a work in progress. Friends like John St. George of St. George Productions, who has worked with Jay several times over the years and media visionary Jim Wilson of the Vegas Buzz Radio Network and the Bahamas Information Network. Jay says, “If you do not surround yourself with good people there is no way you can achieve success.”

Is it scary stepping away from the mainstream and hanging your own shingle? Jay will be the first to tell you, “yes!” However, when you walk into the studio and you are in control it does give you a feeling like no other. Many of Jay Michaels’ old friends in the Bahamas like the successful clothier, Pat Paul of Paul & Shark and the world renowned Enrico Garzaroli of the famed Graycliff and Graycliff Cigar Company both echo the same feeling. “If Jay Michaels is involved in something here in the Bahamas it will be successful; Jay has done more to promote the Bahamas through U.S. radio and television (than anyone else) – It’s nice that the Bahamas is giving back something to him!”

Again, Jay Michaels is thankful to Love 97 FM for sharing his vision. To date, sponsorship for the program is beginning to read like a Who’s Who of the world’s finest purveyors of luxury with retailer John Bull and the John Bull Business Centre and Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty just to name a few. Jay Michaels, along with St. George Productions, is also developing ad campaigns and jingle production for clients in the Bahamas and securing advertisers for Love 97 FM.

A television version of the program could be in the works within a year and that too will debut in the Bahamas, or, as Jay would tell you “truly heaven on earth!”

Rewind the Rhythm is heard throughout the Bahamas on 97.5 FM or on the web at www.jonesbahamas.com the program airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm and Sundays at 3pm.

It is also being syndicated through the Vegas Buzz Radio Network.

Jay Michaels Productions
777 E. Atlantic Avenue Suite C-2174
Delray Beach, FL 33483
561–809-9489
jaymichaels@rewindtherhythm.com

(Bahamas Information Network – Vegas Buzz News Network)

The Drive Vegas Interview : Christie Conti
Monday, April 10, 2006

“This has not been done before. This is the first time anyone in the United States has developed a project like this.”

Christie Conti, Regional Public Relations Supervisor for GM R*Works, in front of a HUMMER in the showroom, gives a brief but comprehensive overview of the distinguishing characteristics, features, advantages, and benefits, of GM’s new ‘autotainment’ attraction, “The Drive Vegas.” (TheDriveVegas.com).

The Drive is designed to enable auto enthusiasts to become intimately familiar with GM vehicles in a pressure-free performance environment.

With the addition of General Motors, the monorail expands its high-profile advertiser portfolio to six along with Sprint/Nextel, Hansen’s Beverage Company, Paramount Parks, BankWest of Nevada, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

The Drive, encompassing 11 acres at the corner of Sahara Avenue and Paradise Road, will be open for a minimum six-month period.

“We’ll be here initially for six months, hopefully beyond,” says Conti.

The Drive hours of operation (once open) are preliminarily set to be 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week, including holidays. The Drive is accessible from the GM Monorail station at the Sahara Hotel & Casino, and parking is available at the hotel’s self parking structure or valet.

Drivers must be age 18 or over, and present a valid driver’s license. Professional drivers (as passengers) will accompany each driver to help them get the most out of their driving experience. For the safety of all guests, on-site breathalyzer tests will be part of the mandatory registration process before guests can enjoy The Drive experience.

The Drive will be FREE to locals until the end of April. Regular cost for admission to the attraction is $10 per driver.

LISTEN TO PODCAST

© 2006 Vegas Buzz News Network

http://vegasnews.squarespace.com 4/10/06
On The Drive Vegas : Hummer Adventure

Only a few steps from the Las Vegas Monorail Sahara Station, and only a short walk from the las Vegas Strip, one can experience a truly unforgettable off-road adventure in a Hummer. Peter Schiappa and Jim Wilson report on GM’S new ‘autotainment’ attraction, The Drive, Vegas (www.TheDriveVegas.com)

The Drive … 4–10–06

by Peter Schiappa (a.k.a. “Peter Piper”)

Not my usual electronic ignition, Tiptronic transmission, blower-backed, lightning-in-a-box, citation-sucking Mercedes-Benz SLK. No way. But, this was one of those unsought, unexpected, “nuthin’ gonna happin” days that I’m never gonna forget.

Jim called me. (That’s Jim Wilson, executive producer and editor of Vegas Buzz Radio.) “Let’s check out ‘The Drive,’ the GM sponsored driving experience at the Sahara Monorail Station.” ”Why not?” I say, “ Let’s go.”

Within the hour we were parked in the Sahara Hotel garage and entering the eleven-acre General Motors display. Red and black outfitted young hosts and hostesses invited us to view the newest GM products and to sign up for FREE test drives around several specially constructed tracks. What fun! We took plenty of pix until we were granted a ride in our especially selected Yellow Hummer H2.

We chose the ‘difficult terrain’ loop to see first hand what this crate could do. Well, after shifting into low-low and 4-wheel-drive at the touch of a button, our driver Roderick, traversed a narrow canyon by keeping all 4 wheels on the 60 degree inclined surfaces of the lateral walls. I had my window open and for sure, if I wasn’t tied in, I would have fallen out that window. He negotiated the opposite banked wall and I had to hold on to the safety grip with both hands to keep from falling into his lap.

Rod bore into s-curves with the rear wheels spinning out, then slowed quickly as we approached an irregular surface of railroad ties. Soon enough, the trail became a nearly vertical wall. He gunned the engine and we were instantly racing up a 60 degree incline. The road ahead disappeared almost as soon as it had appeared. Braking quickly, we teetered at the top.

It seemed like I was in a swinging cart on a Ferris Wheel anticipating the plunge down to terra-firma and the waiting crowd below. Then back into low-low for a 60 degree descent in full control, with no slipping or sliding.

Several NASCAR s-curves later, we left the track and sedately parked amongst the other vehicles just like any other family sedan. I stepped out onto the pavement as if I had just awakened from a dream.

This Ho-Hum day turned out to be a real HUMMER. – PeterPiper

Editor’s Note: Peter Piper, a.k.a, Peter Schiappa, is the zany host of the popular Peter Piper’s Podcast, and special feature photojournalist for Vegas Buzz. Miami-based National Radio Features ProducerJay Michaels also reports in the intro to the podcast

©2006 Vegas Buzz News Network

Demo segment.

For complete coverage of The Drive press conference and opening events on CD, including interviews, photos and news articles, call 702.515.0810 or email jwilson@vegasbuzzradio.com