CONVERSE Turns it Up in Austin

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass., March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, CONVERSE Inc. shows its support of the global music community by announcing a major presence at one of the largest music festivals in Austin, TX. In addition to hosting multiple events throughout the week, Converse will host dozens of bands from the U.S. and abroad down south including eight Boston buzz bands who will play at the "Boston to Austin" showcase on Thursday, March 17 and the "Get Out of The Garage Music Contest" winners Beast Make Bomb who will perform at the Rolling Stone Rock & Roll BBQ brought to you by Converse and Journeys at La Zona Rosa on Saturday, March 19.  Converse will also introduce emerging Chinese bands Queen Sea Big Shark and Carsick Cars as well as hosting the Team Converse China Skate ambassadors all week. Converse has been the shoe of choice among originals in music – from the birth of rock n' roll, punk, grunge, hip hop and garage bands everywhere.

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"Converse is dedicated to championing and supporting artists, fans and the global music scene," said Geoff Cottrill, Converse Chief Marketing Officer. "This year, we've dedicated our efforts towards several new initiatives that all have a common thread - providing young artists with the ability to have their voices heard and providing them with opportunities that will be a catalyst for creativity. We're looking forward to offering some incredible new bands the opportunity to do just that at this year's festival."

Converse has an on-going commitment to supporting the global music community.  The recently announced Converse Rubber Tracks, a new state-of-the-art recording studio in Brooklyn, NY where artists can record at no cost, will begin accepting applications at www.converse.com/rubbertracks on May 2, 2011. Converse Rubber Tracks will provide a platform for new musicians and directly help them overcome one of the biggest hurdles in their careers—affording studio time.  Converse will also give out "Golden Record" invitations in Austin to a few lucky bands to record at Converse Rubber Tracks once the studio opens. Musicians can visit www.converse.com/rubbertracks to receive more information about the studio and details on the registration process.

Giving emerging bands from the U.S. and abroad a means to expose their music to a much larger audience, Converse will present a series of diverse showcases. On St. Patrick's Day, Thursday, March 17, Converse will introduce eight emerging Boston bands to festival goers including Kingsley Flood, Mean Creek, Viva Viva, The Dirty Dishes, Banditas, Mystery Roar, Bodega Girls, Static of the Gods and Endless Wave at the "Boston to Austin" showcase at 512 on 6th Street.

Converse is proud to bring to Austin the 3rd Annual "Get Out Of The Garage Music Contest" winners Beast Make Bomb.  This past October, bands from across the nation entered the "Get

Out Of The Garage Music Contest" sponsored by Converse, Journeys and Rolling Stone.  Over

125,000 fans voted online for the grand prize winner, Beast Make Bomb who won a 6-city tour;

the opportunity to record at Converse Rubber Tracks; and $10,000 in equipment from Guitar Center.  Beast Make Bomb will kick-off the "Get Out Of The Garage Music Tour" in Austin at La Zona Rosa on March 19 and then the band will hit the road for six select dates to open for Tokyo Police Club and The Whigs in major U.S. cities before coming to a close in New York City at a Rolling Stone LIVE private event.

Throughout the week Converse will also host emerging Chinese bands Queen Sea Big Shark, Carsick Cars and the Converse China Skate ambassadors. Chronicling their experience, a short film will be produced documenting the band's travels through Austin. The Chinese bands and skate ambassadors will be immersed in a diverse community of artists and action sport fans during their time in the U.S. The band Carsick Cars will be performing on Friday, March 18 at The FADER FORT by FIAT. This is part of a larger global initiative in support of the music community.  Last month, Converse pledged to support the legendary music venue The 100 Club in London. A partnership that would reunite the 100 Club with a generation who experienced history inside its walls, as well as introduce it to a new generation with a vow to bring the best in music to its legendary stage.

Converse will be offering fans the opportunity to interview bands as if they too are in Austin via "Fan Mail," a digital campaign connecting fans with artists. Follow Converse on Facebook and Twitter for more details on how fans can reach their favorite artists via "Fan Mail."

The activity taking place in Austin caps a series of incredible music experiences launched over the past year by Converse and furthers the iconic brand's long history and commitment to music.  In July 2010, Converse brought together three of music's most influential artists – critically acclaimed rapper Kid Cudi, Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend, and Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast - for the single "All Summer" as part of Converse's Three Artists. One Song collaboration. Continuing the Three Artists. One Song theme, in October 2010, Converse released the first of two original musical tracks featuring UK artists Bernard Sumner from Bad Lieutenant, New Order and Joy Division, Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and Hot City, followed by the release of the accompanying music video. The second track, featuring legendary musician Graham Coxon of Blur, Paloma Faith and Bill Rider Jones, formerly of the Coral, will be released this April to music fans globally.

About Converse

Converse Inc., based in N. Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as "America's Original Sports Company"™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck Taylor® All Star® shoe, the Jack Purcell® shoe and the One Star® shoe. Today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse product is sold globally by retailers in over 160 countries and through 58 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. For more information, visit Converse on the web at www.converse.com.

SOURCE CONVERSE Inc.