Hornitos™ Premium Tequila Names Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band Winners of First Ever National 'Mariachi Mash Up' Competition

DEERFIELD, Ill., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hornitos™ Premium Tequila is proud to announce Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band as the winners of the first ever national "Mariachi Mash Up" competition. Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band, based in Brooklyn, New York, went Horns Up!™ in their mariachi cover of "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John. In addition to receiving a $10,000 cash prize, Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band will also be featured in the coveted "Backbeat" section of Billboard magazine.

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From April 25th through May 30th, Hornitos™ Premium Tequila gave up-and-coming bands a chance at stardom via the Hornitos™ Tequila Mariachi Mash Up competition. The national contest challenged musicians of all types and genres to create their own mariachi-inspired mash up to celebrate the official kick-off to tequila season.

Hosted on the Hornitos' official Facebook page, the Mariachi Mash Up competition encouraged bands to submit a three minute video incorporating traditional mariachi elements (trumpets, violins or even guitarrons) into a well-known song in order to create a memorable musical mix-up. Entrants were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, including Billboard Editor Tye Comer and a tequila expert from Hornitos.

"The Hornitos Mariachi Mash Up competition was the perfect way to kick off tequila season this year," says Amy Weisenbach, Senior Director of Tequila, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. "We're so impressed by the creativity of all the bands who participated in the Mash Up and their enthusiasm to go 'Horns Up' and embrace the spirit of tequila."

Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band eventually won over the judging panel with their use of Spanish lyrics, trumpets, maracas and even sombreros in their spiced up rendition of the indie favorite "Young Folks." Jon Sandler recently released an EP titled "The Fancy Band", signed with super duper records, have opened for several influential musicians, and in October played two official CMJ showcases in NYC. The band consists of Jon Sandler (lead vocals and guitar), Sam Merrick (drums), Chris Kelly (bass) and Dominic Fallacaro (piano).

"We chose Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band due to their unique take on the hit song, 'Young Folks.' They truly embodied the essence of this competition, combining popular music with traditional mariachi musicality. The band's incorporation of Spanish lyrics and horns brought the song to life in a fitting and festive way," said Billboard Editor Tye Comer.

"Combining our love of music, Cinco de Mayo and Hornitos Tequila, we knew we had to be a part of this competition when we first heard about it. We couldn't be more excited to be recognized by Hornitos and Billboard magazine," said lead singer Jon Sandler.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.:

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. ("Beam Global") is one of the world's largest premium spirits companies, encompassing a portfolio of nearly 100 brands (including 10 of the world's top-100 premium spirits brands), more than a dozen global operating and commercial facilities and 3,200 employees worldwide. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Hornitos ™ Tequila, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, DeKuyper® Cordials and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Growth through innovation is a key strategy at Beam Global, with Red Stag by Jim Beam® Bourbon, Cruzan® 9 Rum, Maker's 46™ Bourbon and Courvoisier® 12 Cognac and Courvoisier® 21 Cognac all being launched as new products over the past two years. Beam Global is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band:

Jon Sandler will be playing June 7th - 9pm at Arlene's Grocery in NYC and June 24th at Rockwood Music Hall and will begin touring in September. The EP 'The Fancy Band' can be found on iTunes, Amazon.com and superduperrecords.com. Jon is currently in the studio working on a new full length album to be released in the Fall. For more information about the new album, music videos, tour, merchandise and much more, visit www.jonsandler.com, www.facebook.com/jonsandlermusic, and follow Jon Sandler at www.twitter.com/jonsandler.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. This Hornitos Mariachi Mash Up is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

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