Houlihan's Restaurants Gives Emerging Artists Chance to be "H-Listed," Introduced to Millions of Music Fans

LEAWOOD, Kan., March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For promising musicians looking for their big-break, being "H-Listed" could be the ticket. Houlihan's Restaurants, known for infusing their music strategy into the dining experience by featuring indie bands and lesser known tracks, launched the multi-faceted campaign today to provide budding musicians a vast, new platform to be heard.

The perks of being "H-Listed" include promotion of artists and bands within 83 Houlihan's restaurants across the country and more than 1 million impressions online through Houlihan's website, social media channels and email marketing campaigns. A new group or artist will be featured the first Friday of every month, and guests will be able to download the artist's music and interviews directly to their phones by scanning in-store QR codes.

The first three "H-Listed" artists, the Parlotones, Big Harp, and Feathers, will perform at the Houlihan's sponsored Artist Showcase during The South By Southwest (SXSW) Music Conference and Festival on Friday, March 16, 2012. The Houlihan's Artist Showcase will be held at the Speakeasy in Austin, TX and all performances will be filmed by PlayNetwork and made available on www.Houlihans.com/music beginning March 30, 2012.

"Music plays such an important role in our lives, and sharing music has become a way to connect with others in a meaningful way," said Jen Gulvik, VP of Marketing and Creative Director for Houlihan's. "Music triggers memories, it energizes, it shapes perceptions and identities for people and brands alike. H-Listed allows us to share our own musical discoveries with our guests, while providing immense exposure for lesser-known artists who don't have the financial backing of major record labels."

Starting March 9, 2012, artists who would like to be considered for "H-Listed" can apply online at www.Houlihans.com/music. Talent is chosen based on the synergy between the artist's style and Houlihan's in-restaurant music mix.

Throughout the years, Houlihan's has passionately supported independent artists, along with music education through fundraising for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools. Over the last four years, Houlihan's Restaurants has donated more than $168,000 for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, which equates to fully restoring five music education programs and impacting the lives of more than 3,300 students.

More information about Houlihan's sponsored Artist Showcase and how to get "H-Listed" can be found at www.Houlihans.com/music starting March 9, 2012. The artists and tunes currently playing at Houlihan's restaurants can be found at www.Houlihans.com/HList.

About Houlihan's

Established in 1972, Houlihan's is a progressive concept that bridges the gap between fine dining and what people have come to expect from casual dining, priding itself on style and quality. Houlihan's offers guests a design-forward atmosphere featuring a curated indie soundtrack, an eclectic menu and energetic bar environment. Inspired by fare around the globe, Houlihan's crafts dishes made from scratch with assertive flavors and offers creative, diverse cocktails and wine selections, with many of its locations garnering 'best happy hour' awards from local media outlets. Currently, 83 Houlihan's restaurants operate throughout the country, 52 of which are franchised. Houlihan's is owned by Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc. of Leawood, Kansas, which developed and owns several restaurant concepts comprising of approximately 100 locations coast-to-coast, including Devon Seafood Grill and J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks. For more information, please visit www.houlihans.com or find Houlihan's on Facebook at www.facebook.com/houlihans.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Monica Rutkowski
Fishman Public Relations
(847) 945-1300
[email protected] 

SOURCE Houlihan’s