'Live at LongHorn' Challenges Aspiring Artists to 'Sing It Like Jake' for the Chance to Perform On-Stage With Country Music Star Jake Owen

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- LongHorn Steakhouse and its "Live at LongHorn" music program are giving one talented artist the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform live on-stage with country music star Jake Owen.  The "Sing It Like Jake" contest kicks off Oct. 11, and the grand-prize winner will receive a trip to Nashville, a behind-the-scenes opportunity to travel with Jake on his tour bus from Nashville to Vero Beach, Fla., and the ultimate prize of performing live on-stage with Jake at his hometown concert at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach on Friday, Dec. 10.  

To enter, contestants must upload a video of themselves singing one of Jake's songs on LongHorn's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/longhornsteakhouse) between Oct. 11 and Oct. 31.  From Oct. 11 through Nov. 7, visitors to LongHorn's Facebook page can vote for their favorite video performances.  On Nov. 9, the top 10 videos receiving the most votes will be named as "Sing It Like Jake" contest semi-finalists, receiving dinner for two at their local LongHorn Steakhouse and eligible for the grand prize.  The grand-prize winner will be chosen by Jake Owen and a panel of judges and announced on LongHorn's Facebook page on Nov. 15.

"I remember what it was like dreaming of the opportunity to sing my heart out on stage, and I'm excited to partner with my friends at LongHorn Steakhouse to give one lucky fan that chance," Owen said.  "Performing live on-stage with my band in front of thousands of fans is an amazing experience for me, and I can only imagine how amazing it will be for someone who doesn't get to do that on a nightly basis.  I'll be proud to share that moment with our grand-prize winner."

"'Sing It Like Jake' continues Live at LongHorn's commitment to giving our guests meaningful, personal experiences with American country music artists who are authentic and genuine – values that are important to the LongHorn brand," said Shelly Welch, senior vice president of brand marketing for LongHorn Steakhouse.  "This contest gives country music fans and aspiring artists the opportunity to showcase their talents for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform live on-stage with Jake Owen."    

Contestants must be 21 years of age, a U.S. resident and have a registered Facebook account.   Video submissions must be no longer than 30 seconds in length and a file smaller than 100 megabytes.  For complete rules and video specifications, visit LongHorn's Facebook page.  

Jake's Vero Beach concert is part of the annual "Mardy's Tennis & Jake's Music Fest," an event founded by ATP tennis pro Mardy Fish four years ago.  The event benefits the Mardy Fish Foundation, which provides support for local youth organizations in the Vero Beach area, and the newly created Jake Owen Foundation, which benefits St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.  For ticket information, call (866) 333-7623 or visit www.chevents.com.

ABOUT JAKE OWEN

RCA Nashville recording artist Jake Owen emerged as one of country's hottest young talents with the 2006 release of his debut album, Startin' with Me, and he's built on that excitement with his latest album, Easy Does It, and a growing list of hits that includes five consecutive Top 15 singles with such songs as the self penned "Don't Think I Can't Love You" and "Eight Second Ride."  A past ACM winner as Top New Male Vocalist, Owen has earned CMA, CMT, and GRAMMY award nominations while becoming a fan-favorite, appearing on such programs as Good Morning America and CMT Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock, and touring with superstars like Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Sugarland, and Carrie Underwood.  Keep up with all the latest news on Jake at www.jakeowen.net.

ABOUT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

More than 29 years after opening its first restaurant in Atlanta, LongHorn Steakhouse now operates more than 330 restaurants in 32 states. In 2007, LongHorn created the "Live at LongHorn" music program to provide a venue for connecting American country music artists to country music fans through in-restaurant meet-and-greets, live performances in intimate venues, special events, and sweepstakes accessible via www.liveatlonghorn.com. LongHorn is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), the world's largest full-service restaurant company. For more information about LongHorn, please visit www.longhornsteakhouse.com.

SOURCE LongHorn Steakhouse